Program Abstract

The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program

The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) prepares low-income and first- generation or under represented students who are enrolled full-time in the Newark College of Engineering, the College of Science and Liberal Arts, Ying Wu College of Computing and the Albert Dorman Honors College for doctoral study to complete their bachelor's degree, and to enroll in post-baccalaureate degree programs, with the goal of obtaining doctoral degrees.

McNair Scholars are engaged in research and other scholarly activities with Faculty Mentors from their academic departments. Results of their research projects are presented at professional meetings and conferences and published in peer review and other professional journals. McNair Scholars have the opportunity to participate in a wide array of seminars/workshops and activities to help prepare them for doctoral study. The primary goal of the McNair Program at NJIT is to prepare low income and first generation individuals entering academia as faculty who have received doctoral degrees in STEM.

McNair Summer Research Institute Program

McNair Scholars have the opportunity to participate in a summer research internship (either at NJIT or elsewhere) in their junior year of study. 

The Summer Research Institute (SRI) scholars spend 10 weeks from June through the beginning of August at New Jersey Institute of Technology conducting in-depth research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor in their major field, or the field in which they express and interest in. The scholars prepare intensively for their research presentation through the Technical Writing and Communications Skills Seminars, where they learn how to prepare a research proposal, an abstract and how to write a research report. In addition, the scholars learn how to present their research projects utilizing effective communication techniques and skills.

Other topics covered include preparation for the GRE, preparation for all the stages of a graduate school application, and dining etiquette. The scholars are also provided with the opportunity to visit graduate programs and to present their research at local and national McNair and other professional research conferences. In the final week of the summer program, students present the results of their research projects at a McNair Conference.

Senior McNair Scholars will have the opportunity to apply to national undergraduate research programs. All Scholars will receive assistance to apply and enroll in graduate school after receiving their bachelor’s degrees from NJIT. McNair Scholars may pursue their post baccalaureate study at any higher education institution in the United States. The McNair Achievement Program is responsible for tracking the academic and career accomplishments of all Scholars after they graduate from NJIT.