Program Structure
The Georgia Southern McNair Scholars Program is designed to enhance the research skills and academic accomplishments of our McNair scholars. To adequately prepare each scholar for life as a graduate student, the McNair Program incorporates four major components: McNair Seminars and Scholarly Activities; Research and Faculty Mentoring; Graduate School Preparation; and Social, Cultural and Community Outreach Activities.
McNair Seminars & Scholarly Activities
During the academic year our scholars attend seminars to develop important research skills and to prepare for applying to graduate school.
- For first-year Scholars, fall and spring seminars introduce you to the fundamentals of research and prepare you for the McNair Summer Research Experience (MSRE). The summer seminars focus on writing an academic research paper, preparing for conference presentations, preparing for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and developing your graduate application portfolio.
- For second-year Scholars seminars focus on applying for fellowships, applying for summer research programs, networking at conferences, and developing effective leadership skills.
- Graduating Scholar seminars focus on organizing your graduate application packets, applying for fellowships, graduate school visits, selecting a graduate school, and making the transition to graduate school.
By the end of the McNair Program, you’ll have had extensive training and access to the resources that will prepare you to apply and enter a masters or Ph.D. program.
Research & Faculty Mentoring
Faculty mentors assist scholars in selecting and designing a research project and supervise all research-related activities. Scholars prepare and submit a research proposal and follow IRB guidelines for certification and protocol development (if applicable). McNair mentors will direct scholars to the appropriate background literature and provide training in required techniques or procedures. In addition, McNair mentors will review and critique a rough draft of the proposal, presentation abstract, and final paper. McNair mentors will be available to offer support and advice for graduate school opportunities.
During the summer after scholars first year in the program, they participate in the ten-week McNair Summer Research Experience (MSRE), completing a research project under the guidance of their faculty mentor. Scholars conduct research in collaboration with their faculty mentor; provide periodic progress updates to their peers and McNair staff; write a research report; and prepare a conference and poster presentation. Scholars also receive a research stipend to support their summer work.
Graduate School Preparation
The McNair Scholars Program assists scholars with GRE preparation, finding the right graduate school, and researching funding opportunities. Scholars learn how to navigate the application process, write a statement of purpose, and construct a curriculum vita. In graduate school preparation seminars, scholars receive an overview of higher education, discuss strategies for surviving and thriving in graduate school, and focus on developing important research and writing skills that will help them prepare for success in graduate school.
Outreach Activities
As part of the program, the McNair staff coordinates occasional social, cultural events, and community outreach activities. Social events may include a reception honoring McNair graduates. Cultural events will be announced as they arise. McNair Scholars are encouraged to share their research through community outreach opportunities to demonstrate the broader impacts of their research.
Last updated: 9/20/2021
