Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Vibrant student-faculty interactions are a hallmark of a USD education. Working side-by-side and engaged in intellectual pursuits with their faculty mentors, USD students gain lifelong experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. Many students travel to national and international conferences to present their research results. As a USD student you will have a number of opportunities to explore and take part in research and scholarly activities with faculty mentors.
- Student Research: USD students work closely with faculty, refine their analytical skills, and learn research methods using state-of-the art instrumentation and equipment in the Shiley Center for Science and Technology, and apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems. Several USD programs and awards provide financial support to students interested in research. In particular, the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience SURE provides financial support for joint student-faculty summer research projects. Additionally, many faculty have extramural funding through research grants that can pay students a summer salary while they work with faculty mentors.
- Creative Collaborations Conference: USD hosts this annual conference to celebrate the intellectual life at USD and to provide students an opportunity to present their research, internships, and creative activities in a student-friendly and supportive environment.
- International Study: Located on the Pacific Rim and just 22 miles from the Mexican border, USD is optimally positioned for international activity, research and community service. International opportunities are offered in over 70 programs in 35 countries and 54 cities across the globe.
- Honors Program: Honors students engage in creative and sustained independent work in their majors through original research projects that will be the focus of the senior independent study and senior colloquium.
- Community Service-Learning: Students can enroll in the course-based service-learning program that incorporates community partnerships which can also include research and internship opportunities.
- Independent Study: Students can conduct research on a topic of interest by enrolling in an Independent Study course. Independent study courses require the approval of a supervising faculty member.
- Internships: Internships are opportunities to work directly in a career or research field that interests you. USD Career Services or your academic department can help you find the right internship.
