CSUSM McNair Scholars must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate in a degree program
at the California State University San Marcos.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Must have completed 60 units (or equivalent) by the time of formal entry into the
program
Have at least one full year remaining to complete an undergraduate degree at CSUSM
Must have an overall university GPA of 3.0 or higher
Must express a STRONG desire to attain a graduate degree (e.g., Ph.D., master’s degree,
etc.)
Must be:
A low-income student who is also a first-generation college student (parent(s) or
legal guardian(s) do NOT have a baccalaureate/bachelor’s degree) OR
A member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education (e.g., Black/African
American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Latina/Latino/Hispanic or Native Hawaiian
/Pacific Islander)
Program Requirements:
Work in a research laboratory 10 - 15 hours per week during the academic year and
20 - 40 hours per week in the summer
Attend professional development workshops during the academic year (Thursdays from
12 - 12:50pm)
Participate in the McNair Summer Training Program or an equivalent Summer Research
Training Program
Participate in the Puentes Program (Graduate School Prep Program)
Attend conferences and symposiums to present your research
Participate in other McNair program activities (e.g. Cultural Events and Graduate
School Tours)
Student Benefits:
Paid summer research training
Research mentorship
Obtain "hands-on" research experience in research laboratories, primarily at CSUSM
Financial support to present at a conference/symposium (e.g. Registration, Meals,
Lodging, and Travel)
Mentoring by program faculty and staff
Networking opportunities
Individualized academic advising
Priority registration
Academic and professional development
Exposure to multicultural events
Assistance with preparing applications for graduate school admissions
myCSUSM
