The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is designed to prepare upper-division undergraduate students for successful participation in graduate education, achievement of the doctorate, and entrance into careers where a doctorate is a prerequisite. One of the principle purposes of the program is to increase the numbers of professors from traditionally underrepresented populations. North Dakota State University in Fargo is one of fourteen original universities chosen in 1989 to host a Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. The program was established by the United State Department of Education and named for the astronaut and physicist Ronald E. McNair.
Eligibility: The McNair Scholars Program at North Dakota State University encourages applications from the following groups who have been traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and the professorate: minorities or income eligible and first generation students. Students served by the program have a strong research interest and are determined to continue on to graduate school.
Application Process: NDSU students who have completed their sophomore year (60+ credits), in approved academic disciplines may apply. Participants are selected on the basis of having the greatest potential for pursuing doctoral studies. Students who wish to be considered should submit an application and a signed, one-page letter to the program director which expresses their desire to pursue graduate study.
Phase one of the selection process includes financial aid information, transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, and two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an NDSU faculty member. Once eligibility is assessed, the candidates are interviewed by the director or coordinator of the McNair Program, who then selects the participants for phase two approval.
Phase two consists of an evaluation with the dean of the college and the department chairperson of the applicant's respective discipline. Making the final recommendation to the project director or coordinator for program participation. The Dean and Chair of the College may request an interview with applicant before making their final recommendation.
