The UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) offer upper division undergraduate students with outstanding academic potential the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects. The programs are designed for students who wish to learn more about the graduate school experience and possibly pursue an academic career in teaching and research. Opportunities are available in virtually all academic fields (e.g., arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, health sciences, physical sciences, etc.).

Student participants in many SPUR programs will work with a faculty mentor with special expertise and interests matched, as closely as possible, to the student’s research interests and career goals. Most but not all SPUR programs pair students with a faculty mentor. Students will either assist the faculty member in an ongoing research project or work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest.

Most SPUR programs feature seminars on:

writing and research skills
strategies for enhancing success in applying to graduate school
graduate school funding opportunities
opportunities for informal discussion with UCLA graduate students
academic career opportunities
GRE test preparation
cultural and educational activities

For information about a specific program, see the UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate and Graduate Research Booklet.

UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)

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