Interested Students

Eligibility criteria

TWU McNair Scholar in cap and gown walking across the Denton campus lawn holding his diploma over his head in victory

U.S. Citizen or meet the residency requirements for federal student financial assistance
Current and continuing TWU undergraduate student enrolled at TWU in a bachelor’s degree granting program
Goal of pursuing a PhD degree
McNair Scholars Program follows federal regulations; students must meet the following requirements to be considered:
- Income eligible AND/OR First-generation college student (neither parent earned a bachelor’s degree)

Scholar benefits

The McNair Scholars Program provides scholars with significant resources to help them succeed at the graduate level and ultimately achieve a PhD:

Two TWU students relax by the fountain on the Denton campus.

Assistance with grad school application materials
Preparation for grad school interviews
Exploration of funding opportunities for grad school
GRE waivers
Graduate school visits and information sessions

A biology professor and student research a native Texas plant in a lab setting.

Paid summer research internship
Guided research with a faculty mentor
Research and presentation skills
Assistance with applying for research internships and fellowships
Supported attendance at regional and national research conferences

A TWU Write Site instructor stands in the Write Site with students working behind her.

Academic and skill enrichment workshops
Online tutoring
Academic counseling

Exploration of career opportunities
Assistance with career preparation
Career site visits and information sessions

Application process

Step 1: Review eligibility criteria and program requirements.

Step 2: Complete the McNair Scholars program application AND the income verification form.

Step 3: Participate in an interview with McNair Scholars program staff (staff will contact you to schedule your interview and provide additional details).

Program requirements and expectations

Actively engaged in at least one research activity each academic year (e.g., lab work, student-led research project, research activities with faculty members)
Participation in the McNair Scholars Summer Research Internship during junior or senior year. A summer stipend up to $2,800 is included.
Interested in attending graduate school the semester after completion of a bachelor’s degree
Active engagement and communication with the McNair Scholars program staff

McNair Scholars attending the Spring 2026 National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Richmond, Virginia.

Scholar Mackenzie Heisser presenting her research at the Spring 2025 National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR). Mentored by Dr. Adam Jones, School of Human Sciences

Mackenzie Heisser presenting at the 2025 National Conference for Undergraduate Research. Mentored by Dr. Adam Jones, School of Human Sciences.

McNair Scholars enjoying a lunch break during a conference.

McNair Scholars on a graduate school trip to the TWU Dallas Campus and career site visit at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Precious Olayinka presenting at the 2026 National Conference for Undergraduate Research. Mentored by Dr. Ratonia Runnels, School of Social Work.

McNair Scholars attending a Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey game.

Sara Castillo presenting at the 2026 Nat'l. Conference for Undergraduate Research. Mentored by Dr. Shiru Lin, School of the Sciences - Chemistry.

McNair Scholars with SSS students attending the Fall 2024 HACU Adelante Leadership Conference in Aurora, Colorado.

Siekleng Chhuon presenting at TWU Creative Arts & Research Symposium. Mentored by Dr. David Gardner, School of the Sciences - Computer Science.

Page last updated 2:48 PM, August 18, 2026