The fundamental objective of MMUF is to address, over time, the problem of underrepresentation in the academy at the level of college and university faculties - specifically, faculties in the humanities and selected social sciences. This goal can be achieved both by increasing the number of students from underrepresented minority groups (URM) who pursue PhDs and by supporting the pursuit of PhDs by students who may not come from traditional minority groups but have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to the goals of MMUF. The MMUF program is designed to encourage fellows to enter PhD programs that prepare students for professorial careers in the humanities and selected social sciences; it is not intended to support students who intend to go on to medical school, law school or other professional schools.