Summer Research Programs
Summer Undergraduate Research programs are referred to with a variety of titles. These include Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), and Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). All of these refer to the same type of program, a summer research position in which students usually receive a stipend (and sometimes additional funding such as travel and housing expenses) for performing research.
These programs allow students to participate in a research lab, work with the faculty, live in the community, and can help a student decide if this particular program is a suitable graduate school for them or not. If the student decides to apply to the graduate program (or professional program, if applicable) they can usually get a letter of recommendation from their summer research mentor. This personal contact can certainly be helpful in gaining acceptance to the program.
Below is a listing of all the summer undergraduate research programs about which the Undergraduate Advising Office has received announcements.
**NOTE: There may be other eligibility requirements for the programs in addition to the eligibility requirements listed below.
Finding a program: The summer research programs vary widely in the content and scope of what they cover, as well as the areas of concentration, ranging from semiconductors and photolithography to marine science research. Students should look through the listing below to find a program that is similar to their research interests.
You may also find an extensive listing of summer research programs at the following websites:
- ACS "Get Experience"
- National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs
- Division of Educational Programs (DEP), Argonne National Laboratory's link to the educational community
Applying to a program: Application requirements also vary widely from program to program. Usually the more prestigious programs will have higher requirements. Many programs require applicants to submit copies of their transcripts, and most also want one or two letters of recommendation from faculty. Some want applicants to provide a short essay. Be sure to check the details of each program for specific requirements!