The Program

The University of Mississippi's Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is one of 120+ funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The University of Mississippi and its three major partner institutions, Alcorn State University, Rust College, and Tougaloo College, operate one of three McNair programs in the state.

Our Purpose

Through this program, first-generation, low-income students (and students from underrepresented groups in graduate studies) engage in scholastic undertakings that increase their chances for success in graduate school. Twenty-nine students are selected each year for this unique opportunity. Of that group, sixteen will be chosen to attend an intense, six-week research internship at The University of Mississippi. This component of the program provides a stipend of $4,800 to students.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must meet following criterion:

Be low income and first generation (neither parent or legal guardian has attained a bachelor's degree or higher) OR be a member of a group historically underrepresented in graduate school (African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic/Latino, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander)

In addition, all students should:

Possess a STRONG interest in obtaining a Ph.D.
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Have attained sophomore status
Not graduate before December of current year
Hold a minimum 2.7 GPA overall and a 3.0 GPA in major area of study
Plan to enter a graduate program by the fall after completion of a bachelor’s degree