Summer Research Programs
Summer Research Programs
Research Experiences for Undergraduates Programs
Funded by the National Science Foundation, REU programs give undergraduate students the chance to actively participate in competitive faculty-led projects for 10 weeks during the summer. The goal of REUs is to help students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the STEM fields and those with limited research opportunities at their own colleges gain meaningful research experience in preparation for graduate school.
REUs give you a glimpse of what a life dedicated to research looks like. Work closely with a professor and other participants to find effective solutions for advanced scientific challenges. Enrich your experience even further through professional development activities like field trips, speaker series and specialized training. Groups are kept intentionally small, turning your fellow students into friends and collaborators.
These 10-week programs also position you for successful graduate school applications. Our faculty mentors can serve as references and write letters of recommendation that speak to your strengths. REUs further give you the opportunity to prepare a paper for publication and present in professional conferences, which can make your résumé stand out among other candidates.
There are a few factors to consider before applying to an REU:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or resident (green card holder) to apply to an REU.
- There are no application fees for REUs. Accepted students receive a stipend, plus housing and travel allowances.
- Though you can apply to as many REUs as you wish, we recommend setting your sights on programs that closely align with your own interests. You can always reach out with questions to make sure the REU best fits your goals.
- REU programs are especially geared towards undergraduates who have limited access to research options and/or are from demographics traditionally underrepresented in the STEM fields. If one or more of these factors describes your experience, we encourage you to share this in your application.
- Expect to hear back about the status of your application in mid-March.
REU applications consist of at least the following items:
- A 500-1,000 word personal statement explaining why you want to participate in that specific REU and why you would be an ideal candidate.
- Transcripts.
- Letters of recommendation.
- CV or résumé.
Each program may also have specific eligibility requirements. Please review the requirements for the REU you are interested in before submitting your application.
CSTEP & McNair Programs
Look ahead to graduate school or the demanding STEM job market through the CSTEP and McNair programs. Funded by federal and state Education Departments, CSTEP and McNair programs connect eligible students with research and professional development opportunities, graduate school preparation and other academically enriching activities related to the STEM fields.
CSTEP & McNair Research Journal
Add a publication to your résumé after a summer of hard work. The annual CSTEP and McNair Research Journal compiles and publishes the abstracts of all summer research program participants.
Honors Program Summer Research Opportunities
Dive further into your interests through our two exclusive summer research opportunities for Honors Program students. Work closely with faculty, connect with fellow students and develop your research and lab skills. The programs are application based and considered a signature part of the Honors experience.
Whether you participate in the five- or 10-week summer program, your experience includes:
- Free apartment-style housing on campus.
- A weekly stipend.
- Orientation session.
- Weekly workshops on research best practices, poster presentations and oral presentation skills.
- Field trips and social activities.
- Participation in the Research and Project Showcase Conference (RAPS).
Applications for current students include a brief description of your project, the name of a faculty advisor, a résumé and a personal statement describing how the project advances your goals.
Applications for pre-frosh students include a résumé and an explanation of your interest in summer research.
To apply, check your Honors email for a link to the application. Applications open every spring for the Honors Summer Research experiences.
