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McNair Scholars Program

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Since 2003, the Westminster University McNair Scholars Program has served low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students to prepare for graduate school. The program is funded and supported by the U.S. Department of Education. The McNair Program prepares students to lead lives of learning, accomplishment, and service by offering a distinctive academic program where students pursue excellence while promoting inclusiveness and respect for difference. To achieve this goal, the McNair Program:

  • celebrates and cultivates the strengths students bring as diverse scholars
  • supports the development of academic talents and interests through faculty-mentored research
  • encourages students to critically examine alternatives and to accept responsibility for their learning
  • provides access to graduate school financial, admissions assistance, and related support services

Regardless of learning style or background, students are empowered to realize their goals of doctoral study in the field and at the institution of their choice.

As the only McNair Program in Utah, we serve students from 4 campuses: Westminster University, Salt Lake Community College, University of Utah, and College of Southern Idaho. By supporting qualified students through undergraduate school and preparing them through the transition to graduate school, the program works toward an ultimate larger goal: increasing faculty diversity in colleges and universities.

Of the 169 graduates who have gone through the Westminster University McNair Scholars Program, 72% (122) have earned an advanced degree or are currently in graduate school; 42% (71) have master’s degrees; 5.9% (10) have professional degrees; and 12% (21) have PhDs.

Eligibility

All scholars must:

  • Be a sophomore, junior, or senior who will graduate in Spring 2026 or later;
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA OR significant academic progress in the last 30 credit hours or in your major;
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident; and

  • Have a sincere desire to pursue graduate education.

They must also qualify as:

  • Both first-generation (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree) and low-income

AND/OR

  • A member of a group underrepresented in graduate education (Native American, Hispanic/Latinx, African American or Pacific Islander).

Program Benefits

  • Be eligible to receive a $2,800 stipend for the summer research project.
  • Establish a relationship with a faculty mentor for ongoing academic advising and assistance developing an academic plan.
  • Establish a relationship with a research mentor for guidance through the research project and an introduction to your academic discipline.
  • Receive support services including academic seminars, individual surveys and assessments, tutoring services as needed, GRE preparation.
  • Have opportunities to visit graduate school programs.**
  • Have opportunities to attend local, regional, and national conferences to present research.*
  • Receive financial education and counseling including individual financial counseling services, a money management seminar, and a seminar on graduate and doctoral program funding alternatives.
  • Receive personal support services including individualized technology/computer/library assistance, career counseling, academic career planning, and a peer support system.
  • Receive assistance applying to graduate schools.
  • Receive assistance applying for financial aid.
  • Be eligible for GRE test fee waivers.
  • Get free summer tuition at Westminster University for required McNair courses.
  • Eligible Westminster McNair Scholars may also receive financial aid packages totaling up to 100% of tuition.**

* Travel funds depend on program participation and are granted at the director’s discretion.

** Funds are distributed at the discretion of the Financial Aid office. The McNair Program does not control these funds.

Submit your application for Westminster’s McNair Scholars Program. Applications are due on March 31 each year. Review the application checklist to help you plan your application.

Courses

All McNair scholars enroll in the McNair Scholars Seminar (MCNR 200) course each semester. In the spring semester, juniors take Writing for Professional Research (MCNR 301) and Introduction to Research Methods I (MCNR 311); seniors take Advanced Research I (MCNR 411). In the summer, juniors take Introduction to Research Methods II (MCNR 312), while seniors take Advanced Research Methods II (MCNR 412) during the Summer Research Program.