undergraduate engineering research opportunities

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research in engineering is defined as mentored investigations conducted by undergraduate students that seek to expand the boundaries of knowledge and contribute to the engineering community.

Why get involved in undergraduate research?

Research can enhance the undergraduate experience by allowing students to take the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom and apply them to real situations.

It affords students the opportunity to interact closely with faculty and, in many instances, to develop valuable industry connections. When involved in research, students will also find themselves working with peers who share their passion for learning. 

Learning more about undergraduate research at Cornell:

Please review the following pages for advice tailored for undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Engineering. To learn more about ongoing research topics in the College of Engineering, explore the wide range of research topics studied by our students as well as  department and faculty web sites .

• Cornell Undergraduate Research Board
• Journal of Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Excellence
• Council on Undergraduate Research
• Career Development Toolkit: Research Module

Getting Started in Undergraduate Research

Finding Research Opportunities at Cornell

Funding Your Research

Summer Research Opportunities

I am a Cornell student researcher

I love to explore engineering approaches to the study of the natural world, understand the impact of research, and improve human health.

My advice to other engineering students interested in research: commit to becoming an expert in what research interests you.

- Rocky An '23, biological engineering, undergraduate researcher in Clark Lab

The one thing I love about research is the collaboration aspect. Throughout my summer research experience, I had the opportunity to connect and collaborate with a diverse array of individuals.

My advice to other engineering students interested in research: Don't be afraid to reach out to professors whose work you are interested in and to other peers who might have done research. Look at research that might not be directly related to your major, I had a couple friends who really enjoyed applying their engineering skills to different projects.

- Azeezah Ladoja '25, civil engineering, undergraduate researcher in Nair's Research Group

Additional Resources

In addition to the resources provided here, we encourage you to check out an overview of undergraduate research at Cornell and guidance on getting started through the University's central Office of Undergraduate Research .

If you are an enrolled student, be sure to visit the Research Module within the Career Development Toolkit as well. To access the Toolkit, you can  self-enroll . If you are already enrolled and want to dive in, jump to the course . In canvas you can also go to Courses > All Courses > Browse More Courses to search for the Toolkit.

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Undergraduate research experiences in the Cockrell School teach engineering students to work collaboratively, think critically, and solve problems creatively. These unique opportunities prepare students for graduate study and engineering careers. There are several ways for Texas Engineering undergraduates to get involved in research.

• EUREKA  (Enhancing Undergraduate Research, Experience, Knowledge and Access) is the university's central undergraduate research information resource.
• Office of Undergraduate Research  hosts information sessions and provides guidance to students looking to get involved.
• Undergraduate Research Week  is an annual event for students to learn about the research opportunities at UT Austin and to showcase their work.
• Texas Research Experience  connects upper-division engineering students with faculty to participate and engage in research.
• The National Science Foundation's  Research Experiences for Undergraduates  provides opportunities for students to contribute to ongoing research projects at other universities or research sites around the world.
• Cockrell School undergraduates interested in research should connect with their departmental advisors, identify research projects or areas of interest, talk with graduate students and other undergraduates about their experiences and be proactive about asking to meet with faculty members.

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Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Immerse yourself in real-world faculty research

Mit undergraduate research opportunities program, upcoming deadlines.

Summer 2024

Wellesley Students

Summer UROP Cross-Registration Deadline

Summer supervisor/sponsored research funding/credit & volunteer urop application deadline, student advice & resources.

If you’re excited by the possibility of doing real-world research with MIT faculty and researchers, then you’re ready to UROP.

Eligibility and Participation

When it comes to planning and participating in a UROP, there’s a lot to consider. Review eligibility and participation options under our guidelines section!

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

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The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a fully funded, eight-week summer residential program that brings 30 talented and motivated undergraduate students from across the country and the world to Stanford Engineering for an immersive research and graduate school preparation experience.

SURF is designed to demystify the admissions process and give scholars a real feel for what it means to conduct research at the graduate level. The program provides students with housing, a meal plan, a travel stipend, and a stipend upon completion of the program. In addition, SURF students will have the opportunity to participate in a robust graduate school preparation program including coding experience, industry visits, excursions around the Bay Area, community-building activities, participation in a research symposium, and a strong mentorship component.

The program aims to build community and create a cohort of future graduate student engineers who can promote diversity of thought and experience within the engineering and science student body. Student engagement in research increases 1) the retention of students in scientific research , 2) student interest in graduate school , and 3) student interest in STEM careers . Since its inception, SURF has been a vehicle for undergraduate students to conduct scientific research and a foundation for them to pursue graduate studies in engineering.

We are committed to advancing a culture of respect, accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment at for all students at Stanford Engineering. We make intentional efforts to outreach and connect with competitive students with demonstrated potential, including those who come from environments with limited access to Research I university programs.

SURF virtual information sessions:

November 2024 @ TBD PT December 2024 @ TBD PT  January 2025 @ TBD PT

See information session slides here

Surf application office hours.

Join virtually in January 2025 @ TBD PT 

Application Information

Program eligibility - applicants must.

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited public or private college or university in the United States or its territories, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Full-time community college students in their transfer year are eligible to apply. U.S. domestic undocumented and DACAmented students are eligible to apply. 
• If the applicant is a foreign national enrolled in a college or university within the United States & in possession of a valid F-1 Visa, they must be first generation (first in their family to attend university in pursuit of a bachelor's degree) and/or from low socioeconomic status, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education . Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from international students who are enrolled in public or private colleges or universities outside of the United States, regardless of first generation and/or socioeconomic status.  
• Be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Note: Applications from students who describe exceptional circumstances in their statement of purpose and/or personal history statement, or who demonstrate a marked progression of improving grades on their transcript, may be considered.
• Demonstrate a committed interest to pursue graduate study toward a  PhD in an engineering field . If you plan on pursuing an MD, JD, MBA, or other non-research-focused advanced degree, this is not the right program for you.
• Have completed at least two semesters/three quarters (or equivalent) and have at least one full semester/quarter remaining of their undergraduate education at the end of the summer program. Priority given to rising juniors (3rd years) and seniors (4th years). Master's students are not eligible. 

In efforts to attract applicants from a variety of life experiences, two application options are available:

• Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply to SURF through the Leadership Alliance's Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP) *
• Applicants may also apply through the Stanford SURF program application ** 

*Submitting an application through either portal is acceptable. All applications are reviewed thoroughly and holistically regardless of the application portal chosen, and the applicant should not submit their application twice. If you are applying through SR-EIP, you will not be able to submit an optional personal history statement or rank your top 3 SURF labs. To submit your personal history statement and lab rankings, please email PDF attachments to [email protected] with the subject line: LastName-FirstName-Personal History Statement and Lab Rankings. 

**Undocumented students, DACAmented students, and first generation and/or low income international applicants studying at U.S. colleges and universities with an F-1 visa should submit their application through the Stanford SURF Portal . Unfortunately, the SURF program is unable to accept applications from international students enrolled in colleges and universities outside the U.S.

The SURF team conducts a holistic review of all applications and extends initial invitations to top applicants. 

The deadline for both applications (including all letters of recommendation and supporting documents) is February 1 at 11:59pm.   Applicants will be notified of a decision for the program in early March.  

Many questions about the program and application can be answered in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page .

Application Materials

As part of the application form, applicants must submit the following materials: 

• Resume or CV : 3 pages in length at maximum
• Academic Transcript : Unofficial transcript will suffice; official transcript not necessary.
• Statement of Purpose : The statement of purpose should be an essay crafted to convey your academic and career goals, with an emphasis on your current research interests. In this essay, you should clearly explain your interest for pursuing doctoral level (PhD) training. An interview is not a standard part of the SURF application process. Consider the statement of purpose your opportunity to introduce yourself to a review committee and the chance to answer any information you might share during an interview. Statements should be typed, single-spaced, and 1-2 pages in length. 
• Two Letters of Recommendation : We highly recommend letters from faculty & supervisors who can specifically discuss your academic potential and research preparation for the program.
• Optional Personal History Statement (Strongly Encouraged) : For the optional personal history statement, we invite you to share unique, personally important experiences, demonstrated values, perspectives, or activities that have led you to this point in your academic/professional journey. Please discuss how they have influenced your path in school, inform your approach to science and research, and/or serve as motivation for pursuing your chosen field in engineering. 1000 words max. Note : If you are applying through Leadership Alliance SR-EIP and would like to submit an optional personal history statement, please email a PDF attachment to [email protected] with the subject line   LastName-FirstName-PersonalHistoryStatement. 

Application Resources - Exemplars

In an effort to support applicants in preparing their applications, updated exemplars will be provided in fall 2024. These are not meant to be prescriptive, but rather to offer you examples of what successful statements have looked like in previous years; remember there are many ways to write successful statements. We encourage you to have your statements reviewed by trusted mentors, as well as your college or university's writing center tutors if those are available to you.

For Stanford Labs - Host a Scholar

Thank you for your interest in serving as a lab host for the SURF program. PIs should complete our Lab Host Interest Form to confirm your interest and availability. SUNet ID Authentication is required to access the form.

2024 SURF Lab Host Interest Form

2024 SURF Lab Host Guide and FAQ

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or connect with us at  [email protected]

Scholar Spotlights

Learn from our past scholars about SURF!

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Student Research

At NYU Tandon, students have numerous and diverse opportunities to engage in research that discovers solutions to real-world problems.

Related Links

On this page, stay connected.

Interested in learning more about various research opportunities? Join the Tandon Research Interest Listserve .

Have a research opportunity that you want to share with the listserve? Submit a Research Opportunity today!

Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP)

The Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) program provides a multi-year, integrated approach to learning that emphasizes project-based, interdisciplinary, research-active education . It provides an opportunity to learn and practice professional skills while making real-world contributions.

Learn more about VIP

Selected students (sophomores to graduate students) will work together in teams on research projects with faculty from Tandon and other schools within NYU. With an intended commitment of at least three semesters, the long-term nature of the project allows for opportunities for mentorship as well as leadership. 

Undergraduate Research

Summer research programs at nyu tandon.

For NYU Students & Select Students from Other Universities Each summer, members of NYU Tandon faculty open up their labs to allow rising junior and senior undergraduate students 10 weeks of hands-on research under faculty mentorship.

Learn more about Undergraduate Summer Research

Additional opportunities.

Numerous STEM research programs open to undergraduate students are available throughout the country. Search for programs by discipline or geography using Pathways to Science . Listed below are a few select programs:

• Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)  - National Science Foundation
• Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship  - US Department of Energy
• Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) - National Institute of Standards and Technology 
• Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program - US Department of Transportation

International Opportunities

Graduate Research

Nyu resources.

• Both the School of Engineering's Office of Sponsored Programs and NYU's Office of Sponsored Programs provide information about research funding opportunities. 

Fellowship Opportunities in STEM 

Explore our list of  Fellowship Opportunities .

Search for programs by discipline or geography using Pathways to Science . Listed below are a few select programs:

• Graduate Research Fellowship Program  - National Science Foundation
• DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship  - US Dept of Energy
• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship - US Dept of Defense
• NASA Internships and Fellowships
• National Institutes of Health
• Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) - US Dept of Energy 
• Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Graduate Fellowship  - US Department of Transportation

International Summer Research: Practical Research Experience Program (PREP) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) Graduate students can apply for a 10-week summer program in Germany.

Research Excellence Exhibit

The Research Excellence Exhibit is an annual public event at NYU Tandon which features exhibits that illustrate the scope of engineering and the applied sciences — and their potential for improving the world. Find out more and see lists of past projects at our Research Excellence Exhibit page.

Finding Research Opportunities at Cornell

There are several steps in getting started in undergraduate research. First, take a moment to reflect on your readiness and what you are looking for in a research experience. Second, identify your fields of interest and research opportunities within these areas that align with your personal goals. Then, reach out to potential mentors or programs to obtain more information about available research opportunities. Finally, have conversations with potential mentors about the research experience expectations to determine if the experience is right for you.  

These points are expanded in detail below with helpful guidance, tips, and resources to get you started.

• Join CURB (Cornell Undergraduate Research Board)
• Paid research may be found on the Student Job Board

Getting Started in Undergraduate Research

Reflect: what is right for me.

Before beginning your research journey, take a few moments to consider the questions below to determine if you are ready to get started in research. 

• Have you completed at least one semester at Cornell? 
• Are you both comfortable with your academic load and confident that adding an additional responsibility will not significantly impact your academic performance? 
• Do you have 6-10 hours available each week in at least 2 hour time blocks from Monday-Friday between 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.? 
• Are you able to commit to a consistent, weekly schedule for at least one semester? 
• Are you excited to do research? 

If the answer to all of the questions below is yes, then it may be a good time to get started. If not, consider how to prepare yourself and your schedule to accommodate research. 

Questions to Ask Yourself When Looking for Research Opportunities

Before you can find and secure a research position that will provide you with the skills and experiences you need, you must figure out what you want to gain from doing research. Knowing the answers to these questions will help you to 1) focus your search as you look for research groups to join, 2) prepare to approach faculty research mentors, and 3) answer questions when you interview with faculty or research groups.

Writing or speaking out loud are effective ways to turn nebulous ideas into concrete thoughts. Write down or speak your answers to the questions below. If you write them down, you may be able to pull from them later when contacting faculty or writing research-related applications.

Why do you want to do research?

• Do you expect research to prepare you for a particular career path or is it part of your exploration?
• What are 3-6 skills you want to gain or improve in during your research experience? Think broadly! Consider engineering or scientific skills, communication, teamwork, leadership
• Are there technical skills you would like to learn?
• Are there specific topics or areas of study that you are interested in exploring (e.g., fluid dynamics, clean water, quantum computing, sustainable construction, data science, robotics, medical device development, agriculture)? Thinking about your favorite ideas from courses can be a good way to start.
• Applied research has immediate implications for the world we live in. Applied research can be right for you if you need to know why a topic is useful in order for you to be interested in learning about it.
• Basic research may or may not have applications. If it does have applications, they may be either in the short term or very distant future. Basic research may be right for you if you are interested in learning about a topic for the sake of expanding your knowledge or deepening our understanding of the world.

Consider Research Logistics

How are you interested in being compensated for your research (select all that apply):

• Course credit (and consider graded or S/U)
• Volunteering

Are you able to commit an appropriate amount of time to get involved in research?

• How many hours do you want to commit to research each week?
• Do you have blocks of time available? If so, for how many hours and when?
• Are you able to commit to a lab for an entire semester (before you decide to continue or not)?

Now that you've identified your motivation to get involved in research and what you would like it to look like, let's take a look at how to find research opportunities. 

Finding Research Opportunities

Most research opportunities are not advertised. Students find positions by contacting researchers they would like to work with – usually by email. 

• Ask your professors, TAs, or faculty advisor for advice on finding research opportunities.
• Join CURB (Cornell Undergraduate Research Board) . CURB shares research postings
• Paid research opportunities may be found on the Student Employment website or by speaking with individual research mentors.
• Search for projects by research topic and within the  Engineering Departments . Make a list of researchers (including faculty, research associates) with whom you would like to work while searching departmental websites. 
• Cornell University Artificial Intelligence (CUAI) is an undergraduate student organization that focuses on machine learning research and publication
• Professor David Goldberg from ORIE organizes undergraduate research opportunities via the course ORIE 4999 (see examples of past projects) . Email Professor Goldberg ([email protected]) for more information.
• Visit the MAE undergraduate research website and the MAE undergraduate research project list . 

Contacting Potential Research Mentors

Once you’ve defined what kinds of projects you are looking for, you must begin talking to prospective faculty mentors. Gather as much information as possible from other students, administrators, and faculty. It’s just like interviewing for a job—you must be well-informed and persuasive when you finally talk to your prospective faculty mentor.

Before reaching out: 

• Read the researcher's website or the abstract of one or more papers
• The Engineering Career Center in Carpenter Hall offers resume critiques; make an appointment . 

When you are ready to contact faculty:

E-mail is often the best way to communicate with a busy faculty member. Mass e-mailing all faculty in a department or field will typically  not  work well. A personalized, introductory email expressing your  specific  interest in  their  research will be the best approach to contacting potential research mentors. Follow the guidelines below to craft a professional message:

• Start with a professional greeting (Dear Dr. or Professor X).
• Introduce yourself with your name, class year and major.
• Explain why you are interested in their research – be specific! Generic emails do not get much attention.
• Mass emailing faculty does not work!
• Share why you are a good fit for the lab by providing more information about yourself. Describe your experiences (non-research experiences are great!).
• Emails should be concise; limit yourself to one to three paragraphs.
• End with a question. Ask to meet to discuss their research or getting involved in their field.

If you don’t make contact right away, that's ok! Instead of following up immediately, send a follow-up message in 10-14 days. You can also try to locate the faculty member’s assistant or a member of the graduate research team for advice. Follow-up by going to the faculty member's office hours to introduce yourself in person and ask to discuss opportunities for participating in their research.

It's ok, and encouraged, to contact multiple faculty members at the same time. Consider making it a goal to contact 2-3 faculty members per week. 

Need feedback on your outreach?

Would you like feedback on a draft message to faculty? Ask for feedback from an advisor, professor, TA, or peer with whom you are most comfortable. Schedule an appointment on Chatter  with Engineering Advising or the Engineering Career Center . Email or speak with your faculty advisor, professor, and current undergraduate researchers.

Meeting with Potential Faculty Mentors

Congrats on getting meetings with researchers! Meeting with a prospective mentor is a two-way conversation where you and the mentor(s) are trying to determine if this research group is a good fit for you. Your goal is not only to find a research group, but the right group for you. Fit matters! The mentor(s) is trying to assess your skills and interests, as well as your compatibility with the research group. You have the opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the research area, research group culture, and the management and mentoring styles within the group. 

Preparing for the meeting: 

Before you meet with your prospective mentor, be sure you can articulate why you’re interested in their work specifically and research in general . Practice saying it out loud. Here are a few questions you may be asked:

• Describe your previous professional experiences. This could be jobs, previous research (not required!), volunteering, or participation in teams or clubs.
• How do you balance academics with participation in other activities?
• How do you respond to conflict, stress, or uncomfortable situations?
• Give an example of when you learned something independently.
• Why are you interested in this research group?
• What are your career goals? (It’s ok to be undecided!)

Prepare a list of questions to ask the mentor(s) . These can be about research or the lab structure (e.g., what do undergrads do each day?). Only ask questions you’re sincerely curious about. Here are a few example questions to ask a prospective mentor that have been adapted from the National Institute of Health :

• Who will I work with in the research group? Is there a specific person in the group that I will go to with day-to-day questions?
• What will my day-to-day experience be like? What will I do?
• What might I be working on here? What technologies, approaches, and systems will I learn?
• Will I have a small project of my own or will I be helping someone with an on-going project?
• How often do you meet individually with undergraduates?
• Does your research group have regular group meetings? Do undergraduates attend?
• What qualities do you value most in an undergraduate researcher? How do you evaluate your undergrads?

If you can, talk to members of the research group such as undergraduate or graduate students . Here are a few example questions to ask current research group members that have been adapted from the National Institute of Health :

• What are the faculty’s expectations of undergraduates?
• What is a typical day like in this research group?
• How often do you meet with the faculty mentor? What are the meetings like? If you do not meet regularly with the faculty, who do you meet with?
• Do the faculty and other mentors answer email or other communications from members of the group?
• How was your orientation and initial training handled? Who helped you in the process?
• What happens when the faculty mentor gets frustrated?
• What happens when people in the group make mistakes? What happens when the faculty makes mistakes?
• What do you enjoy about working in the research group? What don’t you enjoy?
• Does the faculty and others respect the undergraduates in the group? Do they listen to them and offer constructive feedback?
• How does the faculty mentor deal with conflict between group members?
• How many hours per week do people typically work? Do people have flexibility in setting their schedules? 

Lastly, be prepared to talk about time commitment . Bring your schedule. You do not need to understand technical details of their research or have read several of their papers.

Research: Credit, Pay, or Volunteer?

As an undergraduate joining a research group, you are somewhere in between a student being trained and an employee contributing to the common goals of the research group. Where you fall on that continuum will vary across time. Depending on the policies of your lab group as well as your role in the lab, you may participate in research as a volunteer, for pay, or for credit.

Research Credit

Students can receive credit for conducting research in most engineering departments. After joining a research group and the student and faculty mentor have agreed on the requirements and expectations, the student may enroll in the department course listing for independent undergraduate research. If questions remain, the faculty mentor or student should contact the department’s undergraduate coordinator for additional information. If you join a research group part-way through the semester, it might not be possible to enroll for credit until the following semester. Students receiving credit for research may not receive pay for the same effort.

Consider your course load when starting research during the academic year. Keep credits manageable. Plan your schedule with several 3-4 hour open blocks each week to allow time for research training from your mentor. Working on research 3-5 hours per week throughout the semester is equivalent to one credit hour.

In the College of Engineering, research-for-credit courses include:

• AEP 4900 & 4910
• BEE 4990 & BEE 4994
• CEE 4900 & CEE 4000
• EAS 4990, 4910, & 4920
• MSE 2910, 2920, 3910, 3920, 4910, 4920, & 4901

Other departments and colleges will have different research-for-credit. Be sure to review your college's specific research credit requirements. 

Paid Research

Undergraduates in the College of Engineering can be paid for conducting research through faculty research grants, Federal Work Study , the Engineering Learning Initiatives Student Grant Program , or various research scholar programs . Once you have connected with a faculty mentor, you can then discuss options with your mentor for receiving wages for your research effort. As funding is highly variable across research teams and projects, being paid for research might not be possible unless you receive your own funds. If your faculty mentor would like to support you to apply for funding through Engineering Learning Initiatives Student Grant Program, please access detailed information on funding cycles, application processes, selection criteria, and requirements . Those who receive pay for research may not receive credit.

Research Volunteering

Students often get started in research by volunteering in a research group, particularly when the research starts mid-semester and enrolling in credit is not an option. Volunteering can be a way to demonstrate reliability and commitment. However, enrolling in credits or receiving wages requires the students and faculty to enter into a formal agreement where both parties could feel more committed to the experience. For some students and/or faculty, this level of commitment can increase the quality of the experience.

Undergraduate Research

Why should undergraduates get involved in research? At UVA Engineering, we believe students become engineering leaders through hands-on learning and research opportunities, because they gain not just technical knowledge, but also higher-level skills in communication, collaboration, analysis, problem-solving and ethical decision-making.

Undergraduate researchers frequently get opportunities to travel to conferences and publish and present their work. All of these experiences make students' time at UVA special and are highly attractive to future employers. We strongly encourage undergraduate students to work with faculty and graduate students in our world-class laboratories.

Exploring Undergraduate Research at UVA Engineering

Malcolm O'Malley explains how supportive faculty and graduate students helped him grow as an undergraduate researcher.

"Undergraduate research is vital to your experience as a student, especially if you have no idea what you want to do in the future or if you are interested in graduate school. My research experiences have helped me leave my mark on the engineering community and connect the dots between the classes I took while at UVA. "

Five Ways for UVA Engineering Undergraduates to Get Involved in Research

Check out available uva engineering projects.

UVA Engineering faculty, post-doctoral researchers and graduate students frequently have projects available for undergraduates. Linked here is a list of open opportunities, and the list is updated at the beginning of each semester and before summer. The list includes instructions on how to apply for positions through Handshake, which is UVA's online system for connecting students to jobs, internships and prospective employeers, scheduling career advising appintments, and sharing career events and resources. The team at the Center for Engineering Career Development also is happy to assist students with using Handshake and writing strong resumes. Contact them at [email protected] .

The list of undergraduate research opportunities can be sorted by department or by research area.

Pursue Your Own Interests

If you have your own idea or area of interest you would like to explore, visit UVA Engineering's research pages to learn more about the faculty and graduate students working in that area, and then contact a faculty member or lab group to ask whether they are accepting undergraduate student researchers. If you don't hear back right away, wait a week or two and try again. Be polite but persistent, and remember that sometimes there are multiple faculty members working in a given research area. Consider contacting more than one to learn more about what they are doing in their labs.

Consider a Specialized Research Program

The University of Virginia and the School of Engineering have multiple programs that offer rich, high-level undergraduate research opportunities.

Undergraduate Student Opportunities in Academic Research

Undergraduate Student Opportunities in Academic Research (USOAR) - USOAR targets rising first-year, second-year and transfer undergraduate students who qualify for Federal Work Study and do not have previous significant experience in research, providing an opportunity for a paid research position.

National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates

National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) - UVA's two summer REU sites are:

• Advanced Materials Synthesis - The Department of Materials Science and Engineering will recruit 10 undergraduates to participate in a new, 10-week REU in summer 2022. The program will immerse rising sophomores through seniors in authentic materials research projects.
• Multi-Scale Systems Bioengineering and Biomedical Data Sciences - Each summer, faculty in the Department of Biomedical Engineering train 10 undergraduate students in the skills, confidence and mentorship necessary for careers in the exciting field of multi-scale systems bioengineering and biomedical data sciences.

The University of Virginia Kidney Technology Development Research Education Program

The University of Virginia Kidney Technology Development Research Education Program - This is an immersive clinical and laboratory experience focused on the study of kidneys in health and disease.

Biomedical Engineering Clinical Scholars

Biomedical Engineering Clinical Scholars - The BME Clinical Scholars program immerses undergraduates in clinical settings, identify unmet clinical needs, and generate clinically relevant problems and case studies for biomedical engineering classrooms.

Virginia Microelectronics Consortium Summer Scholars Program

Virginia Microelectronics Consortium Summer Scholars Program - This program offers juniors and seniors attending a university in Virginia the opportunity for hands-on research using state-of-the-art technology in either an academic or industrial environment. UVA students go to another participating university, while students from other universities come to UVA.

Center for Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies

Center for Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST) - ASSIST offers a summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates program as well as a Research Fellows Program during the academic year for students from partner institutions.

Take a Class on Research

The Starting an Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program is a new class and workshop series geared toward new students who are interested in getting involved in research at UVA, but aren’t sure where to start.

Once I Land a Research Opportunity, How Does It Work?

You will work with your new research mentor (a faculty member, grad student or post-doctoral researcher) to establish their expectations of you in the lab. Every lab is different. Each has its own culture of expectations. It is the mutual responsibility of the lab's faculty leader and the students and other researchers working in the lab to be clear on the expectations. How many hours will you work? What project will you be doing? What training will you need? Don't hesitate to talk with your research mentor and others in the lab about any and all of these things.

Your mentor will also decide with you whether the work will be done for credit, for pay, as a work-study opportunity , or on a voluntary basis. Don't be afraid to ask your mentor for one of those four types.

What Future Engineering Leaders Do: Undergraduate Research

Want to know the best way to get involved in research? Watch this video to learn the simple steps.

UVA Engineering Undergraduate Research News

Engineering grad receives rader prize for network science research.

Henry Carscadden, who graduated from the University of Virginia in May, received a Louis T. Rader Undergraduate Research Award, given by the School of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science.

Fact or Fiction: Two Computer Engineering Undergrads Tackle Deepfakes

Coding for the common good: civil engineering student leads project to map wheelchair-accessible sidewalks.

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Undergraduate Research Opportunities

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ECE faculty regularly welcome undergraduates to participate in research programs and work side-by-side with the faculty and their graduate students. Many of these students co-author papers and attend international conferences to present their work.

Discover Research Opportunities

Research opportunities for undergraduates are available through Cornell Engineering, Engineering Learning Initiatives (ELI), the University's central Office of Undergraduate Research and many other sources.

Cornell Engineering Undergraduate Research

Engineering Learning Initiatives Student Grant Program

Opportunities from the University Office of Undergraduate Research

Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholars

Opportunities from the NSF, NASA and More

Early Career Research Scholars Program

The Cornell ECE Early Career Research Scholars Program is designed for students between their freshmen and sophomore years in the College of Engineering who intend to major in ECE.

Students apply to the program in conjunction with a faculty advisor, submitting a project proposal and a budget through the  Engineering Learning Initiatives  application system.

Examples of Papers Co-authored by Undergraduates

Authors: John G. Wright, Celesta Chang, Dacen Waters, Felix Lupke, Randall Feenstra, Lucy Raymond , Rosalyn Koscica , Guru Bahadur Singh Khalsa, David Muller, Huili Grace Xing and Debdeep Jena Title: " Unexplored MBE growth mode reveals new properties of superconducting NbN " Published in Physics Review Materials 5 24802, February 2021

Authors: Taige Wang , Mahsa Shoaran, Azita Emami Title: “ Towards Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease: LFP-based Feature Analysis and Classification ” Presented at  IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing (ICASSP) , Calgary, Canada, 2018

Authors: Mark Zhao and G. Edward Suh Title: “FPGA-Based Remote Power Side-Channel Attacks,” Published in the  Proceedings of the IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy , May 2018. Received the  Distinguished Practical Paper Award at the 39th IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy , May 2018.

Authors: Steven Ceron, Aleena Kurumunda, Eashan Garg, Mira Kim, Tosin Yeku  and Kirstin Petersen Title: “ Popcorn-Driven Robotic Actuators, ” Presented at the International Conference of Robotics and Automation (ICRA) , Brisbane, May 2018.

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Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Here, you won’t just take in knowledge: You’ll create it.

Opportunities That Are Uniquely Hopkins

Integrating research and education and the creation of knowledge are the hallmarks of Johns Hopkins University. As an undergraduate here, you’ll have the chance to be part of this rich tradition, beginning your first year on campus.

With unrivaled opportunities to work one-on-one under the mentorship of engineering faculty members, clinicians at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and researchers at the Applied Physics Laboratory, participating in research is an important part of the Hopkins undergraduate experience. In fact, 70 percent of our undergraduates take part in research, outside their classes.

By joining a research team, you can deepen your connections with the university, explore career options, and not only learn about, but be part of, breakthroughs that advance knowledge. Our undergraduates contribute to journal articles, attend professional conferences, and some can earn academic credit for their work.

Your Time to Explore: How to Find Research Opportunities

• The Hopkins Office for Undergraduate Research offers resources and events to help you get started, including a step-by-step guide that outlines the entire process.
• Your faculty advisor, other undergraduates and graduate students, and your department may be able to offer options.
• Learn what faculty are doing. If you find something that interests you, contact them!

Research Resources for Undergraduates

• PROPEL ( Program for Research Opportunities in Engineering Leadership) is designed to increase exposure to research careers and graduate education for undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds
• RISE@APL (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) provides competitive, paid summer research internships
• The Provost’s Undergraduate Research Awards (PURA) program supports research and other creative projects
• Johns Hopkins Medicine Summer Internship Program provides research opportunities in laboratories at Hopkins Medicine
• Vredenburg Travel Fund supports international undergraduate research, internships, and service work during the summer.
• The Bloomberg Distinguished Professorships summer fellowship program gives Johns Hopkins undergraduates the opportunity to work and conduct research under the mentorship of some of the world’s preeminent scholars.

The Johns Hopkins Engineering community is creating a better future, translating theoretical knowledge into real-world solutions. Design Day is our annual celebration showcasing student innovation and creativity.

“ Overcoming obstacles is what makes research research. It’s the very essence of the creativity that’s necessary for devising solutions. ”

The Ohio State University

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Undergraduate Research

At Ohio State, engineers conduct research with doctors, physicists, designers, artists and experts in many other fields. Engineering undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in the wide array of opportunities generated by our faculty. Each spring students enjoy multiple outlets to share their work, including Ohio State’s annual Denman Undergraduate Research Forum and the college’s undergraduate research forum .

Benefits of undergraduate research

• Help solve the world’s greatest challenges
• Access world-class facilities, equipment and mentors
• Work alongside faculty and graduate students
• Gain early exposure to engineering (students can start research in their first year!)
• Prepare for graduate school or a career in research and development

Getting started

Ready to follow your investigational instincts through undergraduate research? Here are a few ways to find a project:

• Reach out to an instructor with whom you’ve had a course.
• Search departmental and faculty websites for information on current projects.
• Visit the  Undergraduate Research Office  to learn more about research, attend an information session and discover opportunities.
• Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your interest in research and what steps you can take next.
• Apply directly by using the Undergraduate Student Research Placement Tool .

Research Distinction

Research that culminates in the production of an undergraduate research thesis allows students to receive the designation of “With Research Distinction” or “With Honors Research Distinction” on their diploma. Visit  Distinction Guidelines for more information.

More Information

Distinction Guidelines

Undergraduate Research Scholarship

Research Projects

Denman Forum

Undergraduate Research Forum

Summer Research Scholarship

Research Outreach and Service

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Our faculty-to-student ratio provides great opportunities for undergraduate students to work in state-of-the-art research laboratories during the academic year and in the summer. Below you can find programs coordinated through Penn Engineering, along with helpful information to guide undergraduates toward finding research positions in the School.

Finding a Research Mentor and Research Experiences

Students are encouraged to explore the Penn Engineering faculty directory , where users can identify which faculty are conducting research in a specific area and contact faculty members whose research interests them.

The Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board (EDAB) has put together a guide for their fellow students that gives step-by-step instructions and tips on how to secure research positions as an undergraduate. Everything from where to look for research to the best ways to communicate with faculty is covered in this comprehensive guide.

For Bioengineering majors, the Penn student chapter of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) has assembled its own student guide on starting a research experience .

Penn Engineering Programs

Cg@penn summer research.

One of the reasons students attend Penn is for access to faculty and research opportunities, yet few undergraduates take advantage of this opportunity. While classroom experience is essential, so is the opportunity to create new knowledge while examining the unknown. The Digital Media Design program is closely related to the Center for Human Modeling and Simulation and the ViDi Center for Digital Visualization. Research projects are undertaken by heterogeneous teams of graduate and undergraduate students and visitors. Undergraduates who contribute in a substantial way become co-authors in publications. In the past few years, summer researchers in HMS and ViDi have had papers published in notable computer graphics academic conferences and journals. Program Website

CIS Undergraduate Summer Research Program

The goal of the Undergraduate Summer Research program is to encourage students, particularly CIS undergraduates, to get involved in research with faculty mentors early in their careers.  Students work with a faculty member and a graduate student mentor throughout the summer with the goal of producing an identifiable research result.  Participating students can receive either course credit or a stipend.  The program is open to University of Pennsylvania undergraduates majoring in CIS and related fields. Program Website

LRSM NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

The LRSM has hosted NSF-REU programs since 1989 in which students spend 10 weeks working on individual research projects with our associated faculty. We currently have funding for 20 undergraduates both through our MRSEC grant and a NSF-REU Site grant. The program runs from early June to August every year and takes applications from well qualified undergraduate who are mainly juniors but sophomores and freshmen can also apply. Students are required to make an oral presentation of their research during the final week of the program and to submit a paper describing their research before leaving the program. We encourage applications from under-represented groups in science and engineering, especially from women, minorities, and disabled students. The program is restricted to US citizens and permanent residents. Program Website

NSF/Greater Philadelphia Region /Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Undergraduate Research Program

This successful program helps students establish their scientific identity and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and Penn Engineering’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. LSAMP is a national coalition striving to increase undergraduate enrollment, retention, and graduation rates of underrepresented racial minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) baccalaureate programs who pursue STEM graduate degrees and professional careers. Program Website

Summer UNdergraduate Fellowship in Sensor Technologies (SUNFEST)

Summer UNdergraduate Fellowship Sensor Technologies (SUNFEST) is a unique program that provides talented undergraduate students with hands-on research during the summer in the area of sensor technologies.  The program is open to students in engineering and the physical sciences. Areas of Research include Micro and Nano Electromechanical Structures and Sensors, Nanotechnology and materials for Sensors, Robotics and Control oriented projects, Wireless Sensor.  As a research assistant, you will be exposed to  real, in-depth research in the area of sensor technology under the mentorship of a faculty member. Program Website

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Penn State  

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Students who want to experience research as an undergraduate may arrange research projects independently with individual faculty members or through their classes. For more information, go to Undergraduates Research on Penn State’s Undergraduate Education website.

Student Research  in the College of Engineering’s Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusion provides opportunities for undergraduate students to become involved in research or academically focused enrichment programs. The experience empowers students to better conceptualize course material in the classroom and determine areas of interest and to explore career paths.

Engineering Career Resources and Employer Relations provides the opportunity for students to seek undergraduate research experiences. These include research projects in engineering at Penn State, projects at other universities, or research internships at Penn State's Applied Research Lab, in industry, or with national laboratories.

Students in the Schreyer Honors College , the Millennium Scholars Program , or the Engineering Science Undergraduate Degree Program will have the opportunity to conduct research as part of their thesis.

There are research centers at the university, college, and department levels that may offer options for undergraduate students to participate in research projects. Look to College centers and institutes for opportunities that may interest you.

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Office of Future Engineers

Undergraduate Research

Whether you're passionate about improving the environment, discovering cancer treatments, or figuring out how to colonize Mars, you can have the opportunity to work with Purdue faculty to shape the future. Engineering students are extremely active in research in the College of Engineering as well in other disciplines across the University. The Engineering Undergraduate Research Office (EURO) is a great resource to learn about research opportunities. Research can shape your career aspirations, allow deeper development of expertise in a particular discipline, and provide practical application of theory. Many faculty members are able to provide funding or offer credit for undergraduate support. Go get to know your faculty! While most of our students get involved in research by simply reaching out to professors, there are also a variety of formal ways to participate in engineering research. Here are four of the most popular research programs: 

Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP)

The Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to earn academic credit while engaging in authentic and extended research and design projects related to active research areas of Purdue faculty members and national, international, and industry-sponsored design challenges. Students can participate on interdisciplinary and vertically-integrated teams (first-year through seniors) with faculty and graduate student mentors for multiple semesters to address these real-world research and design challenges.

SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (SURF)

SURF provides students across all engineering, science, and the Purdue Polytechnic Institute disciplines with an intensive research experience over the summer. Students work closely with graduate students and professors in their respective schools and will have opportunities for networking, poster presentations, and more!

DISCOVERY UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS (DURI)

DURI is designed to involved Purdue undergraduates in the interdisciplinary research environment of the Discovery Park District, an innovation hub located at the corner of Purdue's campus. The program provides opportunities for students to work with faculty on cutting edge, multidisciplinary research projects, with programs available in fall, spring, and summer terms.

SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN GLOBAL ENGINEERING (SURGE)

SURGE is designed to provide international work experience at a research lab at a top university overseas during the summer.

Student Research Opportunities

Main navigation, undergraduate student research opportunities.

Engaging in independent research under the direction of a faculty member can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your undergraduate career. 

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program is designed to give Stanford undergraduates the opportunity to work with faculty and their research groups on advanced research projects. Whether you are well into your major or still testing the waters, all engineering students are strongly encouraged to consider taking advantage of the REU program. The REU program is coordinated jointly by the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE) and the Office of Student Affairs in the School of Engineering.

Within the REU initiative, the ME Department offers the Stanford Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI).  Members of the Stanford community can go to the ME Student Intranet to learn more about the ME SURI program .

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a fully funded, eight-week summer residential program that brings approximately 20 talented, motivated, and bright undergraduate students from across the country to Stanford Engineering for an immersive research and graduate school preparation experience.

“ Daniel Echeveste was still a plebe — a first-year cadet at West Point ... ”

“ Rising junior Zulekha Karachiwalla was undecided about her major until she took Engineering 101 at ... ”

Undergraduate Research & Prestigious Scholarships

Research opportunities.

The Research Opportunities Spreadsheet offers a long list of internships for a variety of departments with deadlines that range from August to April. The list can be sorted by program host, deadline, whether there’s opportunities for freshman or international students, and program title. The list is constantly being updated with new opportunities and updated deadlines as they become available.

Note to International Students: Many, but not all , paid research programs are restricted to U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents. Read program requirements closely. International students may approach individual faculty members at UMBC or elsewhere about laboratory work that does not involve a federal program.

Enroll in a zero-credit PRAC through the Career Center  and  have your research experience documented on your transcript!

Employers and graduate admissions offices like to see practica recorded on your transcript because it indicates that your internship, co-op or research position was a significant learning experience, approved and vetted by the University.

Join the Undergraduate Researcher myUMBC Group for additional updates!

Application Assistance

• Steps to summer research
• How to write a personal statement for research
• Personal Statement Checklist
• Help with your personal statement or resume for research
• Asking for a letter of recommendation for a research program

Use this to track your Summer Applications : Summer Research Application Spreadsheet

American Mathematical Association Undergraduates Summer Programs

Amgen Scholars Amgen Scholars – Summer Research

Big Ten Academic Alliance Resources for Students

Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Research (CRA-W) Undergraduate Research Focused on women in Computer Science and Engineering.

Leadership Alliance The Leadership Alliance Includes social science research opportunities

Maryland Sea Grant Education Sea Grant Research Experience Offers students the opportunity to conduct marine research on the Chesapeake Bay. The program is especially designed for students majoring in such fields as biology, chemistry, ecology, physics, engineering, mathematics and marine and environmental science.

National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program

Pathways to Science Pathways to Science Searchable data base of more than 400 summer opportunities When using this site, scroll down each page to see content.

Toroidal Snark Summer Opportunities for Mathematics Students

Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network Talent Development and Innovation and Sciences (TDIS) Summer Internship

Social Sciences and Humanities

Health-Related Programs

Rochester Institute of Technology Co-op / Internship Opportunities

International Opportunities

EURO Scholars European Undergraduate Research Opportunities “This is an excellent program. EURO Scholars involves serious students in serious research in very interesting places.” — Dr. Brian Souders, UMBC Study Abroad Office

DAAD Opportunities in Germany RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering)

Institute of Science and Technology – Austria ISTernship

Math in Moscow A mathematics program in English for undergraduate and graduate students

The School for Field Studies Study Abroad

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program Undergraduate Grant Open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university.

Programs Open to International Students

EURO Scholars (Limited) European Undergraduate Research Opportunities “This is an excellent program. EURO Scholars involves serious students in serious research in very interesting places.” — Dr. Brian Souders, UMBC Study Abroad Office

NASA Applied Sciences Program

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Summer Internship Program

Federal Opportunities

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Fellowships, Internships, and Training

National Institutes of Health Summer Opportunities (NIH) Summer Internship Programs

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Student Opportunities

National Security Agency (NSA) Student Opportunities

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Internship Programs

Science.gov Undergraduate Internships

Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Internship Programs With Department of Energy.

Opportunities for Graduating Seniors

Mayo Clinic Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)

McDonnell Genome Institute at Washington University Outreach Programs A year-long program designed for recent graduates offering the opportunity for research experience and more mentoring prior to entering a graduate program.

Medical University of South Carolina College of Graduate Studies

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Training Programs

National Institute on Drug Abuse Postbaccalaureate Research Training Programs

National Institutes of Health Postbaccalaureate Opportunities Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (POSTBAC IRTA/CRTA)

National Institute of General Medical Sciences Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program

NIST/SURF Research Fellowships

Last updated: 7/10/2023

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Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

• REU Program Overview
• Program Solicitation

For Students

• Search for an REU Site
• For Faculty
• REU Contacts
• Research Areas

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.

By using the web page, Search for an REU Site , you may examine opportunities in the subject areas supported by various NSF units. Also, you may search by keywords to identify sites in particular research areas or with certain features, such as a particular location.

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Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering

Engineering Physics Building Rm. 419

Chemical & Biological Engineering University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive Moscow, ID 83844

Phone: 208-885-6182

Fax: 208-885-7908

Email: [email protected]

Student Services

Email: [email protected]

B.S. Biological Engineering

Career information is not specific to degree level. Some career options may require an advanced degree.

Current Job Openings and Salary Range

in ID, WA, OR, MT and HI

Entry-Level

Senior-Level

• Career Options
• Quality Control Systems Manager
• Biomedical Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Health and Safety Engineer, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
• Conservation Scientist
• Engineering Teacher, Postsecondary
• Sales Engineer

Regional Employment Trends

Employment trends and projected job growth in ID, WA, OR, MT & HI

*Job data is collected from national, state and private sources. For more information, visit EMSI's data sources page .

• Degree Prep

The B.S. Biological Engineering degree requires a solid background in chemistry, math, physics and biology, as well as an interest in solving problems in biology, agriculture, health and medicine to improve human lives.

• Degree Roadmap

B.S. Biological Engineering 4-Year Plan

B.S. Biological Engineering Electives (PDF)

Biological Engineering Course Catalog Catalogs are released each year with up-to-date course listings. Students reference the catalog released during their first year of enrollment. For catalog related questions, email [email protected] or call 208-885-6731.

Courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics prepare you for more advanced courses in transport processes, bio-based products, bioenergy, biomedical engineering, bioprocessing, and sustainability. Much of your education takes place in labs. Students are encouraged to develop individual interests through the selection of technical electives.

Students complete their study through our nationally recognized Senior Capstone Design Program  culminating each spring with the Engineering Design EXPO .

• Degree Requirements

Required course work includes the Biological Engineering (B.S.) requirements and the university requirements (see regulation J-3) .

• Professional Licensing

Completion of the program will count towards eligibility for the Professional Engineer's License (PE) to practice Engineering , which requires a four-year degree from an ABET-accredited school, four years of experience under a PE, and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles of Practice in Engineering (PE) Exams.

First-Year undergraduates — please email first-year Biological Engineering student advisor Lundyn Jared or call 208-885-0250.

Faculty Advisor Transition Process — Undergraduates transition to a faculty advisor specific to their degree area at different times in their academic career depending on their major. This process is facilitated between the Micron Student Center and individual departments. If you have any questions about who your advisor is, please email University Advising Services or call 208-885-6300.

Transfer Students — if you have 13 or less transfer credits please email Student Services or call 208-885-6470. If you have 13 or more credits please email [email protected] or call 208-885-6182.

If you have any questions about who your advisor is, please email Student Services or call 208-885-6470.

• Scholarships
• U of I Awards more than $30 million in scholarships each year, more than any other institution in Idaho.
• Engineering students receive more than $1 million in scholarships annually.
• Earn more than $64,000 in scholarships over the course of four years through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) . Eligible first-year and transfer students are considered simply by filling out their U of I admission application. There’s no separate application or deadline.
• All first-time students and first-time transfer students are automatically considered for merit- and need-based scholarships and financial aid when filling out the admissions application and FAFSA . There are no separate scholarship applications required to be considered.
• All continuing students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. No separate applications are required. Complete the FAFSA to be considered for need-based scholarships and federal financial aid.

Browse all need- and merit-based scholarships or contact our Student Services team to get all your scholarship questions answered.

• Paid Employment Related to Your Major
• Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) – Get paid up to $20,000 for a six-month session working with Micron, HP, BorgWarner, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in-between your junior and senior years.
• Internships & Summer Programs
• Beckman Scholars Program – Receive up to $21,000 over the course of two summers and an academic year. Help faculty in biology and biological engineering.
• Idaho National Laboratory Undergraduate Internships – Earn a nationally competitive wage during a 10- to 16-week internship at the nation’s leading center for nuclear energy research and development. For students pursuing STEM fields.
• NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) - Mentor-directed, career-related internship programs that contribute to NASA’s mission. Sessions are held in fall, spring and summer and are open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students.
• IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Industry Interns – This 10-week summer experience broadens student experience in industry laboratories, local biotechnology companies, or hospital facilities by working with expert professionals.
• IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Summer Fellows – Get paid $6,000 over the summer to work in a biomedical laboratory, doing guided study and attending professional development and scientific seminar presentations.
• Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) – Receive a $4,000 student fellowship and $1,000 stipend to work on faculty-mentored projects full-time in any field of study.
• DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE Germany) Programs – RISE Germany offers undergraduate students the opportunity to complete a summer research internship at top German universities and research institutions.

For financial aid deadlines and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office .

• Hands-On Learning

ALL U of I College of Engineering students, especially undergraduates, participate in hands-on activities through:

• Idaho’s only Grand Challenge Scholars Program - Preparing undergraduates to solve the biggest challenges facing society in the 21st century.
• Nationally-ranked Senior Capstone Design Program - Emphasizing the design process and the creation of a thoughtfully engineered, tested and validated outcome or prototype. Interdisciplinary teams showcase their work at our annual Engineering Design EXPO .
• Clubs & Organizations

Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.

Learn about clubs related to your major:

• American Society of Agricultural & Biological Engineers (ASABE)
• Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
• Vandal Clean Energy Club
• Job Openings and Salary Range
• Employment Trends

Technical Problems in Biological Systems

Produce creative and effective solutions to problems in systems that involve plants, animals, microorganisms and biological materials.

Work alongside faculty and industry on design, environmental control and monitoring, non-point source pollution abatement, bioremediation, hydrology and water quality control, food processing and other issues facing our biologically complex, interconnected and changing world.

Learn About

• Bioenergy and Biofuels
• Waste Treatment and Biomaterials
• Biomedical Engineering
• Bionanotechnology
• Cell and Tissue Engineering
• Drug and Gene Delivery
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Food Processing
• Neural Imaging and Modeling
• Precision Agriculture
• Water Quality Sustainability

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• Nationally Ranked - by U.S. News and World Report for undergraduate engineering and computer science degree programs.
• No. 1 Best Value Public University in the West – ranked for the fourth year in a row by U.S. News and World Report . We’re also the only public university in Idaho to be ranked best value by Forbes , Money , and The Princeton Review .
• Top 7 in the Nation for “infusing real-world experiences into engineering education” through our undergraduate Senior Capstone Design Program – National Academy of Engineering
• Personalized Attention from nationally and internationally recognized faculty and staff through small class sizes, 1-on-1 interaction, mentorship, advising and research collaboration. All faculty  hold Ph.D.s in their field.
• 94% Graduate with Jobs or are enrolled in graduate education or military service – First Destination Survey
• Highest Salary Earnings for early- and mid-career undergraduate degree recipients than any other public university in Idaho – Payscale
• More Scholarships Awarded than any 4-year public engineering college in Idaho.
• Hands-On Experience, Guaranteed ALL U of I College of Engineering students participate in hands-on experiences, through our nationally recognized Senior Capstone Design Program   and Engineering Design EXPO , Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) , Idaho’s only Grand Challenge Scholars Program   and paid undergraduate assistantships.

Pioneering Plant-Based Jet Fuels

Student Optimizes Jet Fuel Additives While Reducing Carbon Emissions

Learn More About Sara

Making Strides in Tissue Engineering

According to the National Institutes of Health, there are more than 16 million reported tendon injuries in the U.S. each year. Research at U of I aims to better understand tendon tissue formation and engineer replacements and regenerative therapies.

• Academic Advising & Career Planning
• Departmental Blogs

Job Opportunities , Research

Undergrads planning to apply for PhD programs in science, math, engineering, and social/behavioral science fields:

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Paid Summer 2024 Research Opportunities, MPower – Univ of Maryland, Baltimore

• Around Campus

Save the Date: 2024 BSOS Research Showcase

• Internships

Paid Research Internship, Brookings Institution, Apply by Nov. 5

Are you an undergrad or alumnus planning to apply for PhD programs in science, math, engineering, and social/behavioral science fields? Are you a 1st year PhD student at UMD?

The National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) provides 3 years of full support for PhD studies, with an annual living expenses stipend of $37,000. You can visit the NSF informational website by  clicking here .

The UMD National Scholarships Office has developed an ELMS resource to help you plan effectively for your NSF GRFP applications.  To gain access click here to complete a brief questionnaire.  All current UMD undergraduates, alumni, and 1st year grad students planning to apply this fall 2024 will benefit from using this resource. In particular, please view the following presentations available there:

• ZOOM NSF GRFP Prep Session #1 – Introduction
• ZOOM NSF GRFP Prep Session #2 – Writing the Essays

Eligibility: You must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident to apply for the NSF graduate research fellowship. You must be applying for graduate studies in an NSF supported field. If you are a graduate student, you may apply once in your first two years of graduate study.  Click here for full eligibility details.

BSOS Feller Center, Career Planning

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College of Engineering

College’s grad programs climb to no. 4 in new u.s. news rankings.

Every engineering graduate degree at Georgia Tech remained in the top 10 nationally in the annual assessment.

For the fourth consecutive year, the College of Engineering moved higher on the widely watched U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate Programs list, landing at No. 4 in the updated rankings released June 18 .

Georgia Tech is tied with the California Institute of Technology in the fourth spot. The College’s new ranking puts it second among public universities.

Among specific disciplines, the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering maintained its place as the nation’s No. 1 program for the 34 th year in a row. The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering rose two spots to No. 2.

Also at No. 2: the biomedical engineering graduate program jointly operated by Georgia Tech and Emory University (the College also features an interdisciplinary bioengineering graduate program). Civil engineering remained at No. 3.

(2nd among public universities)

The 2024 Best Grad Schools rankings mark the 13 th year with every program in the College in the top 10 of their discipline. Most rankings were unchanged from last year’s list.

U.S. News   releases graduate school rankings each spring.   Their evaluation of engineering as a whole is based on a number of factors, including research expenditures and publications, peer and recruiter assessments, and doctoral degrees awarded. Rankings of specific engineering disciplines are based solely on peer assessments by department heads.

In the fall, U.S. News ranked the College’s undergraduate programs the best among public universities and No. 3 overall.

2024 Graduate Rankings

U.S. News & World Report

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