The application has now closed. Thank you to those who applied!

The application period for MMUF occurs annually in early February through March. All students are welcome to apply for MMUF, though applications are particularly encouraged from Black/African Americans, Latinos and Latinas, Native Americans, and other under­represented minorities.

The application is submitted online and consists of two essays, an unofficial transcript, and two faculty letters of recommendation. Please plan to complete your essays before you start your application. You can read more about the essays in the Application Information sheet.

Faculty can submit a letter of recommendation for any applicant by sending their letter as an email attachment to

Selection Criteria

The following criteria are weighed in selecting participants for MMUF:

  • Strong academic promise/standing
  • Interest in pursuing Ph.D. and an academic career in a Mellon approved field of study
    • MMUF designated fields are: Anthropology, Area/Cultural/Ethnic/Gender Studies, Art History, Classics, Geography and Population Studies, English Language & Literature, Cinema and Media Studies, Musicology, Ethnomusicology and Music Theory, Foreign Languages and Literatures, History, Linguistics, Performance Studies & Theater (theoretical focus), Philosophy, Religion, Sociology.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the goals of Mellon Foundation
  • Potential to serve as a mentor and teacher for a wide variety of students
  • Availability for, and commitment to, full and enthusiastic participation in all aspects of the MMUF program, including attendance at conferences and meetings
  • Status as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA student

Questions?

Faculty Coordinator
Karin Vélez
Associate Professor, History
[email protected]
(651) 696-6254

Program Coordinator
Nadia Linoo
[email protected]
(651) 696-6382