Undergraduate Research

The College of Arts and Sciences is the hub for undergraduate research at the University of Miami. Through a unique combination of mentorship, exploration and rigorous scholarship, undergraduates in the College are encouraged to push the limits of their knowledge beyond the classroom, test hypotheses, and create new ideas.

Inquiry-based learning through research pushes undergraduates toward deeper understanding and discovery, preparing them for careers across disciplines and professions. Whether in the sciences, mathematics, technology, social sciences, humanities or the arts, the College of Arts and Sciences is committed to the idea that undergraduate research elevates learning — for individual students, their universities, and ultimately, our entire society.

Getting Started

Undergraduate research experiences come in many forms, from part-time volunteer work with a faculty mentor to a paid research trip abroad. Here are some ways to get started:

A&S Research Opportunities

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  • “Beyond the Book” Scholarships for Research-Based Learning

    The College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to fund research activities for A & S undergraduate students (freshman, sophomores and juniors) to pursue special intensive learning beyond the traditional classroom experience. Such opportunities may include, but are not limited to summer lab research, fieldwork, internships, and archival research. Projects involving surveys and/or interviews require approval from the University’s Institutional Research Board. Descriptions of some funded activities may be found below. Recipients receive a stipend of $4,000.

  • Lois Pope Neuroscience Summer Scholarship

    Lois Pope Summer Scholars must have a minimum of 30 completed UM credits, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a minimum science GPA of 3.0, and a minimum major GPA of 3.0. Previous research experience is not required, but it is highly recommended. The Lois Pope program requires that you spend an average of 40 hours per week in supervised research activity. Lois Pope scholars may elect to participate in the PRIME program as PRIME Adjuncts.

  • PRIME Summer Research Scholarship

    To be eligible for PRIME (Psychology Research Initiatives Mentorship Experience), students must have a minimum of 30 completed UM credits, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and a minimum psychology GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also have successfully completed PSY 110, PSY 290, PSY 291 and PSY 390 (i.e., with a C or higher). Previous research experience is not required, but is highly recommended. PRIME students are awarded a stipend of $1,500 and are given an additional $500 upon completion of the program. Students who receive and accept PRIME funding may not accept additional funding from any other source.

  • Summer Research Program for Underrepresented Minorities & Women

    The Office of Undergraduate Research and Community Outreach also welcomes applicants for the College of Arts and Sciences Summer Research Program for Underrepresented Minorities & Women. The program is open to underrepresented minority and women students in the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences. Qualified applicants should have completed at a minimum their sophomore year, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Find a Research Mentor

The Office of Research and Community Outreach is committed to connecting undergraduates interested in research with research mentors across the University. Consult the research guide for students and apply online to be matched with a faculty mentor in your field of interest.

More Resources for Undergraduates

The Office of Research and Community Outreach maintains a full list of on- and off-campus resources for undergraduate research. There are also a number of research grants available for minority students interested in careers in medicine or the biological sciences, including programs funded by the NIH and NSF. And if you’re looking for inspiration, make sure to attend UM’s annual Undergraduate Research, Creativity, and Innovation Forum every April.

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