Apply now for undergrad research positions
The USC Spatial Sciences Institute (SSI) is now accepting applications for undergraduate student researchers to work with SSI faculty on their research projects for the 2025-2026 academic year.
We seek USC students who have excellent academic records, show interest in participating in cutting-edge research projects at SSI, and are eager to take advantage of the opportunity to work directly with faculty on their research projects.
Priority will be given to SSI students (Dornsife majors in Geodesign, Global Geodesign and Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence, and minors in GIS and Sustainability Science, Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence, and Spatial Studies). However, applications from all majors, minors, and academic programs throughout the University are encouraged. Students of all class standing (including incoming freshmen or transfer students) are welcome to apply. Applicants must be enrolled as full-time USC students in good standing during the research semesters.
The projects generally are structured for an average of 5–10 hours/week. Accepted students will work out their specific work schedules for the semester with the supervising faculty or staff member and will be expected to honor the weekly time commitment for the duration of the semester.
SSI student researchers are expected to submit their research work for presentation. Venues for presentations include such the SSI’s Los Angeles Geospatial Summit in February 2026 at the USC Hotel; the USC Provost’s Undergraduate Symposium for Scholarly and Creative Work held in April on the USC campus; and the Map Gallery of the Esri User Conference held in July in San Diego. Students also are encouraged to submit their work to appropriate student research competitions, such as the USC Esri Innovation Program Student of the Year Competition and the annual United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation GEOINT Symposium.
Past student researchers have presented their results at international conferences such as the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Geographers, the GIS-Pro Conference of Geospatial Professional Network (formerly URISA), and the AMC SIGSPATIAL Conference. They also have co-authored published research.
Please see the this memo for descriptions of the projects, the research roles, the qualifications/criteria for selection and the application process.
The application deadline is 5:00 p.m., Monday, July 28, 2025. If you expect your application to be considered, do not miss this deadline.
Questions?
Please email Dr. Diana Ter-Ghazaryan,
Director of Undergraduate Studies at Spatial Sciences Institute