• I am currently a sophomore, but by the end of Spring quarter, I will be a Junior, can I apply for the program?
• I am currently enrolled at a different college or university, but am transferring to Central in the Fall, can I still apply for this Program?
• Am I considered a first-generation college student if one of my parents graduated from college, but s/he provides no material support for me?
• Is there funding available to support research travel?
• If I enroll in the McNair courses, I will be registered for more than 18 credits. Who pays for the overload tuition?
• Do I have to obtain a Ph.D. or can I earn other doctoral degrees?
• What majors are eligible to participate in The McNair Scholars Program?
• Will the McNair summer research money cover my research if I do it in a different country?

I am currently a sophomore, but by the end of Spring quarter, I will be a Junior, can I apply for the program?

Yes!

I am currently enrolled at a different college or university, but am transferring to Central in the Fall, can I still apply for this Program?

Yes! You will need to provide two letters of recommendation from faculty at your current institution.

Am I considered a first-generation college student if one of my parents graduated from college, but s/he provides no material support for me?

Yes! You are a first-generation college student if the parent(s) who provide material support for you has (have) not graduated from college.

Is there funding available to support research travel?

Yes! You may use your summer stipend to fund research travel. In addition, you can apply for funding assistance from the Office of University Research (up to $750 per student) and the Student Academic Senate (up to $200). The McNair Office also has limited additional funds available, for which you can make a formal request.

If I enroll in the McNair courses, I will be registered for more than 18 credits. Who pays for the overload tuition?

At this time, you would be responsible for the extra tuition. However, you may participate in the McNair courses without being formally enrolled.

Do I have to obtain a Ph.D. or can I earn other doctoral degrees?

The best-known research doctorate title awarded in the United States is the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). However, there are a number of other doctoral titles that enjoy the same status and represent variants of the Ph.D. within certain fields. See the complete list of NSF-recognized doctoral degrees on our Ph.D. Options page.

What majors are eligible to participate in The McNair Scholars Program?

All majors are eligible to participate in the program.

Will the McNair summer research money cover my research if I do it in a different country?

The McNair Scholars Program cannot pay for travel outside of the U.S. However, you can still receive your research stipends and room and board while you are overseas.