RESEARCH

UCI is noted internationally for its rich academic programs and the quality of its faculty. The campus' long standing commitment to undergraduate education yields strong programs across all academic disciplines. The School of Social Sciences endorses an array of research programs for undergraduate students to pursue during their college careers. These programs are comprehensive and offer a hands-on experience for undergraduates to conduct research and attain a deeper understanding of the process. Furthermore, these experiences enhance their academic qualifications and make them more competitive candidates for graduate school.

GENERAL INFORMATION

UCI Research and Graduate Studies Homepage

Getting Units for Research

Research Awards Given to the School of Social Sciences

SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES:

Summer Academic Enrichment Program (SAEP)

This program was established in 1991 and was designed to enhance specific analytical and research skills and to prepare participants for graduate school. SAEP is an intense, five-week residential summer program. It exposes the students to analytical writing, statistics, and numerous graduate school workshops. Each year's cohort is comprised of approximately 18-20 students.

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

This program provides students avenues to explore excellent summer research programs emphasizing "hands-on" research, faculty mentorships, and graduate school information. The intent is to offer undergraduates the opportunity to attend an out-of-state institution to conduct research and supplement their educational profiles. Approximately 10 students are being placed this year and the goal is to have over 50 across the nation during the summer within the next 3 years.

The Nebraska Experiment Program to Stimulate Competitive Research

This is a statewide program supported by the National Science Foundation to Assist university faculty and students in developing competitive research programs in specifically targeted areas selected by a statewide committee appointed by the Governor. Open to students pursuing bachelor degrees in the area of science, engineering, mathematics or technology.

The University of Utah - Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP)

University of Maryland - Summer Research Institute

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program - The University of Rochester

Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School - Junior Summer Institute

UC Berkeley - Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA)

U.S. State Department

The University of Texas at Austin, Research Experience for Undergraduates

University of Wisconsin-Madison: Summer Undergrad Research

YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS:

The California Alliance for Minority Participation (CAMP)

The California Alliance for Minority Participation (CAMP) in Science, Engineering, and Math, is a statewide initiative funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The objective of CAMP is to increase the quality and quantity of underrepresented students receiving baccalaureate degrees in science, engineering and mathematics (SEM) at the University of California (UC), and to make a substantial contribution to the SEM education pipeline. The CAMP program began at UC Irvine in 1991; currently, eight UC campuses participate in the program. –CAMP Initiative

CAMP Summer Science Scholars present their research in preparation for the two upcoming national conferences, SACNAS- October 21 – 24 and MAES, in October. In addition to the students who stay at UCI and conduct summer research, all students who have conducted research at other institutions, Sandia National Lab, Cal Tech, Berkeley, NIH, come and present their research at this symposium. Mexican American Engineers and Scientists Conference. These scholars may also present at American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Chemical Society, American Mathematical Society, American Physical Society CAMP Undergraduate Symposium and UROP Conference.

For more information contact Kika Friend at kika@uci.edu

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

This program provides the opportunity and access to professional environments conducive to research advancement and career skills development. UROP also helps undergraduates to receive funding for their research. UROP hosts an annual symposium and publishes an undergraduate research journal every Spring quarter.

Social Science Specialization in Public and Community Service

This program integrates academic learning with community service activities. As a requirement, the students enroll in a three-quarter class series and are placed in community internships to provide community service and conduct field research. Students become engaged with local community non-profit agencies, are connected to a supervisor, and become engaged in ethnographic research projects that address community needs.

Field Studies Research Symposium

Field Studies students present their research and internship experiences to an audience of faculty, students, and community visitors at the end-of Spring quarter. The symposium allows students to learn about their peers' research and experiences.

Service Learning Research Internships

In support of University of California's commitment to making positive contributions to the underserved and marginalized communities of California through academic courses, the School of Social Sciences provides out-of-class experiences to reinforce understanding of academic theory while addressing serious community concerns. More specifically, all students within the school are eligible and encouraged to intern in the community. With a structured curriculum having a research requirement, students explore the role of the social scientist and help seek solutions to problems affecting society. 

Social Science Academic Resource Center (SSARC) Research Workshops

The SSARC provides numerous research-related workshops throughout the academic year. These workshops address the importance of research, ways to approach faculty and join their research teams, the benefits to research, and fundamental steps to conducting good research.