Michigan Humanities Emerging Research Scholars Program (MICHHERS)

Students interested in the fields of history or linguistics, cultural studies, literary studies, and visual/media studies are eligible to apply for Summer 2027.

Students whose interests align with the disciplinary methods of history or linguistics may apply through their corresponding track. Those exploring related topics through other fields are encouraged to consider applying through the transdisciplinary track.

The transdisciplinary curriculum is an innovative path developed to better serve the academic interests of humanities students. Students whose humanities interests span multiple fields or fall outside the disciplinary tracks (history or linguistics) may apply through the transdisciplinary track. These interests may include classical studies, cultural studies, literary studies, and visual/media studies. We provide space in the application for students to share the interdisciplinary nature of their interests and fit within the humanities community.

Application Process

Applicants must select the track that best fits their academic interests. You will be asked to complete an additional short-answer question, explaining your interest in the selected track.

Mentorship and Experience

Across each track, students will be paired with both a faculty mentor and a graduate student mentor, and attend seminars.

The summer academic experience, running from Wednesday, May 26, to Saturday, June 12, 2027, will help students learn about the various fields within their chosen disciplines, along with the latest methodologies and developments from faculty in individual departments.

Research Opportunities

Students will have the opportunity to work on a piece of their own scholarship or develop a research project in consultation with U-M faculty and graduate students in their field.

Graduate School and Career Preparation

Students will receive practical instruction on applying to graduate school and pursuing careers inside and outside academia.

• $1,000 stipend
• University Housing
• Round-trip travel cost
• Application fee waiver to apply to a Rackham Graduate School program

Eligibility Requirements

We are not able to accept students currently enrolled at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Students currently enrolled at the University of Michigan-Flint and the University of Michigan-Dearborn are encouraged to apply.

• We seek rising seniors, bachelor’s degree holders, and those currently in terminal M.A. program who are domestic students. Please note, those who are currently applying to enroll in a doctoral program for fall 2027 are ineligible to participate in MICHHERS.
• Applicants must also meet one or more of the following criteria:
  • Have led and/or been substantially engaged in activities that broaden the participation of individuals with diverse backgrounds in the academic, professional, or civic realm. By broadening participation, we mean efforts in the U.S. to specifically reduce educational disparities based on race, ethnicity, first-generation status, familial income, or gender.
  • Have experienced financial hardship as a result of family economic circumstances;
  • Are first-generation U.S. citizens in their families;
  • Will be first-generation in their families to graduate from a four-year college;
  • Are from an educational or geographic background that is underrepresented in their discipline in the U.S. or at U-M and/or holds membership in a federally recognized tribe.

For 2027, students interested in the fields of history or linguistics, classical studies, cultural studies, literary studies, and visual/media studies are eligible to apply.

There is also the option of the transdisciplinary track within the MICHHERS 2027 cohort, which is designed for students whose interests do not align neatly within our participating programs.

Application Materials

Your application must include:

• Unofficial transcripts reflecting all undergraduate and graduate work (if applicable) through December 2026. If you completed a degree at a community college, that transcript should also be included.
• A personal statement (up to 500 words) on your graduate school, academic, and career goals; how your background has influenced those goals; how participating in MICHHERS will help you achieve those goals; and why you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Michigan.
• An academic statement (up to 600 words) describing the specific field(s) of your research interest(s); why you are interested in that field of research; relevant coursework you are taking this year; and any relevant research experience(s) you have had in an academic or work setting.
• An academic writing sample (between seven and 15 pages double-spaced). This paper should be a piece of original scholarship but does not necessarily need to have been written for a course.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation.

All application materials should be submitted through the Rackham website. Paper copies will not be accepted.

For questions, email [email protected].

Application Deadline

Applications and supporting documentation must be received online by Monday, February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Final decisions will be made by the end of March.