Opportunity for McNair Scholars

The Schar School of Policy and Government offers a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) position in each of our three doctoral programs for students who have participated in the McNair Scholars Program.

The McNair Scholars Program prepares undergraduate students for doctoral studies. Program participants are first-generation college students with financial need, or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and have demonstrated strong academic potential.  

Eligibility

The GRA position is available only for former McNair Scholars applying to be full-time PhD students. Applicants should indicate in their application that they are McNair scholars.

Benefits

  • Applicants will have the Schar School application fee waived.
  • The four-year financial package includes tuition for three courses per semester, an education resource fee, and subsidized health insurance, and a 12-month contract with a $30,000 stipend.
  • Funding allows applicants time in the summer for individual research without a 20-hour per week work obligation.
  • The Schar School will provide fees and other associated costs such as travel and accommodations for fellows to attend conferences and other approved professional development opportunities.

McNair Scholar applicants are encouraged to contact us to arrange a full-funded campus visit to meet with faculty and experience the Schar School community. For more information and to arrange a visit, contact the Graduate Admissions team at schar@gmu.edu.