Undergraduate Students
The MCB program provides numerous opportunities for research and training for undergraduates. Most MCB laboratories host one or more undergraduate researchers each semester, including the Summer semester. Interested students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with a potentials Mentor’s research from their laboratory website and recent publications, before making inquiries about possible positions. Once a Mentor has been identified, undergraduates can participate in research as volunteers, as Work-Study students, or for course credit by registering for BISC290/490. In addition, there are several fellowships and stipends for which students can apply.
Research for Unit Credit BISC290/490
Sophomores may register for BISC-290 (pre-requisites: BISC 120L/121L and 220L/221L; CHEM-105aLg and 105bL) and juniors and seniors may register for BISC-490 (pre-requisite: junior or senior standing departmental approval). Both 290 and 490 research projects require a minimum 3.0 GPA (science and cumulative). Sophomores may register for BISC-290 (pre-requisites: BISC 120L/121L and 220L/221L; CHEM-105aLg and 105bL) and juniors and seniors may register for BISC-490 (pre-requisite: junior or senior standing departmental approval). Both 290 and 490 research projects require a minimum 3.0 GPA (science and cumulative).
Applications and a FAQ for BISC 290 and 490 research are available here. [needs new link this one does not work]
Bridge Undergraduate Science Program (BUGS)
The BUGS program is offered by the Bridge Institute and provides students with research opportunities for the Summer, including a research stipend and peer community-building activities including journal clubs, career symposia and multi-disciplinary social mixers.
Student Opportunities for Academic Research (SOAR)
Provides stipends for undergraduate researchers during the Spring and Fall semesters.
SURF/SHURE
SURF and SHURE are opportunities for USC Dornsife students to pursue research in conjunction with Dornsife faculty members, either on or off campus during the summer semester.
SOAR-SURF-SHURE Faculty Research Board
A list of faculty recruiting students for SOAR/SURF/SHURE supported research is available here.
[make the title a hot link to https://dornsife.usc.edu/soar-surf-board/ ]
BISC Undergraduate Research Opportunities
A list of undergraduate research opportunities is accessible from the BISC home page (button on upper right of page.
USC Provost’s Undergrad Research Fellowships (PURF)
The Office of the Provost provides a limited number of fellowships for undergraduate research in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
Rose Hills Summer Research Fellowships
The Rose Hills Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations that serve the citizens of Southern California, has generously provided funding for a limited number of students who would like to obtain Science and Engineering Fellowships during the summer.
Wattis Dumke Fellowship for Undergraduate Research
USC Undergraduate Research Associates Program (URAP)
URAP is an internal USC grant program for which MCB faculty can apply. The grant provides stipends for undergraduate researchers who have been accepted into the Mentor’s laboratory. Inquire with your Mentor about the availability of URAP support.
Work-study
Federal Work-Study allows undergraduate and graduate students with financial need to work in part-time jobs. If you are eligible to receive work-study funds, it will appear on your financial aid package. MCB faculty can employ work-study students as undergraduate researchers.