About McNair Scholars Program

McNair Scholars participate in the program during the final two years of their bachelor’s degree program at Boise State. The 21-month program progression guides scholars through an integrated set of program activities, opportunities and seminars designed to facilitate their entry into graduate programs following their graduation.

Boise State McNair Scholars enroll in for-credit McNair Seminars each semester of program participation. The seminars are designed to cultivate scholarly skills and dispositions, provide exposure to research and academic professions, demystify the graduate school experience, and facilitate a strong graduate application package.

The Boise State McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO program funded by a $278,555 grant administered by the US Department of Education. The program is housed in the College of Education’s Center for Multicultural and Education Opportunities at Boise State University.

McNair Seminar Schedule

This seminar explores advanced issues relating to graduate school preparation and application, the craft of scholarly research, and the structure and processes of academic life. Activities center on scholarly development, graduate program exploration, development of the faculty mentor relationship, and exploration of topics for the upcoming summer research project.

Enroll in McNair Scholars Seminar (3 credits – Graded)
Begin to explore graduate field of study and programs
Explore and select Faculty Mentor
Explore and identify topic for upcoming summer research
Enroll in research methods and topic-related coursework in major, if applicable
Initial academic assessment Individual Academic Plan (IAP) developed
Begin to cultivate scholarly identity and develop professional network and relationships
Begin graduate school application development

This seminar is designed to prepare participants in the McNair Scholars Program for their upcoming summer research projects. The course guides students through the process of developing a research proposal including formulation of a topic, review of the literature, research design, and writing of the proposal. Students work with instructors and Faculty Mentors in development of the proposal. The seminar emphasizes writing and library research skill development as key features of the research design process. Students begin GRE test preparation.

Enroll in McNair Research Seminar (3 credits – Graded)
Produce research proposal for Summer Research Plan with Faculty Mentor approval (including IRB)
Begin regular research preparation and research planning meetings with Faculty Mentor
Explore graduate programs and external graduate funding opportunities (i.e. fellowships, assistantships)
Relevant research and academic coursework in major
Continue development of graduate application components (curriculum vita, statement of academic purpose, etc.)
Begin GRE preparation
Explore professional associations and plan conference submissions for upcoming year
Explore summer research experiences for undergraduates (REUs) at other institutions

This seminar is part of the Summer Research Program and encompassed under the 3-credit Independent Study under the guidance of a Faculty Mentor. The seminar meets one or two times weekly, focusing on research support, and graduate school application development. Fees for the 3-credit Independent Study are waived for Summer Research Program participants. GRE test is scheduled and taken.

Enroll in a 3-credit research-related Independent Study course (fees waived)
Participate in Summer Research Seminar and meet regularly with Mentor
Conduct and complete summer portion of research project under Faculty Mentor guidance – supported by Summer Research Stipend of up to $2800
Intensive GRE preparation – complete GRE by early June with McNair fee waiver
Continue drafting key grad application documents (CV, statement of purpose)
Finalize list of graduate programs of interest (GPI) and make initial faculty contacts
Request application packages from GPIs and fellowships
Begin writing research paper/McNair Journal article
Present at McNair Summer Research Symposium

This seminar centers on issues relating to the graduate school application process and development of the graduate school application package. Topics include: identification of programs and funding sources; development of the application package and supporting documents the statement of purpose, CVs, letters of recommendation, etc. Secondary seminar topics involve support for McNair Scholars in writing of the research paper and McNair journal article derived from summer research.

Enroll in McNair Senior Seminar (1 credit Pass/Fail)
Draft, revise and complete research paper from Summer Research Project
Finalize list of graduate programs of interest and funding awards and develop application timeline
Continue communication with faculty at GPIs
Complete and submit all graduate school applications (utilizing McNair application fee waivers) by given deadlines
Develop research paper/poster and submit to professional conferences
Plan and begin graduate program visits

A seminar for senior level participants in the McNair Scholars Program who have completed their individual summer research projects. The course examines the production and dissemination of scholarship, focusing on the processes of writing, presentation, and publication of research reports. The core task is the develop a conference presentation based on their McNair summer research project. The seminar also explores advanced topics relating to graduate studies, academic research, and the ongoing graduate application process.

Enroll in McNair Senior Seminar (1 credit Pass /Fail)
Complete undergraduate degree requirements and apply for graduation
Submit and present research paper at academic conferences
Publish paper in the Boise State McNair Scholars Research Journal
Continue communication with graduate programs to which applied and plan visits
Weigh, negotiate, and accept graduate program and funding offers
Attend year-end McNair Recognition Reception
Graduate from Boise State and immediately enter a graduate program