MCNAIR SCHOLARS CURRICULUM

Cord Ceremony 2023 — Senior McNair Students receiving their Honor Cord

The McNair Program trains Portland State University (PSU) juniors and seniors with specialized academic seminars and a summer research internship. These rigorous activities cultivate the confidence, academic skills, and research acumen essential for competitive and successful graduate school applications. During their time in the program, McNair scholars master research methodologies and receive guidance on the graduate application process.

Annually, the prestigious PSU McNair Program accepts 29 exceptional students. Initially, these individuals are designated as McNair Students. Upon completing all required activities and projects, they attain the esteemed status of McNair Scholars. This recognition is a significant accomplishment, as McNair Scholars are renowned for their academic excellence and outstanding achievement.

WINTER: Developing Research & Academic Writing

Identify faculty mentor and develop a mentor-mentee professional relationship
Understand the professional value of academic research and graduate education
Familiarize with effective strategies to review and summarize peer-review publications, and understand methodologies currently applied on your research field
Develop a research proposal and abstract for your future research project
Oral presentation of research updates

SPRING: Original Research & Academic Writing

Identify graduate schools and present a strategy for your application to graduate programs.
Develop graduate admission essay and curriculum vitae for graduate applications
Finalize and complete any requirement to submit application to graduate programs
Oral presentation of research progress

SUMMER: Research Proposal to Publication

Focus on research project and meet with your mentor once a week
Revise and finalize manuscript for publication in the McNair Scholars Online Journal or other publication
Present research at the PSU McNair Summer Symposium