If you want to pursue a PhD and would like to get paid to conduct undergraduate research, see if you are eligible for Winthrop’s McNair Scholars Program. We offer a summer research internship with $2800 stipend plus on-campus summer housing, meals, and a free 3-hour course (MCNR 300). Once selected, we work with each McNair participant to prepare them to conduct high quality research with a PhD faculty research mentor in their field of interest, then we support each McNair Scholar throughout their undergraduate career to help them with every step of getting into, funding, and succeeding in doctoral programs. All majors are welcome. Winthrop McNair Scholars present their research at professional conferences and many have earned national awards for their presentations. Learn about our outstanding Scholars’ summer research projects here.
The deadline to ensure consideration is November 1. Applications and recommendations submitted after November 1 may be considered. To apply, complete and submit Parts 1 and 2 of the application and have two professional recommendations submitted on your behalf. All three components must be received for the application to ensure consideration for this year. Application details and links to the forms are below.
Are you eligible to be a Winthrop McNair Scholar?
If you are interested in Winthrop's McNair Scholars Program, but do not know if you are eligible, complete the online survey ASAP or e-mail mcnair@winthrop.edu to inquire about your eligibility.
Apply if you can say "yes" to all of the following.
*Visit the relevant Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at this link and this link to see federal eligibility criteria and key definitions. The definitions below are quoted from the CFR and most recent Annual Performance Report (APR) instructions found here.
First generation college student
The term “first generation college student” means—
Low-income individual
The term “low-income individual” means an individual from a family whose taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of an amount equal to the poverty level determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the Census.
Groups underrepresented in graduate education
The following ethnic and racial groups are considered underrepresented in graduate education: Black (non-Hispanic), Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native (as defined in section 7306 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA)), Native Hawaiians (as defined in section 7207 of the ESEA), and Native American Pacific Islanders (as defined in section 320 of the HEA).
Eligible sophomores and juniors at Winthrop and other SC colleges and universities are encouraged to apply (see eligibility info below). In addition to Winthrop students, our program has served students at Clemson, College of Charleston, Columbia College, Limestone, and Wofford.
To learn more about the program or your eligibility after you have reviewed this website, join one of our drop-in sessions or contact the program at mcnair@winthrop.edu. Please contact mcnair@winthrop.edu if you are interested in arranging or attending a Winthrop McNair info session. You can also learn about the program by checking out our program flyer.