UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)

Program Purpose

The UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) offer upper division undergraduate students with outstanding academic potential the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects. The programs are designed for students who wish to learn more about the graduate school experience and possibly pursue an academic career in teaching and research. Opportunities are available in virtually all academic fields (e.g., arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, health sciences, physical sciences, etc.).

Each student participant will be working with a faculty mentor with special expertise and interests matched, as closely as possible, to the student's research interests and career goals. Students will either assist the faculty member in an ongoing research project or work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest.

A directory of UCLA faculty research interests is available online should you wish to suggest a faculty member with whom to work. Note that this would only be a suggestion. Each program makes the final decisions about the faculty mentor assignment.

The program features seminars on:

writing and research skills
strategies for enhancing success in applying to graduate school
graduate school funding opportunities
opportunities for informal discussion with UCLA graduate students
academic career opportunities
GRE test preparation
cultural and educational activities

For further details about specific programs, please refer to the UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate and Graduate Research Booklet.

As a condition of acceptance into the program, program participants will be asked after their departure to update information on their educational and career activities. This tracking is done solely to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. It is critical that we be able to conduct this long-term evaluation in order to maintain continuing funding for the programs. The information collected remains strictly confidential.

Program Dates

Most programs run eight weeks, Sunday, June 24, 2012 to Saturday, August 18, 2012. Some programs in the sciences, technological, engineering and mathematics fields run 10 weeks, Sunday, June 24, 2012 to Friday, August 31, 2012.

Deadline

All application materials and supporting documents must be received by February 3, 2012 unless otherwise stated in the program description. Preference will be given to applications that are completed by the program’s deadline. Notification of decisions will be made by the end of May 2012.

Participating Programs

Seven programs are associated with UCLA SPUR. Two focus on the social sciences, arts and humanities; four deal with the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields; and one is a partnership with the California State University Sally Casanova Pre-doctoral Program. Below are brief summaries of each program. The summaries include the specific program components, eligibility requirements and length of the summer program. Please view the chart of participating summer programs at UCLA for a quick reference of programs and their related academic fields.

Please click on the links to learn about each program. You will be able to apply to a maximum of two (first choice and second choice) in our online application.

Amgen Scholars Program
Application Deadline: Tuesday, February 1, 2012
The Amgen Scholars Program is a national program to increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing a career in science or engineering. UCLA will host 24 Amgen Scholars. 12 will be undergraduates from UCLA and 12 will be from other 4-year colleges and universities. Students interested in summer research in any area of biomedical science, chemistry, bioengineering or chemical engineering are encouraged to apply. Students will be paired with a UCLA faculty mentor if the student does not already have one. Program includes: stipend; housing; meals; 3-day Biotechnology Conference in Los Angeles, California; GRE test preparation; luncheons with faculty; workshops; seminars and poster presentations.
- For undergraduates enrolled in four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories.
- For Sophomores (with 4 quarters or 3 semesters of college experience), Juniors and non-graduating Seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue their undergraduate experience).
- Must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.2 or above.
- Must be interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
- 10 weeks (all participants must be able to attend the program for its entire duration).
- To learn more about how to apply to this program, please contact Anli Yang at AmgenSch@lifesci.ucla.edu.
Brain Research Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BRI-SURE)
Application Deadline: Thursday, March 15, 2012
The UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI) is sponsoring a summer undergraduate research experience (BRI-SURE) program for Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Scholars. This program solicits applications from students in MARC training programs from universities and colleges across the nation. BRI-SURE is a 10-week summer research-training program for exceptional students interested in pursuing Neuroscience research careers. The program is designed to provide a rigorous, in-depth research experience to prepare participants for top-quality Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs in the Neurosciences. The 10-week program includes weekly lectures given by BRI scientists tailored to our students. We also provide training in scientific writing and poster preparation and presentation. The program is under the UCLA SPUR/GR umbrella and participates in many of their campus wide summer activities such as the culminating summer poster day. Continuation of this program in Summer 2012 is contingent upon funding availability.
- Strong academic records
- underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds
- students interested in pursuing Neuroscience research careers
- To learn more about how to apply to this program, please contact Dr. Dwayne D. Simmons at BRISURE@mednet.ucla.edu
- 10 weeks.
Bunche Center Summer Humanities Institute (SHI)
NEW Early Application Deadline: Monday, October 31, 2011
Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 1, 2012
This eight-week preparatory program is designed to enhance the competencies of students who plan to pursue an MA or Ph.D. in the humanities or humanistic social sciences (African American studies, anthropology, art history, cultural/critical studies, ethnomusicology, history, literature, political science, sociology). With the help of a faculty mentor (selected by the Program), students take seminars and workshops, go on field trips, write a research paper and present a conference paper. Program includes seminars, skills workshops, research, field courses in Los Angeles African-American culture, stipend, funds toward travel, meal allowance and on-campus housing.
- Students must complete the online application and submit it to the UCLA Graduate Division (SPUR). Links for all supplementary materials are found on the Bunche Center/SHI website and must be submitted directly to SHI. See the Bunche Center for more information and deadlines.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Primarily directed toward students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and toward other historically underrepresented students.
- Must have relevant undergraduate training.
- Submit two-page research proposal and six- to eight-page writing sample in addition to other supplemental materials.
- Must be available for a phone interview.
- One letter of recommendation from faculty member that is familiar with student’s research and writing skills.
- SHI does not accept students who plan to go into law, business, science, psychology or medicine.
- 8 week residential program from June 24 through August 18, 2012.
California State University (CSU) Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program
This program is restricted to undergraduate and master's-level students in the California State University Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Program. The Program is designed to increase the pool of potential university faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. Each of the selected CSU Sally Casanova pre-doctoral scholars works closely during the academic year with a CSU faculty sponsor to develop an overall plan leading ultimately to enrollment in a doctoral program. Each of these plans is tailored to specific goals and educational objectives of the student. The Program places special emphasis on increasing the number of CSU students who enter doctoral programs at one of the University of California institutions. Summer Program includes: stipend, on-campus housing or housing allowance, meal allowance, funds toward roundtrip transportation cost, GRE test preparation, workshops and oral presentations.
- Open to all current CSU Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars, both graduate and undergraduate.
- 8 to 10 weeks.
- CSU Scholars complete only the UCLA SPUR on-line application after they have approval from the UCLA SPUR Coordinator; do not submit supplemental materials.
CARE Science, Engineering and Math (SEM) Summer Research Program
The Center for Academic & Research Excellence (CARE) SEM Summer Research Program offer hands-on research experience working in the laboratory of a distinguished UCLA faculty member. Each student is matched with a faculty mentor and works as a member of the mentor's research group. Program includes: stipend, housing or housing allowance, GRE test preparation, workshops, seminars and poster presentations.
- For UCLA students only who are interested in pursuing research careers in the life sciences, health sciences, physical sciences or engineering.
- Students entering junior or senior year with a GPA > 2.9.
- Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- A goal of the CARE SEM Summer Research Program is to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups in biomedical and behavioral research who progress towards the attainment of a Ph.D. degree. African American, Hispanic American, American Indian and Pacific Islander students are encouraged to apply.
- 10 weeks.
Graduate Division Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (GDSPUR)
The UCLA Graduate Division Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) is designed to target students who plan to pursue the PhD degree and enter academic or research careers. It offers undergraduates opportunities to work closely with UCLA faculty on a research project. Selection of participants will be based on academic merit and availability of appropriate faculty mentors. Program includes: stipend, on-campus housing or housing allowance, meal allowance, funds toward roundtrip transportation cost, GRE test preparation, workshops and oral presentations. Continuation of this program in Summer 2012 is contingent upon funding availability.
- For undergraduates who are interested in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and professional schools (except dentistry, law, and medicine).
- Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Preference given to those who are juniors during the 2011-2012 academic year with a cumulative, minimum GPA of 3.00
- A long-term goal of this program is to help broaden and expand the pool of academically talented young scholars committed to careers in university teaching and research. Applicants from groups historically underrepresented in higher education are encouraged to apply.
- 8 weeks.
Summer Nursing Program: School of Nursing
This program offers nursing undergraduates in their junior year with outstanding academic potential the opportunity to work on research projects with School of Nursing faculty mentors. It is designed for students who plan to pursue the PhD degree and enter academic careers in nursing. Program includes stipend, on-campus housing, meal allowance, funds toward roundtrip transportation cost, GRE test preparation, formal and informal discussion on career options and other activities. Each student participant will be assigned to a faculty mentor matched as closely as possible to the student's research interests and career goals. Participants will either assist the faculty member in an ongoing research project or, with approval of faculty, work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest.
- Research areas: Biobehavioral Sciences, Biologic Sciences, Health Disparities/Vulnerable Populations and Health Services Research.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- For qualified nursing students currently holding undergraduate junior status.
- Preference given to first-generation college students.
- Cumulative, minimum GPA of 2.80.
- 8 weeks.
University of California Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS)
This program is restricted to current University of California undergraduate students in the UC system-wide UC LEADS Program. In line with the goals of the two-year program, the 2nd summer research program seeks to develop the students by providing research and educational experiences to further prepare them to assume positions of leadership in academia, industry, government and public service. UC LEADS students who are considering UCLA for graduate studies/PhD should seriously consider applying to UCLA's summer program as a way to familiarize themselves with the campus and to network with potential mentors. The UCLA UC LEADS Summer Program includes: GRE test preparation, workshops and seminars, and the opportunity to present summer research findings at the end of summer symposium/poster session.
- Open to all current UC LEADS scholars during their 2nd Summer.
- 8 or 10 weeks
- It is the student's responsibility to secure a commitment from the UCLA faculty host before applying to the program.
- UC LEADS Scholars complete only the UCLA SPUR/GR on-line application after they have approval from the UCLA SPUR/GR Coordinator; do not submit supplemental materials.

For Further Information Contact

Please contact Graduate Outreach & Diversity at outreach@grad.ucla.edu or (310) 206-8743. Also, please read the UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate and Graduate Research Booklet.

How To Apply

You must submit an Online Application & Support Materials. Please make sure you submit a complete application by sending all pertinent supporting materials via mail or private carrier.

Additional Opportunities

Other Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research at UCLA.