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Undergraduate research apprentice program (urap).

The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) is designed to involve Berkeley undergraduates more deeply in the research life of the University. The program provides opportunities for students to work with faculty and research staff on the cutting-edge research projects for which Berkeley is world-renowned. Working closely with faculty, students will deepen their knowledge and skills in areas of special interest, while experiencing what it means to be part of an intellectual community engaged in research. The program is open to students from all colleges. 

https://research.berkeley.edu/urap/

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• urap.berkeley.edu Website

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Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Undergraduate research apprentice program (urap), mentor handbook, what is the undergraduate research apprentice program.

The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program  has been designed to assist faculty in reconciling their commitments to research with their responsibilities for undergraduate education. By promoting faculty-student research collaboration, URAP works to invigorate undergraduate education and to contribute to the sense of intellectual community on campus.

Undergraduate Research Apprentices are recruited to assist faculty with their research. For this commitment of time and effort, students receive research mentoring, refinement of their research skills and a closer look at the research life of academics. Apprentices are not paid but may receive academic credit. For their commitment of time, faculty receive assistance on their projects and a small grant ($300-600) to cover research expenses related to the apprentice.

The Program was started in Fall 1991 and is administered by the Undergraduate Division of the College of Letters and Science. The Program is open to Berkeley students and faculty in all campus colleges and professional schools.

What is the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships  was established in 1997/98 and charged with integrating undergraduates more fully into the research life of the university. This office works to highlight existing research activities and programs on campus, to promote greater participation by faculty and students, to collect data on undergraduate and faculty collaboration in research, and to develop resources and funding necessary to expand undergraduate research opportunities, and thus enhance student learning and satisfaction.

OURS directly administers the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program, the Haas Scholars Program , the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships ( SURF L&S and SURF Rose Hills ), and the Judith Lee Stronach Baccalaureate Prize . This office also houses the two major campus journals for the publication of the undergraduate research: Berkeley Undergraduate Journal, for research in the humanities and social sciences, and Berkeley Scientific, for research in the sciences.

The central campus website for undergraduate research, Undergraduate Research @ Berkeley,  http://research.berkeley.edu , is a project of this office.

Several annual events focusing on research issues and opportunities for undergraduates are initiated, co-sponsored, and/or funded by this office. In recent years, OURS organized the Research and Scholarships Fair (in fall), in addition to the SURF Conference (late summer) and the Haas Scholars Conference (early spring).

What is the URAP Faculty Portal

The  URAP Faculty Portal  is a web-based tool to help you manage your student applications, your apprentice enrollments, and your own ongoing participation the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program.

After your project is approved and posted to the URAP website, you will be e-mailed a  personal portal link t hat will bring you to your own webpage portal. Please save the e-mail containing the link. For greater convenience you will want to BOOKMARK it in your browser.

FROM THE URAP OFFICE

On the top left hand side of the page, you will see brief messages from our office. We will use this area to remind you of upcoming deadlines and opportunities.

LINKS OF INTEREST

To the right are links that take you to various help or information pages. These will change frequently, to correspond to issues that come up in the semester cycle.

PROJECT STATUS

gives the current status of your project and allows you to list your project for the following term as open or closed to new applicants.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

lets you review, edit, add, and delete your projects.

LEARNING CONTRACTS/ APPRENTICES

allows you to see if your selected apprentices have completed the enrollment process and the number of units they are taking. You will find e-mail addresses for all of your apprentices here. This is also where you go to renew Learning Contracts for apprentices continuing from the previous semester.

STUDENT APPLICATIONS

allows you to view and manage your student applications after the application deadline; e-mail students if you so chose. This is also where you create and submit Learning Contracts for your new apprentices.

MESSAGE BOARD (a semi-public space)

In the lower left is the “message board” on which you should post messages to applicants, and later, your chosen apprentices. All applicants to your project are issued a link to your “board”—they are the only ones with access and may read but not post. It is a one-way communication.

By posting your interview and selection choices here, you let students who were NOT CHOSEN know to move on, and that their application was not successful.

THE BIGGEST COMPLAINT that the URAP program receives is about the failure of faculty to notify students who have not been selected. Posting on the Message Board offers a way to notify students without becoming entangled in e-mail correspondence at a very busy time of year.

What do students see? See some sample postings, below.

Some sample postings

Professor Ursa Arktos Ursology

Thanks for your applications to my URAP projects. Your applications were all very impressive and I am delighted to see so many of you interested in this fast-evolving field.

My other commitments have made it necessary for me to limit my mentoring time this semester, so I will be interviewing only three applicants: Mary Kuo, Jean Czwensky and Sanjay Wilson

Mary, Jean and Sanjay, please sign up for a time during my office hours this week, Wednesday or Friday, 1-3 PM. (The regular meeting time for this project will be Friday at 2 PM.)

The rest of you are welcome to apply again next year. Investigate my Ursology 10 course if you just can’t wait to learn more about bears. Thank you for your interest.

Professor B. Smith Nanosciences

These applications are amazing! I would like to talk to all who have applied next Wednesday at 4 PM in my office, 122 Nano Hall. Please review my project description and come prepared to discuss any recent article on nanoscience that seems related to my topic. This is my chance to see if you can use the library, if we are thinking on the same wave-length, and if you are ready to get to work!

Professor L. Park Time Studies

Dear applicants, I am sorry to say that a family emergency will keep me away from Berkeley until September 15th. I am very eager to work with apprentices this semester, but I will not be able to interview anyone until the 16th or 17th. If you are still interested and available that week, please send me an e-mail ( [email protected] ) and I will get in touch with you for an interview.

How do Faculty join the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program

Eligibility: .

All regular faculty, adjunct faculty, faculty emeriti, lecturers with appointment, and research staff are eligible to apply to work with students through this program. Visiting scholars are also eligible to mentor, but due to our funding situation are not eligible to receive mentor funds. 

One semester or two?

Mentors submitting projects for the Fall semester may request apprentice commitments and URAP mentor funds for one or both semesters. Spring submissions will be eligible for funding and student commitments for Spring only. No new projects are initiated for the summer months. (See Summer Stipends for Students)

Time commitment:

URAP requires considerable commitment on the part of the student, but certainly no less commitment from the research mentor. The most successful results–for mentors and students alike–have come from pairings that met regularly to discuss research progress. (Joint publications have resulted from many of these associations.) In our experience, most students appreciate and benefit from structure in their research assignments. Undergraduate Research Apprentices do require more guidance than GSRs. Mentors who are too pressed for time to meet with their apprentices may be disappointed in results; such arrangements may leave apprentices confused and disillusioned. Mentors who commit for two semesters are more likely to reap the rewards of their mentoring.

The project proposal:

Each faculty applicant is asked to submit a brief description of the project proposed for an Undergraduate Research Apprentice. In addition to addressing the intellectual scope and tasks required, you are asked to be as specific as possible about the skills, interests, course preparation, class level and time commitment you seek in an apprentice. Be explicit about your needs; students need clues to assess their own suitability for your project.

* Projects that might be appropriate for freshmen are always welcome.

Task assignment:

Most academic research encompasses a variety of tasks. Some tasks are repetitive or tiresome, even though essential to the research. While you may certainly assign such tasks to research apprentices, remember to also include them in the conceptual work of the project. This is, after all, a program designed to spur interest in advanced research, and one for which students have the option of receiving academic credit. Assignments which are wholly clerical or rote in nature, with little potential to advance the apprentices’ understanding of the field, are inappropriate for this program., 

How are Undergraduate Research Apprentices selected

Faculty mentors select their own apprentices.

from a pool of applicants who have applied specifically for that position through the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program. (Students may apply for two or three projects if they wish; in practice about half of the applicants apply for only one research project.)

Student eligibility

URAP is currently open to all regularly enrolled undergraduates in good standing. It is not normally open to extension or concurrent enrollment students.

Student applications and deadlines

The final day for students to apply for positions is always early in the second week of classes each term. This late application date allows students new to campus to participate and allows us to gather the largest and, we hope, best applicant pool for each research project.

Student applications are collected online via our URAP student application system. Mentors can review applications online within hours of the student deadline. The online application contains a self-reported GPA and list of relevant coursework. We instruct students to bring along an unofficial transcript should they be invited for an interview.

Please review the applications as soon as possible and use the “message board” area of your faculty portal to communicate with your applicants. You may, of course, contact the students that you wish to interview individually, but by posting the names of your selected applicants on your board, you also notify those who were not selected. (See sample messages in the faculty portal section.)

If a position receives very few applications, the projects may be listed again during an extended application phase until a student is found who fits your needs. Contact Stefanie at [email protected] as soon as you become aware of problems.

Interview and selection

Faculty may interview (and select) as few or many students as they feel they can comfortably mentor. Your time is the main resource here. Many faculty find an economy of scale in mentoring 2 or 3 students, but resources such as bench space and research expenses will be a constraint in many fields. (Note that only one URAP grant is made to each faculty member, regardless of the number of apprentices signed on.)

We have occasionally had faculty who have agreed to mentor as many as 10 or 12 students. This has met with mixed results. Many students do best working in a well-structured team, and appreciate having peer apprentices. On the other hand, some students clearly feel less individually accountable in a larger group. The apprentice-mentor relationship may lose some of its unique appeal for both student and faculty as it begins to replicate the classroom experience. Faculty should choose according to their own needs and time availability.

Please note: The online application shows self-reported courses, grades, and GPA – many faculty ask their applicants to bring an unofficial transcript to an initial interview.

Notifying students who were not selected

Again, please remember that the posted list of students selected (or interviewed) also serves as notice to students who were not selected. Even if the successful candidates have been personally informed, please post a list at your message board so that unsuccessful candidates can end their anxious waiting. If you have chosen to notify students via e-mail, please remember to e-mail those who were not chosen.

The Online Learning Contract

As soon as possible after apprentice selection has been made, you should meet with the selected students to discuss a Learning Contract. This contract is important; it spells out your expectations and formalizes the relationship. Learning Contracts are created on your URAP portal, and are due on Friday of the third week of instruction. As of Fall 2018, the registrar’s NEW ADD/DROP deadline will be Wednesday of the fourth week of classes. If students plan to enroll for units in conjunction with URAP, they need to receive their contracts in time to submit to us so we can issue enrollment information. Please see more information about the new add/drop deadline here:

https://registrar.berkeley.edu/registration/enrollment .

New Apprentices

To create a Learning Contract for a new apprentice, go to “Student Applicants” in your URAP Portal. In the applicant list, or in the individual student application, select “Create LC.”

A Learning Contract will pop up in your portal, drawing information from the student application. You will need only to indicate

• the number of hours you and the student have agreed upon
• the specific learning goals and tasks the student will need to complete. Please indicate as clearly as possible the kind of tasks the student should be prepared to undertake. Students need to know in order to assess and budget their time.

If you have already detailed goals and tasks in your project description, you may write “see project description.” You will not be able to submit your contract until you enter text in the description field.

When you hit the submit button a link will be emailed to the apprentice. The apprentice will then review the Learning Contract, “sign” it, and submit it electronically to the URAP office. At that point, the URAP office emails the class number and permission number your apprentice needs to enroll in your section of UGIS 192, if the apprentice wishes to enroll in conjunction with URAP.

Continuing Apprentices

You can create renewal contracts for your continuing apprentices by entering the “Learning Contracts/Apprentices” panel of your portal. Find the name in the previous semester list and click on “Renew LC.” Revise and continue as for new apprentices, above.

Please complete your part of the Learning Contract by Friday of the third week of instruction so that students will have adequate time to complete the enrollment process. They must file electronically with our office by 9 AM on Wednesday of the fourth week.

Units or no units?

The unit-value of the apprentice assignment should be taken seriously. Neither the faculty nor the program will benefit if a perception develops that this is a way to get “easy units.” We hope to attract students who are able to make a serious commitment to research and who will work diligently to earn their academic credit.

Most apprentices are eager to earn units in conjunction with their research work. Your specification of the hours you require will create an upper limit on the number of units they may take. The formula is 3 hours per week per unit, with 1- 4 units available. Some students will elect to take fewer units than they are entitled to because of concerns about cumulative unit ceilings.

Students who wish to have their transcript reflect their research apprenticeship should enroll in at least one unit.

* Even if a student is NOT enrolling in units, he or she must still file a Learning Contract by Wednesday of the fourth week of classes.

Each faculty mentor who is on teaching status will have a unique section of UGIS 192. The URAP office will manage distribution of the class and permission numbers to students.

More than 12 hours

It is the practice in some science labs to require students to work more that 12 hours. If you require this, please be explicit in your project description. And please have a frank conversation about coursework and time management with your apprentice. Many are overly optimistic about their time at the start of the term. You do not want to contribute to a student’s academic difficulties.

How are URAP Grants handled

Your urap grant.

Each mentor can receive up to $350 in funds to be applied in support of the project to which the research apprentice is assigned. This grant is not designed to be a research grant per se, but a grant in support of undergraduate education. In this spirit, please apply the grant to your research in a manner that will enhance the research experience of the apprentice. In addition to the purchase of lab materials, software, or whatever may be required to get apprentices started, you should consider the purchase of books, journals, conference fees, or other items that could give the apprentice an overview of research in the field. Because of limited funding, these funds are not available to visiting scholars. Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions about appropriate use of funds.

Please note that only one URAP grant is made to each faculty member, regardless of the number of apprentices signed on.

Disbursement

At the beginning of each semester, we will ask you to let us know if you would like to receive funding for the semester in support of the URAP project. The funds will then be transferred to your home department soon after Learning Contracts are filed in the program office. More information about the disbursement process will be shared soon. 

Please note again that we cannot transfer funds until your Learning Contracts are complete; remind your apprentices to complete the Learning Contract process, even if they are not seeking units.

URAP is funded by temporary funds from the State of Californ

How are Apprentices evaluated

The student evaluation.

Students are asked to write a brief summary and evaluation of their research experiences, to be completed online by the last day of final exams. Our office will send students the link they will need to complete the evaluation.

The purpose of this report is to allow our program to record and assess the benefits to students of the research experience. (It is through these summary reports that we have learned of co-authored papers, conference trips, graduate school decisions and other outcomes that students attribute to the research experience.)

We will also ask a few survey questions each term, to provide the campus with some quantitative data for the program overall, and to obtain student feedback on different aspects of program administration.

Although URAP is in a P/NP grading environment, the URAP grading process is made complex by (1) the fact that some URAP mentors have teaching appointments, and therefore access to the CalCentral system, while others do not. Additional complexities come from the fact that (2) not all students enroll for units, but we need to know outcomes for all students, whether or not they are officially enrolled for units.

All mentors will need to report their URAP grades at their URAP portal. Additionally, those URAP mentors with teaching appointments will need to report their grades officially in CalCentral for UGIS 192.

A. For mentors WITH teaching appointments

Double-report your grades: CalCentral + URAP portal

Each faculty mentor is assigned a unique section of UGIS 192. At the end of each term you will find your section of UGIS 192 among your other courses in CalCentral. This is where you will report official grades for students enrolled for units. URAP grade options are P, NP and I.

You should also report grades in your URAP portal; indeed this is the only place you can report completion for students who have not signed up for units. Even if they have not signed up for units, the URAP Office still needs to know that they have successfully completed their apprenticeships. This is also the place to leave evaluative comments about individual apprentices, and/or about the program.

B. For mentors WITHOUT teaching appointments

Report at URAP portal only

Some URAP mentors have research, rather than teaching appointments.We cannot link these mentors directly to CalCentral; the URAP Office must report your grades for you. You will need to report grades to the URAP Office via your URAP portal. This is also the place to leave evaluative comments about individual apprentices, and/or about the program.

Incompletes and missing apprentices

Please contact us if you have any difficulties with your apprentices, or if you are considering assigning an incomplete (I) grade.

Summer Awards for Students

Summer 2024.

In summer 2024, we will again offer limited funding to allow some URAP apprentices to continue work on faculty research projects in paid status ($3,500) during the summer. 

Faculty who have served officially as URAP research mentors in both Fall 2023 AND Spring 2024 may nominate a continuing apprentice for funding. We expect 30-35 awards will be available, but nominations always exceed available awards.

Eligibility

The nominated student must have filed learning contracts for both Fall AND Spring. Students must complete their spring enrollment on time. Students may not file late or retroactive contracts for the purpose of establishing eligibility. PLEASE CHECK your URAP PORTAL to verify that your nominee has filed contracts for both semesters.

We will expect to see the end-of-semester evaluation report from the student in our database, and evidence that the student fulfilled the terms of the learning contract. The grade that you submitted in December will serve this purpose. These materials, as well as your NOMINATION LETTER, will be reviewed in making awards. We are looking to sponsor projects that show evidence of strong working relationships and significant educational opportunity for students.

UCSF Mentors: Please contact Stefanie at [email protected] if you plan to nominate an international student. 

Apprentices who will graduate in May 2024   ARE eligible for the summer stipend award and may be nominated.

This award is paid as a stipend through the SIS Award System. Awards will be for $3,500 and will require undergraduate apprentices to work for about 200 hours over the course of the summer. 

Stipends may be split in two only if the work could be better performed by two apprentices and only if both apprentices are willing to work for the reduced amount. In most cases a split stipend will not allow a student to meet even subsistence goals. Since we always receive many more nominations than available stipends, we don’t award more than one stipend per mentor/team.

In the context of current fees, $3,500 is not a large sum. We hope that some faculty will be able to supplement these funds with funds of their own. We also hope that faculty who are feeling momentarily well funded from other sources will employ those funds to support their apprentices this summer, and permit us to spread summer funding a little farther.

How to nominate an apprentice

FIRST please check with the student you are nominating to be sure the student is available and committed to doing your research. Each year we have had one or two students decline the award after it was too late to re-award another student.

As faculty mentor, you initiate the process by submitting a LETTER nominating your apprentice for a summer stipend. Please submit your nomination via a google form; the link will be shared in the call for nominations.

• describe the particular skills and qualities this student has brought to your project
• tell how the student would benefit educationally from the proposed summer work
• indicate how this student would advance your project in the coming summer
• also indicate how you plan to fulfill your role as research mentor over the summer months.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, March 13th . The results will be announced by April 12th.

OTHER SUMMER FUNDING OPTIONS

SCIENCES: If you currently have an NSF grant, you may find that it is quite easy to request additional funding to support an undergraduate. Contact the NSF program officer for your grant to ask about an “REU supplement.” (REU = Research Experience for Undergraduates)

STUDENT-INITIATED RESEARCH: The URAP summer award is for faculty-initiated research. If your apprentice is about to embark on a project that is truly of his or her own design, SURF, the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, may be the more appropriate source of funding. The $5,000 SURF award is open to L&S students who will be entering their final year and working on a thesis or other capstone project. Information can be found at http://surf.berkeley.edu/ . That deadline is March 1st; the student must initiate that application.

For students in the sciences and engineering, please also consider the SURF Rose/Hills Summer program ($5,000): http://surf.berkeley.edu/ .

Questions? Contact Stefanie Ebeling at  [email protected].

Miscellaneous Tips

For the link to submit a new project proposal, please contact Stefanie Ebeling at  [email protected] . 

Continuing faculty members  should revise and submit new projects in their individual URAP faculty portals. E-mail us if you have misplaced your portal link.

URAP Student Applications:  students enter information directly online at the URAP student site.

The  URAP Learning Contract  is created online, in your portal. It outlines the duties and hours your apprentice will commit to your project. You submit the contract online, it then goes to the student for a “signature” and finally to the URAP office. The URAP office emails the class- and permission number your apprentice needs to enroll in UGIS 192.

URAP Final Grade Request:   All grade reporting for URAP happens online. See How Are Apprentices Evaluated for details.

Are there several Post-Docs (or others) supervising apprentices in your lab?  As long as their emails are inserted into the “research associate” field in your portal, they will receive copies of all of our deadline reminders and instructional mailings. This is generally beneficial, but you need to be sure there is coordination in posting projects each term, and in reviewing applications. When several people can change the project listings or mark applications, there is potential for them to work at cross purposes. You can make one person the portal coordinator, or just encourage all users to communicate and avoid stepping on each other’s toes. Please update contact information for project supervisors each term.

Contact Stefanie Ebeling at  [email protected] .

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Urap - undergraduate research at ucb.

The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) is designed to involve Berkeley undergraduates more deeply in the research life of the University. The Program provides opportunities for you to work with faculty on the cutting edge research projects for which Berkeley is world-renowned. Working closely with faculty, you will deepen your knowledge and skills in areas of special interest, while experiencing what it means to be part of an intellectual community engaged in research.

New research opportunities are open at the start of each semester. Student applications are due in the the second week of classes each term. Go to the website for the research project list each semester and application. The Fall 2014 application opens August 14 and closes September 3.

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University of California, Berkeley, 101 Durant Hall, MC 2920, Berkeley, CA 94720-2920 Phone: 510-642-0919  •  Fax: 510-643-2261  •  berkeleyscienceconnections [at] berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP)

IES offers an Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship every semester through the UC Berkeley URAP Program.  The IES URAP Program  provides a unique opportunity for Berkeley students to  deepen their knowledge of Europe

Open to all majors, our URAP program is ideal for students interested in European languages and cultures, diplomacy, and foreign affairs.

Working closely with the IES Director and Program Manager, apprentices assist with research tasks, engage with distinguished scholars and guests, and act as student ambassadors for IES events and initiatives.

Students can earn 1 unit of academic credit for 3 hours of work per week.  All URAP units are taken Pass/No Pass. Students are not paid for their participation.

Learn more and apply here .

Apply for the IES URAP Program

IES Undergraduate Research Conference

Project Descriptions Spring 2024

The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) creates opportunities for Berkeley undergraduates to work with faculty members on the ground-breaking research projects for which Berkeley is world-renowned. As an apprentice, you can work on faculty research and learn advanced research skills, explore fields that interest you, and find out what it is like to be an academic at the world's premier research institution.

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Resource links to research programs

We’ve compiled some links to various research programs for undergraduates looking to enhance their research acumen and skills. We encourage undergraduates to browse these programs to find a good fit. Attendance in one of these research programs can often enhance students’ applications to graduate school

Quick Links to Research Programs

For uc berkeley students only.

• Office for Undergraduate Research & Scholarships
• URAP: Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program
• Biology Scholars Program
• Haas Scholars Program
• Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship
• QB3 Undergraduate Biotech Internships
• Summer Bio Design Immersion Experience
• Summer Undergraduate Research Diversity Program (SURD)

UC Berkeley Programs for All Students

• Amgen Scholars Program
• Assure/Space Sciences Program
• Center for Ethnographic Research workshop
• NSF Summer REU Program in Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley, from Molecules to Ecosystems
• SUPERB-IT (for information technology students)

Other Summer Research Programs

• Duke University
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• Purdue University (REU)
• Stanford University
• UC Los Angeles
• UC San Diego
• UCSF Summer Research Opportunities
• University of Michigan
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Washington
• UNC-Chapel Hill
• Institute for the Recruitment of Teachers
• Fulbright Scholars Program
• Pathways to Science: Undergraduate Opportunities
• Peace Corps
• Teach for America

Programs for Undocumented Students

• Linguistics Research Apprentice Program
• MCB USA Summer Undergraduate Research Program
• Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowships Program
• Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program
• University of California Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS) Research Program
• Visiting Scholar Undergraduate Summer Research Program

Berkeley Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) wins 2023 Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education

URAP provides an opportunity for Berkeley undergraduates to work with faculty members and research staff on cutting-edge research projects. Working closely with mentors, students deepen their knowledge and skills in areas of special interest while experiencing what it means to be part of an intellectual community engaged in research. The program is designed to stimulate awareness of advanced research and interest in graduate study. Students earn 1 unit of academic credit for every 3 hours of research work completed.

According to the Berkeley Collegium, "URAP is a shining example of fostering undergraduate education. The award is intended to recognize the aims and accomplishments of your program and provide support for continuing or expanding your efforts." 

URAP is supported by the Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholarships (OURS), which expands student access to research, scholarships, mentorship, and experiential learning. Learn more about OURS and URAP on the website . 

URAP Opportunities

Undergraduate research apprenticeship program (urap).

The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) is designed to involve Berkeley undergraduates more deeply in the research life of the University. The Program provides opportunities for you to work with faculty on the cutting edge research projects for which Berkeley is world-renowned. Working closely with faculty, you will deepen your knowledge and skills in areas of special interest, while experiencing what it means to be part of an intellectual community engaged in research.  The Anthropology department provides many opportunities to work with our faculty through URAP. 

Students can receive 1 unit for every 45 hours of work (3 hours of work per week) on a faculty project.  All URAP units are taken Pass/No Pass. Students who participate in the Fall and Spring can apply for Surf funding for a summer research project.  New research opportunities are open at the start of each semester. Student applications and supporting materials are due in the Program Office in 301 Campbell Hall in the second week of classes each term.  

See:  http://research.berkeley.edu/urap/projects  for Anthropology projects, listed under Social Sciences link. 

Undergraduate Research Opportunities, Resources, and Support

Click on the links below to learn more about undergraduate student research opportunities in mathematics:.

Berkeley Mathematics Directed Reading Program (DRP)  

The Directed Reading Program provides undergraduates with the opportunity to work closely with UC Berkeley Mathematics graduate students in an independent reading project in the fall and spring semesters. The aim of the program is to equip students with the tools necessary to delve into sophisticated mathematics, to foster relationships between undergraduates and graduate students, and to provide students with a valuable opportunity to practice presenting mathematical ideas, both in conversation and public presentations. 

Berkeley Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)  

The SURF program consists of five paid summer research fellowship programs: 1) SURF L&S 2) SURF Rose Hills 3) SURF-SMART 4) UROC-Gates Foundation Fellows 5) SURF Math Team Fellowship. In addition to receiving funding, summer fellows from all five programs are assigned to a small peer group, which meets periodically throughout the summer. Each small group is led by a SURF Advisor. Although primary guidance in research will come from individual faculty/graduate student mentors, the small group meetings build community within the SURF cohort, connecting students with peers who are grappling with similar issues. SURF fellows also benefit from attending professional development and skills-building workshops. International and undocumented students are eligible to participate. 

Haas Scholars Program  

The Haas Scholars Program was founded in 1997 through the generous vision of Robert and Colleen Haas. Each year, twenty highly qualified, academically talented undergraduates with financial need come together to build a supportive intellectual community during their final year at UC-Berkeley. Applicants are evaluated primarily on the merit and originality of their proposal for an independent research or creative project that will serve as the basis for a senior or honors thesis. Once selected, Haas Scholars receive close mentoring from members of the UC-Berkeley faculty, seminars and workshops to assist them in the research and writing process, the opportunity to present their work at a professional conference, and up to $13,800 each in financial support. International students and undocumented students are welcome and encouraged to apply.  

Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP)  

 The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) is designed to involve Berkeley undergraduates more deeply in the research life of the University. The Program provides opportunities for you to work with faculty and staff researchers on the cutting edge research projects for which Berkeley is world-renowned. Working closely with mentors, you will deepen your knowledge and skills in areas of special interest, while experiencing what it means to be part of an intellectual community engaged in research. 

New research opportunities are open at the start of each semester; student applications are due the second week of instruction.  

Mathematical Sciences Research Institution Undergraduate Program (MSRI-UP)

MSRI-UP is a comprehensive summer program designed for talented undergraduate students, especially those from groups underrepresented in the mathematical sciences, who are interested in mathematics and make available to them meaningful research opportunities, the necessary skills and knowledge to participate in successful collaborations, and a community of academic peers and mentors who can advise, encourage and support them through a successful graduate program. At this time only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. 

National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduate Students (NSF REU)

NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location. To find Mathematical Sciences REU sites  click here .  

Interested in publishing your research? 

Berkeley Scientific Journal  

Berkeley Scientific is the undergraduate science journal of the University of California, Berkeley. Every semester, the undergraduate staff publishes independent research done by undergraduates at UC Berkeley, interviews with faculty members, reviews of recent scientific publications (books), and articles on current issues in science. All research papers are faculty-reviewed, and all interviews are conducted by the staff. The focus of the journal is broad, spanning scientific disciplines from ecology to engineering, from astronomy to biochemistry. 

Need additional support?

Have questions about other research opportunities on and off campus? Visit the  Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships  (OURS) for additional resources and support.  

OURS is UC Berkeley’s hub for undergraduate research and prestigious scholarships.  Established in 1997, OURS seeks to integrate undergraduates more fully into the dynamic and diverse research life of UC Berkeley. The center does so through a wide range of programs, workshops, partnerships, and communication platforms.

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Research Opportunities

What does undergraduate research mean to you.

UC Berkeley provides opportunities for research in all areas of study. Yes, even humanities like literature, music, history, language, politics, and law, in addition to STEM research areas like biological science or engineering. Berkeley’s size, resources, and capacity provide a scope of research opportunities that few schools can match.

Research projects allow Berkeley undergraduate students to get first-hand experience with how research discoveries and knowledge production are forged across the disciplines. They can be a great way to find a support system in a close-knit intellectual community outside the classroom. There are even projects directed by staff researchers and curators in museums and archives.

Three main libraries (Doe, Moffitt, and the Bancroft), 18 subject-specialty libraries, and 11 affiliated libraries (with special collections) make up the UC Berkeley Library system. UC Berkeley is home to the fourth largest library in the United States, Bancroft Library, which includes the Mark Twain Papers and Project, the Regional Oral History Office, the University of California Archives, the History of Science and Technology Program, and the Pictorial Collection. Berkeley’s research collection is ranked as one of the top public research university libraries in the country and has proven to be an invaluable resource to all students at Berkeley.

Our vital research community infuses the classroom, where new knowledge and breakthroughs enliven the learning process. In every department there are opportunities for student-initiated research . You also can advance your research skills by assisting on faculty-initiated research through the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program . Beyond traditional research, our latest program, Berkeley Connect, pairs undergraduate students with graduate student mentors in a semester-long, 1-credit program that includes advising, small-group discussions, and special events/excursions.

Examples of Undergraduate Research Opportunities

• Haas Scholars Program : 20 seniors from any department on campus engage in sustained research, field study or a creative project.
• Berkeley Summer Bioengineering Program : 20-25 undergrads from any department work in the Bioengineering Lab at UCB or UCSF.
• Townsend Center Research Apprenticeship : 12 students from the Humanities or Social Sciences work on faculty research projects.
• College of Engineering : approximately 85 students with interest or background in engineering apprentice for Engineering faculty member.
• Biology Scholars Program : promotes the success of students from economic, gender, ethnic and cultural groups historically underrepresented in the biological sciences.
• UC Berkeley Washington Center : opportunities for students from any discipline to work in Berkeley or Washington D.C. on political campaigns and providing insight into national policy making.
• Summer Research Opportunity Program : promotes access to graduate education among undergraduates who have been educationally or economically disadvantaged and who may not have had exposure to the academic environment of a major research university.

Learn more about research at Berkeley

Big Ideas Initiative

Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program

Berkeley Connect

Chronology of UC Berkeley Library and Its Collections

Berkeley Undergraduate Journal (research in the humanities and social sciences)

Berkeley Scientific Journal (research in the sciences)

Research Opportunities Board

For our guide to how to land a research position, visit our Undergraduate Research page You can learn about many of these opportunities listed below at our twice yearly Physics Undergraduate Research Fair , held the first Thursday after the start of classes each semester.

Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP)

Highly motivated undergraduates may apply for semester or year-long opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors on faculty-led research projects. Undergraduates with a 2.0 GPA or above are eligible to apply and those selected may enroll in Undergraduate and Interdisciplinary Studies (UGIS) 192 (1-4 units, P/NP). Limited funding is available over the summer as well.  Check the  URAP website  for Fall opportunities in late June.   Applications for URAP  are due the first day of the second week of classes.   

Undergraduate Laboratory at Berkeley (ULAB)

ULAB works to make the transition into research at UC Berkeley less formidable and more accessible. Over the course of an academic year, program participants develop and execute a research project of their choice with the guidance of experienced undergraduate mentors. ULAB offers student positions to those interested in starting research and staff positions to those looking to get more involved in the research community.

N3AS Undergraduate Research Program

The Network for Neutrinos, Nuclear Astrophysics, and Symmetries (N3AS) is a multi-institutional collaboration dedicated to recruiting and training postdoctoral and undergraduate researchers interested in neutrino physics and astrophysics, nuclear astrophysics topics ranging from supernova and neutron star modeling to dark matter, and fundamental symmetries.  N3AS offers a paid research and mentorship program that pairs undergraduates with N3AS mentors to participate in research, and explore their academic and career goals.  The program accepts students in the fall and spring.  

Berkeley Physics Directed Reading Program

For students interested in theoretical physics, the Berkeley Physics Directed Reading Program is a great opportunity to explore interesting subjects such as specialized topics in biophysics, condensed matter physics, mathematical physics, chemical physics, EPS, geophysics, fluid dynamics, astrophysics, chemical physics, gravitational physics, plasma physics, AMO, cosmology, quantum field theory, string theory, quantum information and essentially anything else. The PDRPallows undergraduates in the physical sciences to read on special physics topics that aren't a part of their standard coursework, with the assistance and guidance of a graduate student generally in the Earth and Planetary Sciences, Astronomy or Physics Departments.  The barrier of entry to theoretical physics research is extremely high during undergraduate years and we hope DRP helps bridge that gap. This does not restrict the program to only theorists.  Visit the PDRP website  for details.

Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL)

SSL is located just up the hill from campus at the top of Centennial Drive and is an Organized Research Unit (ORU) with the primary goals of fostering outstanding research in space-related sciences and providing education for the next generation of space scientists.

Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholarships (OURS)

OURS is an online clearinghouse for information about undergraduate research opportunities and funding on the UC Berkeley campus. Their web site provides up-to-date information on undergraduate research programs, as well as links to summer opportunities and extra-campus programs. They are located in 5 Durant Hall. 

Opportunities at Other Universities

A very comprehensive  guide  to Summer REU opportunities outside the Berkeley community was put together by Tiffany Reardon in the College of Engineering.  Please note, nearly all of these opportunities are available year-after-year, so please disregard "2017" in the document title.

The Pi2 Summer Scholars Program

Berkeley Physics is proud to launch the Physics Innovators Initiative (Pi2) Scholars Program. This program provides funding for undergraduates to perform research, learn to design the tools that enable such research, develop their scientific independence, and realize their potential as physicists. 

The National Science Foundation (NSF)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Programs. REUs support undergraduate research participation and encourage students to join research projects each summer at universities around the country. Detailed information is available at the NSF website.  Click here  for REU sites in the field of physics. 

SULI/Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship  

SULI is a research program for undergraduates that is sponsored by the Department of Energy.  There are three separate internship terms (Fall/Spring/Summer). Applicants will need to supply a transcript, essay, and two letters of recommendation.  You can learn all about the SULI/LBL application process  here .

Space Sciences Lab (SSL)

SSL is located just up the hill from campus at the top of Centennial Drive and is an Organized Research Unit (ORU) with the primary goals of fostering outstanding research in space-related sciences and providing education for the next generation of space scientists.   

Pathways to Science

Database of lots of different opportunities - REU, Post-Bacc and Internships.

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships (OURS)

OURS is an online clearinghouse for information about undergraduate research opportunities and funding on the UC Berkeley campus. Their web site provides up-to-date information on undergraduate research programs, as well as links to summer opportunities and  extra-campus programs . OURS offeres peer advising and workshops to support undergraduate research. They are located in 5 Durant Hall. 

OURS offers several opportunities for undergraduates to receive funding for research-intensive capstone projects that are either academic, creative, or service oriented in nature. They are now actively recruiting students for the Haas Scholars Program, the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (SURF L&S), Rose Hills Summer Scholarships, and the Stronach Baccalaureate Prize. The application deadlines are all set for March 1, and we offer a number of information sessions, workshops, and advising to support students applying to these programs in the first few weeks of the semester. Students can  find info session and workshop information on the OURS event page , and review scholarship information on each program’s webpage:

Haas Scholars Program : The Haas Scholars Program funds 20 students for up to $14,800 to carry out a capstone project in the summer preceding and during their final year on campus. Haas Scholars also receive guidance from their faculty mentors and a full-time staff member, membership in a close-knit interdisciplinary community of scholars, and connections to an alumni network of more than 500 members.

SURF L&S : SURF L&S provides undergraduates in the College of Letters and Science with funding to undertake concentrated summer research in preparation for a senior thesis or similar major capstone project in their final semesters at Cal. Fellows receive a summer stipend of $5,000 for seven weeks of research. In addition to the funding, students benefit from regular meetings with their research cluster cohort and from numerous workshops.

Rose Hills Summer Scholarships : Rose Hills Summer Scholarships enable UC Berkeley students from select STEM disciplines to immerse themselves in full-time summer research for seven weeks. Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors, the funding will support projects that are either faculty-led or independent.

Judith Lee Stronach Baccalaureate Prize : The Stronach Baccalaureate Prize supports graduating seniors to undertake a public service, creative, or community-based research project in the year following graduation. Recipients are awarded up to $25,000 for projects that serve the public good and heighten awareness of social issues.

Research Scholarships and Funding for Undergraduates

Berkeley Physics is proud to launch the Physics Innovators Initiative (Pi2) Scholars Program. This program provides funding for undergraduates to perform research, learn to design the tools that enable such research, develop their scientific independence, and realize their potential as physicists. $5500 summer stipend will be provided for Pi2 scholars.

Each Pi2 scholar will work closely with dedicated graduate student and/or postdoc mentors on their projects. Pi2 Scholars will also participate in a number of activities with their cohorts which could include lectures, roundtable discussions and hiking excursions. Final projects will require a written report and a poster presentation open to the whole department at the end of the summer.

The Berkeley Physics Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (BPURS)

BPURS is designed to encourage Physics majors to engage in research. The Physics Department will award a monetary stipend to several physics majors involved in research with Physics faculty. Interested students must apply. Participants will be selected for the program by a committee of Physics faculty, based on evaluation of the student's enthusiasm and record, quality of the project, and level of involvement of the professor. Students selected for this program will be called Berkeley Physics Undergraduate Research Scholars. Faculty take their mentoring roles very seriously and will only sign-on students who are committed to their physics projects. The project may be a research paper, authorship on a published paper, or a senior thesis. For additional information see Kathleen Cooney (374 Physics North). 

Requirements : 1) Only declared and registered Physics majors are eligible. 2) A student must find a professor in the Physics Department who will act as a sponsor. The professor and student should complete the application form and commit to a proposed deliverable. Students accepted into the program will be notified ASAP. 3) At the end of the semester, the professor will sign off if the deliverable is complete. The deliverable  must be submitted to 368 or 376 Physics North by the last day of finals. The student must participate in the Undergraduate Poster session in the Spring. The $500 stipend will be awarded after the event. 4) A poster must be presented at the Undergraduate Poster Session to be held in early April.

Application and Deadline information : Applications will be sent out to students on the Physics major email listserv before the fall and spring semesters. The deadline for the fall application is always the second Friday in September. The deadline for the spring application is always the first Friday in February. 

Notes Some students opt to apply for BPURS in both the fall and the spring semesters, in which case they would earn a $1000 stipend after the April poster session.  Check out this list of projects by past BPURS Scholars!

Cal Nerds is home to many programs to encourage and support STEM undergraduates in research.   Visit their site  to learn about scholarship and fellowship opportunities (and many other programs for students in STEM!). 

Haas Scholars

Students who are selected as Haas Scholars receive upwards of $12,600 to conduct their research.  Recipients are considered from all majors.   Click here  to learn more about the application process.  

SURF/Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships

The SURF program offers four different fellowships each with particular eligibility requirements.

McNair Scholars Program

This program is for under-represented OR first generation college/low-income students who intend to pursue a PhD.  It funds an independent project and coaches them through the grad application process.

Looking for an Internship?

Career center.

Use the Career Center's career database  Handshake  for internship opportunities. You'll need to create an account and input a few details (major, expected grad date, etc.).  You can search by location, job title, company, industry, or particular skill.  Please make an appointment with Kathleen Cooney  if you'd like your resume/CV reviewed in advance of your internship search.

The Segre Internship

The Segre internship is designed for undergraduate or graduate students who have taken the advanced laboratory course (Physics 111). It is a full-time eight-week commitment (during the summer) to work with faculty and professional staff in the laboratory; the goal is to develop new experiments to be used in future semesters in the Physics 111 laboratory. A modest amount of experience with electronic and laboratory equipment and experimental practices is necessary.  Applications for the Segre Internship are available mid-April and due at the end of April every year. For more information and applications please contact  Amin Jazaeri , (510) 642-5515.

Mentoring Opportunities

Berkeley career network.

This is a cool new service offered by the Career Center.  Once you make an account, you can browse over 1,000 Berkeley Alumni who've expressed interest in mentoring undergrads.  Find someone with a job you want or experience you are interested in and start a conversation.  Remember, these are alums who want to be mentors so don't be nervous about making contact!

Student Mentoring and Research Teams (SMART)

SMART is a program that enables doctoral students to create mentored research opportunities for undergraduate students at UC Berkeley. The program provides summer funding for both graduate and undergraduate participants and opportunities to share research results on campus and at national conferences.   Click here  to learn more and apply.

Additional peer mentoring opportunities are available through Physics Student Organizations , supported by PA Scholars and MPS Scholars programming. More information about these mentoring opportunities will be emailed to majors and intended majors at the beginning of the fall semester.

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships

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Research Resources

Below are a number of research organizations on campus that seek to connect students with research opportunities. This is a non-exhaustive list and students are encouraged to do their own research on research.

Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholarships (OURS)

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships (OURS) is UC Berkeley’s hub for undergraduate research and prestigious scholarships.  Established in 1997, OURS seeks to integrate undergraduates more fully into the dynamic and diverse research life of UC Berkeley. 

Prestigious Scholarships Office

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships (OURS) Prestigious Scholarships Office manages the Scholarships Connection website. The site is UC Berkeley's clearinghouse for information on scholarships that are funded by sources outside the University. Hundreds of scholarship notices are received each year. Competition for these awards may be local, national, or international in scope, and scholarship deadlines and requirements vary.

Haas Scholars Program

Haas Scholars come from all walks of life and every major on campus, but they are united by their desire to strive for excellence–both in their individual academic pursuits, and as an interdisciplinary cohort. (International students and undocumented students are welcome and encouraged to apply.) Applicants are evaluated primarily on the merit and originality of their proposal for an independent research or creative project that will serve as the basis for a senior or honors thesis. Once selected, Haas Scholars receive close mentoring from members of the UC-Berkeley faculty, seminars and workshops to assist them in the research and writing process, the opportunity to present their work at a professional conference, and up to $13,800 each in financial support. 

Stronach Prize

The Judith Lee Stronach Baccalaureate Prize supports intellectual and creative pursuits that heighten awareness of issues of social consciousness and contribute to the public good. The award gives motivated students the opportunity to extend and reflect upon their undergraduate work at Berkeley by undertaking a special project after their graduation. Winning projects are creative in the broadest sense, explore themes of significant interest to holders of the Prize, and strive to further understanding of what constitutes humane and effective participation in our worldwide community.

Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP)

The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) is designed to involve Berkeley undergraduates more deeply in the research life of the University. The Program provides opportunities for you to work with faculty and staff researchers on the cutting edge research projects for which Berkeley is world-renowned. Working closely with mentors, you will deepen your knowledge and skills in areas of special interest, while experiencing what it means to be part of an intellectual community engaged in research.

Underrepresented Researchers of Color (UROC)

Underrepresented Researchers of Color (UROC) serves as a pipeline to increase representation of marginalized students in research programs and grad schools, and seek to build a community of researchers of color. As research is an extremely isolating and exclusive process at this institution, UROC seeks to dismantle this. Furthermore, students of color perform low rates of research at this research institution, alongside research programs on campus having low representation and acceptance rates of students of color. In other words, marginalized students receive little to no mentorship and access to resources to conduct their research/projects. UROC exists to bridge this gap.

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)

The SURF L&S fellowship allows UC Berkeley undergraduates in the College of Letters and Science to spend the summer doing concentrated research in preparation for a senior thesis. Fellows receive $5000. These fellowships are supported by a number of private donors.

Research in Departments Related to CogSci

Majoring in cognitive science gives students a number of research opportunities in many different departments on campus. Below are some of the departments that are most related to cognitive science and the general interests of students in the major. 

Anthropology 

Data science, electrical engineering and computer science (eecs), haas school of business, hellen wills neuroscience institute  , linguistics research apprentice practicum, mathematics, school of education  , other areas to look for research opportunities .

As a year-round, student-run platform for undergraduate research at Berkeley, Beehive aims to fill the gaps left behind by existing programs like URAP and SURF, which typically provide opportunities on a cyclical basis, have dedicated administrative staff, and award academic units. Beehive is especially valuable for faculty and graduate student researchers who wish to recruit undergraduates for summer, informal, short-term, or otherwise off-cycle projects (e.g. after the URAP deadline). As part of its collaboration with student representatives in the ASUC, it hopes to encourage higher undergraduate participation in academic research.

*Most appropriate for students who have a strong background in coding and/or engineering.

Center for Computational Biology   (CBB)

CCB combines the research strengths and interests of over 40 faculty from fourteen different departments and five colleges, each among the best in the world, to provide unparalleled opportunities for innovative foundational and applied research and learning at the interface of computation and biology.

Discovery Hub

The Discovery Hub connects undergraduates to the incredible variety of experiential learning opportunities at UC Berkeley. From research opportunities to public service, from creative projects to entrepreneurial collaborations, the Hub will help you navigate campus, connect with mentors and collaborators, and build projects that positively impact the world.

Diversifying Access to Research in Engineering (DARE) *

DARE is a UC Berkeley program created to match undergraduate students with research opportunities in EECS and to promote diversity. Its mission is to encourage and assist students in finding long lasting research opportunities that also fit their interests and abilities. It welcomes all interested students with strong academic performance to apply.

Fung Fellowship

The Fung Fellowship is a model of discovery education at UC Berkeley—an immersive undergraduate learning experience that inspires students to become innovators for social good. Partnering with the School of Public Health and the Rausser College of Natural Resources, the Fung Fellowship currently offers two courses for students to choose from based on their passion, interest, and desired area for impact.

Population Science at UC Berkeley

Berkeley population scientists are conducting pathbreaking theoretical and empirical research spanning a broad range of topics in the population sciences, from basic science to policy.  Notable interdisciplinary areas include formal demography and data science; biodemography and genetics; social mobility and health disparities; and behavioral economics approaches for reproductive health policy.  Several specialized research centers on campus encourage innovative scholarship through pilot grants, small conferences and support in the development of major project proposals.  

Student Learning Center's Research Associate Program

The SLC Research Associate Program seeks to demystify the research process and acclimate students to the rigor and practice of research at Cal. RAP fellows acquire the tools to produce an original research project from start to finish and receive both a stipend and individualized academic support for their work. Currently, SLCRAP support is tailored to low-income, first-generation junior transfer students.

Undergraduate Laboratory @ Berkeley (ULAB)

ULAB believes that every student interested in participating in research at Berkeley should have the opportunity to do so. It is committed to individually helping new students find research on campus, developing student-led research projects, and connecting & supporting students already involved in research.

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Undergraduate Research Opportunities for Economics Majors

From all accounts, getting into research is one of the more rewarding experiences students can have in college. Research can open doors - academic or career - that you hadn't imagined before. Delve into a topic and seek answers to questions of great interest to you. Establish an easy camaraderie with one of the faculty or graduate students. Here's how... Engage in Faculty-led Research

URAP. Apprentice with a faculty member in the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP). The URAP program provides opportunities for you to work with faculty on some cutting-edge research. Working closely with faculty, you can cultivate professional relationships, enhance your research skills, and deepen your knowledge and skills in areas of special interest. Applications are online. For a complete listing and description of research projects, check out the URAP website or stop by 2412 Dwinelle Hall.

Design Your Own Research

Please note that these courses require a significant level of departmental approval. See links provided for important details. Independent Study Courses. Think about your own research, perhaps as an independent study. In such cases, a faculty mentor can help you stay focused and develop skills in asking and answering research questions. You can receive credit for your independent research by enrolling in one or more units of Econ 199. Courses vary from one to three units, depending on the extensiveness of the project, and are only offered on a Pass/Not Pass basis. During the regular academic year, forms are due the Friday of the 3rd week of classes . For additional details, visit the undergraduate advisors. Honors Thesis. About 5 to 10% of Economics majors write an Honors Thesis. If you have a strong interest in a particular topic and would like the experience of researching and writing a long research paper, consider writing an Honors Thesis. Students who write an honors thesis work independently with a faculty sponsor. In order to qualify for honors, Economics majors must have 1) a 3.3 or higher GPA in all their UC coursework; 2) a 3.5 or higher GPA in thier upper-division Economics courses at UC Berkeley; and 3) complete an honors thesis, as noted by a passing grade in Econ H195B. For specifics, please refer to the Honors website or speak with an undergraduate advisor. The Haas Scholars Program. The Robert & Colleen Haas Scholars Program funds financial aid eligible, academically talented undergraduates to engage in a sustained research, field-study or creative project in the summer before and during their senior year at Berkeley. Each year, twenty Haas Scholars are selected from all disciplines and departments across the University on the basis of the merit and originality of their project proposals. For more information, call (510) 643-5374, go to the website , or visit the program office at 2414 Dwinelle Hall.  

Identify Sources of Funding Various units on campus offer or administer grants, scholarships, and awards for purposes ranging from: introductory and senior thesis research, study abroad and research related travel, community and university service projects, and merit based awards acknowledging outstanding scholarship. For more information about these funding opportunities, check out the listings below.

• Haas Scholars Program
• McNair Scholars Program
• SURF: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (L&S)
• Student Mentoring and Research Teams (SMART)

Publish Your Research

The Berkeley Undergraduate Journal is dedicated to publishing the academic work of undergraduates from the Humanities, Social Sciences, and related fields at the University of California, Berkeley. Essays are selected on the basis of academic content, general interest, and clarity of writing. Papers should be 15-60 pages long, on topics that would be of interest to the generally well-educated reader. For submission instructions, applications to the all-undergraduate Editorial Board, or further information, call (510) 664-4410 or email [email protected] .

Issues in Political Economy is edited and refereed by undergraduates and publishes essays by undergraduates. This journal is published by Elon University and the University of Mary Washington.

Undergraduate Economic Review is edited by undergraduates and publishes essays authored by undergraduates. It is based at Illinois Wesleyan University.

The Michigan Journal of Economics , founded in 1979, is the oldest undergraduate economics journal in the country. The MJE provides an opportunity for outstanding undergraduates interested in economics to have their papers published. Furthermore, it provides undergraduates with models of how to write economics papers. It encourages students to become interested in economics by providing examples of what is studied within the discipline.

Summer Opportunities for Undergraduates

American Economic Association Summer Training and Scholarship Program Since 1974, the American Economic Association has sponsored the Summer Training and Scholarship Program (AEASP). The AEA Summer Training Program, currently hosted at Howard University, seeks to prepare talented undergraduates for doctoral programs in Economics and related disciplines, by offering a unique opportunity for students to gain technical skills in Economics and conduct research with prominent faculty.  All US citizens and permanent residents are eligible for scholarship assistance. Preference will be given to applicants who, by their background, life experience, and scholarship can show they will bring greater diversity to the field and who also demonstrate financial need. The purpose of the Summer Training Program is to provide a strong basis for the professional success of individuals from diverse backgrounds who will inform the profession and broaden the scope and impact of high quality research agendas that are pursued in economics and in related fields.

Information about upcoming conferences, events and fellowships through AEA for current undergraduates can be found here .

Post-Baccalaureate Research Opportunities

Pursuing research after completing an undergraduate degree is a great option for students who would like to gain more experience prior to graduate school. Post-baccalaureate research opportunities can be found through the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and PREDOC: Pathways to Research and Doctoral Careers . For research opportunities outside of the NBER, click here and follow @econ_ra on Twitter.

Visit the American Economic Association (AEA) for information about conferences, events and fellowships for post-bacs.

For additional research opportunities visit the Office of Undergraduate Research. Last updated 5/3/2021

• Equity & Inclusion

Data science research opportunities for undergraduates

Undergraduate students interested in data science have a unique opportunity to apply the skills learned in class to hands-on research projects led by UC Berkeley faculty.

The  Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program  (URAP) is the perfect way to get involved in Berkeley’s world-renowned research and develop more advanced skills. URAP is one of the signature programs of a Berkeley education. Students can also earn 1 unit of academic credit for every three hours of research work (limit of 4 units per term).

There are numerous  projects  currently open for applications on the URAP website from more than 300 mentors that require a data science approach. If you would like to get involved in a research project, you need to act soon. The deadline for project applications is  Tuesday, August 30, at 8:00 a.m.

Of the many possibilities that use your data science skills, you might be interested in applying for projects like these:

Environment:

• Big data mapping: Analyzing the impact of geographic information
• Impact and adaptation to climate change in California water resources
• Land use/land cover analysis in the West African Sahel
• Understanding environmental change and waterborne disease in developing countries

Biology, Medicine, and Public Health:

• Neuroeconomics: Decision-making and the brain
• Biodiversity informatics and GIS at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
• Improving Asian & Pacific Islander health through community health center research

Physical Sciences and Engineering:

• Imaging lost voices: High resolution optical scanning of historical sound recordings
• Neutrino physics
• Network science for nonproliferation

Social Sciences and Policy:

• Building and refining text analysis tool to discover patterns in police and protester interactions
• Increasing public trust in science: A randomized field experiment on attitudes towards vaccines
• Health care reform in California
• Terner Center for Housing Innovation
• Funding and growth of LGBTQ NGOs
• The Digital Humanities in practice: Not reading English novels, 1750-1830
• Building computational models of literary texts
• Hellenistic Babylonia: texts, images and names

Core Data Science:

• Innovation analytics
• Computational models of human cognition
• Machine learning for multimedia big data
• Data sharing and citations

BIDS Projects:

• Machine Shop, scikit-image, and Jupyter Notebook
• BIDS Collaborative
• Learning data science (Data Science Education Program)

Detailed information about the program can be found on the  URAP website , and if you have questions, you can email  [email protected] .

We hope that you take advantage of these tremendous opportunities now and look out for more information ahead of the spring semester, when we plan to offer new services and opportunities to help our campus faculty and students make connections and foster new skills.

Berkeley Institute for Data Science  (BIDS) and  Berkeley Data Science Education Program  (DSEP)

• Prospective Students
• Faculty & Staff

Research & Post Graduate Opportunities

Research opportunities.

Marco Antonio Firebaugh Scholars Program

https://gradapp.berkeley.edu/portal/fellowships?cmd=firebaugh

Firebaugh Scholars receive funding and academic support to design and complete an independent faculty-sponsored research project over the course of one academic year. Scholars also receive support in applying to graduate school and post-baccalaureate opportunities. 

*Applications typically open in early spring

Haas Scholar Program

https://research.berkeley.edu/haas-scholars/  

Each year, twenty highly qualified, academically talented undergraduates with financial needs come together to build a supportive intellectual community during their final year at UC Berkeley.

Haas Scholars come from all walks of life and every major on campus, but they are united by their desire to strive for excellence–both in their individual academic pursuits and as an interdisciplinary cohort. Applicants are evaluated primarily on the merit and originality of their proposal for an independent research or creative project that will serve as the basis for a senior or honors thesis. Once selected, Haas Scholars receive close mentoring from members of the UC-Berkeley faculty, seminars and workshops to assist them in the research and writing process, the opportunity to present their work at a professional conference, and up to $13,800 each in financial support.

Haas Scholar alumni have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields, including academia, medicine, law, industry, the arts, and public service. You are invited to explore this website for an introduction to the community of Haas Scholars, and if qualified, we encourage you to apply to join us!

*The 2024–2025 application will be posted in early fall 2023

Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP)

https://research.berkeley.edu/urap/

The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) provides an opportunity for Berkeley undergraduates to work with faculty members and research staff on cutting-edge research projects. Working closely with mentors, students will deepen their knowledge and skills in areas of special interest, while experiencing what it means to be part of an intellectual community engaged in research. The program is designed to stimulate awareness of advanced research and interest in graduate study. Students are not paid for their participation; instead, they earn 1 unit of academic credit for every 3 hours of research work completed (limited to 4 units per term). 

CRG Student Grants Program for Research & Creative Projects

https://crg.berkeley.edu/opportunities/crg-student-grants-program  

CRG welcomes proposals from both undergraduate and graduate students to support research or creative projects. Project topics should be consonant with CRG’s mandate to support critical student research on race, gender, and their intersections in a wide variety of social, cultural, and institutional contexts. Proposals that address both race and gender will be prioritized, and proposals that do not address race at all will be de-prioritized. Projects may be oriented toward academic research or may approach race and gender issues from the perspectives of the media, fine arts, and performing arts.

* The spring application period opens in mid-September.   FALL APPLICATION DEADLINE:  November 15

*The Spring application period opens in mid-February. SPRING APPLICATION DEADLINE:  April 15

Social Sciences Research Pathways

https://irle.berkeley.edu/student-opportunities/social-science-research-pathways/  

Social Sciences Research Pathways (SSRP) is a yearlong paid research development program that connects undergraduate students with graduate student mentors pursuing master’s or doctoral-level research.

* Mentee applications will open on August 9, 2023

* Mentor deadline to apply is August 30th, 2023

The Berkeley Physics Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (BPURS)

Berkeley Physics Undergraduate Research Scholars (BPURS) (deadlines 2nd Fri of Sept+1st Fri of Feb).  

Berkeley Physics Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (BPURS) offers the opportunity for a student to partner with a faculty member to apply jointly for funding ($750 per semester) for a research project. The project can be mentored by postdocs or graduate students, under the supervision of a faculty memberInterested students apply and the faculty member must sign off on the acceptance of the student through BPURS into their lab.

*Mentee applications will open on August 9, 2023

SURF Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

https://research.berkeley.edu/surf/

SURF L&S provides undergraduates in the College of Letters and Science with funding to undertake concentrated summer research in preparation for a senior thesis or other major capstone project. Fellows receive a summer stipend of $5,000. SURF L&S fellows must be entering their final year or final semester and have no other research funding. 

SURF Rose Hills

SURF Rose Hills supports sophomores, juniors, and seniors conducting STEM-oriented research during the summer months. Students may be either pursuing a faculty-led project or an independent project of their own design. Generously supported by the Rose Hills Foundation, SURF Rose Hills fellows receive a summer stipend of $5,000. 

*Applications typically open in Spring

The UC Washington Program (UCDC)

https://research.berkeley.edu/ucdc/  

Each Fall and Spring, UC juniors and seniors from all majors travel to Washington, D.C. to intern, do research, and take classes for a semester. Students live and attend courses at the UC Washington Center, an eleven-story building six blocks from the White House. Washington, D.C. offers a wide variety of academic, professional, and rich cultural opportunities for undergraduates.

Additional Possible Research Opportunities

Check out this spreadsheet .

Post-Graduate Opportunities

DreamSF Fellowship

The DreamSF Fellowship is a paid San Francisco-based leadership and professional development program for immigrant students and aspiring professionals who seek to gain real-world experience with social justice change-makers in the Bay Area.

Fellows are paired with local immigrant-serving community organizations and gain hands-on experience in direct services, advocacy, and immigration law, and more while growing a network of mentors. Fellows receive professional mentorship and attend weekly enrichment seminars to support their growth as leaders and community advocates.

* Applications open in February of each year

Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

This program is for graduate students up to 30 years old with an interest in human rights and the rule of law as related to the U.S. Constitution. DACA students and non-U.S. citizens are eligible.

*Applications close October 26, 2023

Independent Contracting

All immigrants regardless of legal status can earn a living as independent contractors, or start a business using an ITIN or SSN. An independent contractor must pay self-employment tax and income tax and may use an ITIN to file and pay taxes instead of an SSN. 

If you are an independent contractor, then you are self-employed. The general rule is that an individual is an independent contractor if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work and not what will be done and how it will be done.

Resources that may help you learn more about independent contracting: 

• Immigrants rising https://immigrantsrising.org/making-money/
• Look out for UndocuLife After Cal Workshops offered through USP

Follow @undocuprofessionals on instagram

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UC Berkeley Department of Bioengineering

The future of biology. The future of engineering.

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Undergraduate Research

68% of Bioengineering majors have done research outside of a Berkeley course. By the end of their Berkeley career, 94% of BioE seniors have done research!

We think research is an invaluable experience for engineers. Many of our students find their own research opportunity by volunteering in a faculty laboratory. Others work through the established programs below, or during the summer at other institutions.

The Bioengineering Department offers an award for outstanding undergraduate research, The Dr. Thomas Budinger Bioengineering Exploration Award .

Many opportunities for research can through the College of Engineering’s student research pages, beehive.berkeley.edu .

Some other applicable programs are:

UC Berkeley  Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program , research during the school year.

QB3 Undergraduate Research Biotech Internship Program  – summer industry internships.

Synthetic Biology Summer Research Program (iGEM) – stay tuned for recruitment announcements

Amgen and Genentech Scholars Undergraduate Summer Research Program in Sciences and Biotechnology.

Pre-IMSD Summer Research , summer research in biomedicine, environmental health, behavioral sciences, pre-PhD.

UCSF Summer Research Training Program for undergraduates

Other research opportunities can be found on the  Undergraduate Research at Berkeley  website.

Past Program – Summer Biodesign Immersion Experience – ended in 2022

Funding Opportunities

There are many ways to get funding for your research. Many professors are able to provide supplies and equipment through their research funding, and some are able to hire students as part-time lab employees. There are also grants available to provide travel funds to attend research conferences.

Other programs across campus are able to provide a stipend to student researchers for summer or academic year research. Many of the programs above provide stipends. More money can sometimes be obtained through a grant or fellowship. Good luck!

Getting Published

Getting published is a great addition to your resume or CV application. One way might be to co-author a paper with your research mentor about your research project, for a scholarly journal. There are other publications dedicated to student research:

Berkeley Scientific Berkeley Scientific is the undergraduate research journal of the University of California at Berkeley.

The American Journal of Undergraduate Research (AJUR) A national, independent, faculty peer-reviewed, open-source, quarterly, multidisciplinary student research journal.

The Penn Bioethics Journal

Accessibility

Research Resources

Haas scholars program.

Haas Scholars come from all walks of life and every major on campus, but they are united by their desire to strive for excellence–both in their individual academic pursuits, and as an interdisciplinary cohort.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 

Auto Lab research focuses on discovery science and solutions for clean energy and a healthy planet.

Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Research Opportunities for Undergraduates.

UC Berkeley’s AUTOLAB

A leading center for research in robotics and automation sciences.

Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program

URAP provides an opportunity for Berkeley undergraduates to work with faculty members and research staff on cutting-edge research projects.

Surf-Smart Mentorship Program

SURF SMART enables doctoral students to create mentored research opportunities for undergraduate students at UC Berkeley. The program provides summer funding for both graduate and undergraduate participants.