McNair Scholars Program
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
ALL undergraduate majors are welcome to apply.
Will a Doctoral Degree help you achieve your goals?
The McNair Scholars Program at Cal Lutheran will get you closer to your goal of earning a Ph.D. in your field of interest. The mission of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is to prepare first-generation college students with financial need, or from traditionally underrepresented groups, for Ph.D. programs by expanding their undergraduate experience at California Lutheran University to include scholarly research and funding, faculty guidance, professional networks and associations, staff support, and community-based peer-support.
We are seeking to admit high-potential students interested in gaining knowledge and skills leading towards successful entry into graduate programs and completion of doctoral degrees.
FALL DEADLINE
October 24, 2025
Qualified applications will be followed by an interview.
Program Overview
Each year, 25 students are selected to participate in the two-year McNair Scholars Program. The structure of the program is as follows:
Faculty Mentorship
Each student is matched with a faculty member who is committed to providing guidance as McNair Scholars produce research and prepare for graduate school enrollment.
McNair Seminar
Spring Semester: McNair Scholars participate workshop series and mentorship to learn skills and begin defining their research projects.
Summer Research Fellowship
Scholars participate in a 5-week, residential program focused on research production. Scholars participate in weekly seminars and meet with their faculty mentors regarding their research projects. Scholars also participate in cultural enrichment and social activities. Scholars present their research during the McNair Research Symposium.
McNair Capstone Seminar
Fall Semester/Spring Semester: Scholars work towards disseminating their research. Scholars will participate in symposium and conference presentations and will also work with their Faculty Mentors to publish their research. Some Scholars will receive travel assistance to present their research at conferences.
Graduate School Tour
Scholars receive travel stipends to visit graduate schools of interest.
Questions?
For more information, contact:
McNairScholars@CalLutheran.edu
Phone: 805-493-3602
Office: 3215 Pioneer Ave. #5200 | Allies House | Room 102