Undergraduate Research
We strongly encourage undergraduates to participate in undergraduate research, which provides you with hands-on experience in the laboratory under the guidance of our outstanding faculty. This experience gives you skills and knowledge that will help prepare you for graduate study or work in industry.
Participating in undergraduate research gives you the opportunity to:
- Work one-on-one with internationally distinguished faculty;
- Participate in cutting-edge research projects with far-reaching impact;
- Make significant contributions to a field you care about; and
- Enhance your competitiveness for graduate or professional school admission or high-level employment.
To gain academic credit for undergraduate research, learn about special studies courses (i.e. CHEM 199).
Academic Research
- Special Studies Application (e.g. CHEM 99, 196, 199)
- CAICE Undergraduate Summer Research Program
- Research Experience and Applied Learning (REAL)
- Undergraduate Research Hub (URH) : Sponsors programs for UCSD undergraduates including the Faculty Mentor Program; California Alliance for Minority Participation in Science, Engineering and Mathematics Program (CAMP); McNair Program; Summer Research Program; UCSD Undergraduate Research Conference, Graduate School Application Award.
- UCSD Career Services Center
- Science Policy Internship Program (SPIP)
- NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
- Physical Sciences Undergraduate Summer Research Scholarship: Provides funding for UC San Diego undergraduates majoring in the physical sciences to conduct a summer research project under the guidance of a UC San Diego faculty member. The program offers students the opportunity to become immersed, full time, in a research topic for a 10-week period (July 1 - September 6). Students are awarded a $7,500 stipend. Details and application here! Note: the 2021 application deadline has passed.
- Perrin Summer Fellowship
Industry Research
- Academic Internship Program (AIP) - for UCSD undergraduates
- UCSD Career Services Center and their Internship Supersite is a great place to start your search.
- Vertex Summer Learning Lab
For more information on Research Opportunities, contact our Undergraduate Coordinators at chemadvising@ucsd.edu.
To stay up to date on all outside research, internship and job opportunities, visit our blog: