Research & Scholar Programs

Undergraduate students pursuing research

UC Berkeley is known as the number one research university in the world.As an undergraduate, there are many opportunities for you to participate in the vital research community.Many students can develop their own research skills by assisting faculty initative research or pursue their own independent research projects

The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) helps match undergraduates to faculty researchers in every field of knowledge. Apprentices work with faculty as they learn the discipline essential to research --and enjoy the creativity and accomplishment of problem-solving. In every department there are opportunities for students-initiated research. There are workshops, funding and other support available to help you succeed.

The Haas Scholars Program was founded in 1997 through the generous vision of Robert and Colleen Haas. Each year, twenty highly qualified, academically talented undergraduates with financial need come together to build a supportive intellectual community during their final year at UC-Berkeley. Haas Scholars come from all walks of life and every major on campus, but they are united by their desire to strive for excellence--both in their individual academic pursuits, and as an interdisciplinary cohort. Applicants are evaluated primarily on the merit and originality of their proposal for an independent research or creative project that will serve as the basis for a senior or honors thesis. Once selected, Haas Scholars receive close mentoring from members of the UC-Berkeley faculty, seminars and workshops to assist them in the research and writing process, the opportunity to present their work at a professional conference, and up to $12,600 each in financial support. Haas Scholar alumni have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields, including academia, industry, and public service. You are invited to explore this website for an introduction to the community of Haas Scholars, and if qualified, we encourage you to apply to join us!

The McNair Scholars Program prepares selected UC Berkeley undergraduates for graduate study at the doctoral level. Twenty to thirty McNair Scholars are selected each year to participate in both academic and summer activities. The McNair Scholars Program aims to increase numbers of groups underrepresented in doctoral programs

The Amgen Scholars Program is a national program to increase research opportunities for students committed to pursuing careers in the sciences. This program provides outstanding science undergraduates with research experience and increases participants’ competitiveness as candidates for admission to prestigious graduate and professional institutions. Additionally, this program encourages participants to pursue a Ph.D. or the joint M.D./Ph.D. degree and research careers in the sciences and biotechnology. Applicants from diverse populations and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The Biology Scholars Program (BSP) at UC Berkeley is a program that challenges the "by the numbers" popular view (e.g., SATs and high school GPAs as good predictors of success) about who can and should do science. Over the past 20 years, of the 2080 BSP graduates, 60% have been underrepresented minorities (African American, Hispanic, and American Indian), 70% women, and 80% from low-income backgrounds and/or the first in their family to attend college.


Beehive, the College of Engineering clearinghouse offers research positions, design projects, and even more creative opportunities! They help match aspiring scholars with original investigations in a range of disciplines.

QUEST (Qualcomm Undergraduate Experiences in Science and Technology) Become a QUEST Scholar and be paid to conduct research! Are you participating in undergraduate engineering research during Spring 2013? If so, apply to be a QUEST Scholar! QUEST Scholars will receive a $1,000 stipend for research conducted in April 2013. QUEST Scholars continuing for Summer 2013 will receive an additional $5,000 stipend. Any undergraduate student in the College of Engineering who is currently participating in engineering research may apply. Application deadline: Friday, March 29, 5pm. Application will be available here soon. Questions may be directed to Engineering Student Services at (510) 642-7594 or ess@coe.berkeley.edu.

The UC Berkeley SAGE (Student Achievement Guided by Experience) Scholars Program is a leadership driven program for low-income, first-generation undergraduates of all majors. By participating in the SAGE Scholars Program, students overcome the legacy of underserved and disrupted backgrounds, stay in school, and gain valuable experience and leadership skills.

SAGE empowers students to understand the relationship between their academic pursuits and their future careers by providing them with vital professional development experiences and skills to prepare them for success. Once students experience these life-changing opportunities they develop the confidence and skills necessary to envision themselves as true leaders in their work, families, and communities.

Our mission is to promote professional leadership and career development training for undergraduates with financial need through internships, mentoring, and education. The SAGE Scholars Program is committed to working with academic, business, and outreach partners as well as the broader community

NERDS (New Experiences for Research & Diversity in Science) is on a mission to promote higher education and career preparation. We are made up of talented undergraduate and graduate students in the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Our NERDS are housed in several STEM Diversity Research/Resource student-centric programs. We have a special emphasis in Pre-PhD, Diversity, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Leadership, and Community Service. Our student center, located at 230-C Stephens Hall, is a special place at UC Berkeley...for many NERDS it is a home away from home. NERDS offer a student-centric environment and a buffet of opportunities including special training (research poster design, machine shop, science writing, etc.) , summer research opportunities, math and physics tutoring, research conference travel, graduate school visits, GRE prep, scholarships, advising, professional development, leadership training, and graduate school and fellowship application assistance. NERDS are interested in going to graduate school or the industry. The Cal NERDS Program is made up of six separate programs. All programs are involved in small service projects to give back to the community based on NERDS' interests. Examples of past service projects include "power shopping at the Math Mall" workshop for 7th/8th grade girls, YMCA Science Youth Day, Build-a-Bike Child Project, Build-a-Mechanical Hand for Africa project, High School Tours, Community College Tours, Youtube Videos, etc.


These are just a few of the programs that we have at Berkeley, you are welcome to come into the Student Parent Center and we can help you find a research area of your interest.