California State University, Dominguez Hills

What you'll study

This is not a taught degree; rather, supported activities give experiential preparation for doctoral study. Typical funded activities include participation in summer research experiences at doctoral-granting institutions to gain exposure to research in your field, visits to doctoral institutions to investigate graduate options, attendance at national symposia or professional meetings, and other professional-development activities such as membership in scholarly organizations and journal subscriptions.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be upper-division undergraduates or master's students enrolled at a CSU campus during the Spring term and also enrolled for at least one semester of the following academic year. Applicants must have a faculty sponsor from their home campus who will be available for the duration of the plan described in the application. Current or previous Pre-Doctoral Scholars are not eligible to reapply. The program is intended for students planning to pursue a research doctorate; applicants aiming for professional degrees (e.g., law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, MBA) are ineligible.

Career prospects

The program prepares participants for admission to and success in research doctoral programs and, ultimately, careers in research and academia. By funding research experience, doctoral-campus visits, and professional-networking activities, it strengthens applicants' readiness for PhD study and enhances prospects for becoming faculty or researchers in their chosen fields.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The award provides funds to support research-related and preparatory activities such as summer research placements at doctoral institutions, travel to visit graduate programs, conference attendance, professional memberships, journal subscriptions, and graduate application and test fees. For campus-specific questions and application guidance, applicants are directed to the campus Pre-Doctoral Program coordinator; at CSUDH the listed contact is Dr. Michelle Waiters Martinez, Director, McNair Scholars Program (mmartinez@csudh.edu; phone (310) 243-2037).