University of Rochester Program Information
Located on the seventh floor of the Hylan Building, The University of Rochester McNair program runs an Academic Year and a Summer Research Program. The McNair support staff serves approximately 45 students annually (30 during academic year, 15 in summer). Participants are chosen through an application process. To be eligible for consideration into either the Academic Year or Summer Program, the student(s) must have sophomore or junior status; have a cumulative grade point average over 2.8 (Major GPA over 3.0 for Summer); and meet the eligibility criteria above.
First funded in 1992, the McNair Program at Rochester has served 212 students, 173 of whom have earned their baccalaureate degrees. Of our graduates, 110, or 64%, have gone on to graduate work in a wide variety of fields, at institutions across the country. These institutions include Cornell University, Emory, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, the University of Michigan, Indiana University, the University of Minnesota, Harvard, Yale, and many others. We are exceptionally proud of the successes of all our students, both inside and outside of the classroom and the laboratory. McNair Scholars have both the intellect and the energy to change the world and the way knowledge is produced and disseminated in their respective disciplines.
Each year, the program publishes the Rochester McNair Journal, which is a collection of the research abstracts written by Academic Year and Summer McNair Scholars. To see our scholars' research, visit the Student Research section.
Students can participate in either of two components: the Academic Year Program and the Summer Research Program.
Academic Year Program: Ten outstanding sophomores who meet all eligibility criteria are chosen as Academic Year Scholars. The two year program is comprised of a series of colloquia designed to help students identify appropriate graduate programs, gain admission to them, and secure financial support. Participants complete a series of assignments, including writing the personal statement; the program culminates with each scholar completing a semester-long mentored research project. Other program supports include intensive writing assistance, GRE Preparation, graduate school visits, study group sessions, and help locating summer research opportunities. A stipend of $1000 is given to each Scholar upon completion of his or her research project.
Summer Research Program: The McNair Summer Research Program provides an intensive research opportunity to fifteen students each summer. Up to seven of the students are University of Rochester undergraduates. The remainder is chosen from our participating institutions.
The Summer Research Scholars spend June and July at the University of Rochester conducting research under the guidance of a faculty mentor in fields that can lead to the Ph.D. Scholars prepare intensively for the Graduate Record Exam and take a course entitled “The Culture of the Academy”. Students present the results of their research projects at a university-sponsored conference, and have the opportunity to present at disciplinary conferences.
Each participant in the Summer Research Program receives a $2,800 stipend, free room and board on campus, and travel expenses. Preference will be given to students who have completed the junior year. Otherwise, the requirements are the same as those listed for the Academic Year Program.
The McNair Program helps fund participant travel to prospective graduate programs and to present research at academic conferences.