The Troy University McNair Scholars Program prepares first generation, economically
disadvantaged, and/or underrepresented undergraduates for graduate school by providing
them with graduate-level research experience and support for the graduate application
process. Scholars will attend monthly seminars, which train them in research writing
and design, presentations, etc. Scholars are offered intensive advisement throughout
the academic year and travel opportunities to present research at conferences and/or
campus visits. Scholars will engage in a research internship consisting of a Graduate
Record Exam (GRE) prep course and a Research and Graduate School Strategies course
while conducting research. Funding for the McNair Scholars Program is provided by
the United States Department of Education
McNair Scholars Application Packet
Program Eligibility
All McNair Scholars are selected on a competitive basis. In order to be considered for acceptance into the McNair Scholars program, an applicant must be:
- a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- be determined to pursue a Doctoral Program and show potential for success in this pursuit
- have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- be a Troy University student who has a minimum of 30 credit hours
- be a first-generation, a low-income student, or a member of an underrepresented minority in doctoral studies. Groups considered to be underrepresented are Hispanic/Latino, African American, Native American/Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.
Program Requirements
Students must display a true commitment to pursuing graduate studies. Scholars must agree to participate in ALL of the following: monthly seminars, weekly advisement, workshops, faculty mentored research project, a retreat, summer research design/graduate school 101 class, summer GRE prep course, and a McNair Scholars Research Conference. Failure to adhere to attendance requirements is grounds for dismissal. Participants are required to maintain a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
Program Benefits
Scholars will participate in a summer research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Scholars will receive a stipend for an approved research project and completion of all research component activities. Additionally, select scholars will have opportunities to travel to research conferences to present their research and/or to campuses of universities with graduate programs that fit their research interests. Successful McNair Scholars will have access to McNair-specific graduate school application fee waivers and scholarships/fellowships offered by a variety of universities throughout the country.
McNair Application Frequently Asked Questions
All applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation either Troy University professors or professors from your attendance at a prior college or university. Your application will be read and scored by Troy University McNair scholars search committee.
Yes, this is acceptable if you cannot secure strong letters from Troy University faculty.
Faculty (academic) letters are best. The recommender should speak to your ability to do research.
No, we can work with you to find a faculty mentor if you are accepted into the program and do not already have a mentor. If you have already secured a mentor, please mention it in your application.
Generally, in the spring semester you will work on your research proposal. During the summer, you will implement your research project and present your work. In the fall semester, you will publish your work and apply to graduate school.
Describe to the best of your ability on your application. Your topic may change once you are admitted into the program.
For more information, contact:
G. Dolo Diaminah, Ed.D.
McNair Scholars Coordinator
gdiaminah@troy.edu
(334) 670-5988
Mary Griffin, M.S.
Trio Director
griffin@troy.edu
(334) 670-3668
Hal Fulmer, Ph.D.
Associate Provost
hfulmer@troy.edu
(334) 670-5747