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Pathways to Graduate Education


Pathways to Graduate Education (PGE) is a program to prepare historically underrepresented and underserved undergraduate students for graduate education. Students in PGE have the opportunity to participate in a robust research project to increase their awareness and knowledge of the value of research to addressing problems, conceptualization of research studies and standards for conducting research. Additionally, students will be supported in exploring the graduate school application process, graduate academic programs and funding opportunities with an emphasis on alignment with research interests and faculty relationships. Students are also provided mentorship from faculty and staff in various departments.


The primary mentor team includes DeOnte Brown (CASE), Jerad Green (Gantt Multicultural Center) and Sara Hanks (Office of College Preparation and Outreach). The mentor team also includes former lead PGE Mentor, Dr. Cherese Fine now at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

PGE is designed to be a four-semester experience that will cover the following topics:


  • Foundation of Research
  • Institutional Review Board Policies and Procedures
  • Components of Research Proposals
  • Academic Writing
  • Data Analysis
  • Conference Presenting
  • Faculty Research Agendas
  • Personal Statement and Supporting Application Materials
  • And More...

Featured PGE Scholars

Kinsey Meggett Portrait

  • Kinsey Meggett

  • Major: Biochemistry

  • Research Study: Influences on Underrepresented Students’ Field of Study Selection

Charlese Minder Portrait

  • Charlese Minder

  • Major: Women’s Leadership and Economics

  • Research Study: Exploring Experiences of Black, First-Generation Students in Higher Education

Recent PGE Presentations

2020 Clemson Men of Color Summit, Greenville, South Carolina


2020 Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, Birmingham, Alabama


2020 Clemson Forum on Creative Inquiry, Clemson, South Carolina


PGE Application

At the time of application, students interested in PGE should be in their second year at Clemson with a minimum of a 2.75 GPA and at least 30 credit hours completed. Students in their junior year or third year may be considered. Applications open late September.