The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program was established in 1986 in memory of Ronald E. McNair, astronaut and member of the challenger space shuttle crew. This federally funded program encourages undergraduate students from underrepresented groups to pursue doctoral studies in Science and Math related fields by providing research, advising, counseling, and networking opportunities. The program enables eligible students majoring in Biology, Chemistry, math, Computer Science, Physics, Psychology, Anthropology, Geography/Earth Science or Nursing to gain experience and support that will facilitate and enhance their pursuit of advanced degrees.

The program's goal is to encourage and inspire undergraduate student to pursue graduate studies in the hope that one day they will become researchers, and undertake careers in college teaching.

To achieve this goal, the McNair Program offers the opportunity for undergraduate students at the junior and senior levels to participate in research and scholarly activities under the supervision of a faculty member and a graduate student mentor from the areas in which they hope to pursue graduate studies.

Students enrolled in McNair Program may participate as Fellows or Fellows-in-Training and also benefit from support groups, counseling and variety of educational and social activities.