The National Institutes of Health (NIH) designed the MARC program to prepare Juniors and Seniors majoring in biomedical sciences (Biology, Chemistry or Biochemistry) and physical sciences (Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering) for PhD level careers. The program prepares qualified students by providing strong foundations in science, enrichment through honors courses, and high quality research experiences under the guidance of faculty mentors.

The goal of the SFSU MARC Honors program is ultimately prepare a diverse student population for entrance into top-rated Ph.D. programs in the basic biomedical and physical sciences. At SFSU we provide a unique academic support system and a stimulating research opportunity to undergraduate students who have been historically underserved. The program prepares students to become research/teaching scholars. Upon completion of the baccalaureate at SFSU the MARC student is expected to gain admittance to a competitive Ph.D. program. Or, if further preparatory work is determined desirable by the student, the program director and the faculty mentor, the student will enter a master's program and upon completion of the MA/MS proceed to a Ph.D. program. The program at SFSU incorporates the following:

Summer	Full-time (40 hrs/wk) in the SFSU faculty mentor's laboratory
	Doctoral School Preparation Workshop
Academic Year	Core course curricula by advising
	MARC Honors Colloquia I & II. (Fall and Spring semester)
	Minority Seminar Speaker Series (Fall and Spring semester)
	Laboratory research under the faculty mentor's supervision
	Attendance at a professional scientific meeting
	GRE preparatory course (Spring Semester)
	Meet the UCSF Author

Summer	Off-campus research internship at a major research institution
Academic Year	Core course curricula by advising
	MARC Honors Colloquia III & IV. (Fall and Spring semester)
	Minority Seminar Speaker Series (Fall and Spring semester)
	Laboratory research under the faculty mentor's supervision
	Attendance and presentation of research at a professional scientific meeting
	GRE preparatory course (Fall Semester)
	Honors Genetics (Spring Semester)
	Application to PhD programs
	Meet the UCSF Author

The MARC program provides financial support in the sum of $10,526 annually (distributed in equal monthly stipends) plus 60% of tuition for the Junior and Senior years. Annual travel funds for attendance at a major scientific conference are also provided. MARC students receive this financial support to encourage full commitment to the goals of the program. Any outside employment is therefore not allowed. All MARC students are expected to maintain a B (3.0) grade point average. Student performance will be evaluated each semester and those students making appropriate progress will be continued.

The MARC Honors program is funded by the NIH. All applicants will be considered.

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Last modified November 15, 2004