Research opportunities for undergraduate students are led by two research centers. Research courses are also offered by academic departments.
The Undergraduate Research Centers (URC) assist students in the humanities, arts, social sciences, and behavioral sciences (URC Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, A334 Murphy Hall) and in science, engineering, and mathematics (URC Sciences, 2121 Life Sciences) by supporting scholarly, critical, and creative research. The centers offer mentoring and tutorials, manage the Student Research Program (SRP), and administer summer research programs, academic year research programs, research stipends, and scholarships. They also sponsor two student-run publications—the Undergraduate Science Journal and the Aleph humanities and social sciences journal. Each year, the URCs organize Undergraduate Research Week in May and run the campuswide Undergraduate Research and Creativity Showcases in May and in the summer. The URCs also teach courses in the practice of research. Research practice courses promote a broader and deeper understanding of university research, explore careers, and help student researchers improve their communication skills. See undergraduate research for more information.
Administered by each Undergraduate Research Center, the Student Research Program (SRP) offers undergraduates, especially lower division and first-year transfer students, opportunities to become actively involved in the UCLA research community. Working with faculty members on research projects, SRP students gain valuable research training and experience, as well as preparation for advanced undergraduate work and graduate school. Students enroll in course 99 in any department and receive 1 unit of course credit for each 30 hours of research completed during the term. Science, engineering, and mathematics students should see sciences SRP. Humanities, arts, social sciences (HASS), and behavioral sciences students should see HASS SRP.
The Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (URFP) is available on a competitive basis and by application for undergraduate students seeking entry-level research experience. Funded students typically participate in two terms of research (winter and spring quarters) through SRP. Science, engineering, and mathematics students should see sciences URFP. Humanities, arts, social sciences (HASS), and behavioral sciences students should see HASS URFP.
The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP) offers scholarships from foundations, industry, and individual donors to continuing students (junior-level standing and higher). Applicants must have a strong commitment to research and must complete an honors thesis or a comprehensive independent studies project during the senior year. Applications are accepted during spring quarter for the following academic year. Science, engineering, and mathematics students should see sciences URSP. Humanities, arts, social sciences (HASS), and behavioral sciences students should see HASS URSP.
All academic departments offer undergraduate research courses that allow students to obtain academic credit for their research experiences. Students enrolled in the courses are often upper division students with Student Research Program experience. Department requirements for credit vary, but all departments require a research proposal to enroll in upper division tutorial courses and a research report to receive credit when the research project is completed. Senior students working toward honors or highest honors in many majors must complete a two-term (or more) research project that culminates in an honors thesis. Arrangements must be made with a faculty mentor before students can register for the course. See the undergraduate adviser in the department of interest for more information.
