Student Research Opportunities
About Student Research Opportunities
RSCA encompasses the full range of scholarly and artistic work — from scientific research and mathematical exploration to the creation of literature, visual art, film and performance. RSCA places participants at the forefront of their fields, offering hands-on experience and mentorship from experts.
Opportunities at SFSU
Through courses, internships and grants, SFSU provides robust support to engage in RSCA, empowering you to generate new knowledge, express creativity and make meaningful contributions to your communities and careers.
- Division of Graduate Studies holds workshops on applying to graduate school, writing personal statements and obtaining strong letters of recommendation.
- Institute for Civic and Community Engagement offers real-world learning and professional experiences with community and industry partners.
- College Undergraduate Research Experience provides support and resources for students in LCA.
- Leadership EDGE Program and Mentorship Program offer opportunities and resources to students in LFCoB.
- Student Enrichment Office provides support and resources for students in CoSE.
- California State University STEM Pathways Alliance is housed within the Student Enrichment Office and provides support for students interested in STEM.
SFSU scholarships database lists scholarships (financial awards based on academic merit) and fellowships (financial awards for advanced study or research).
- Hackathon at SFSU is a social event where people interested in computer programming, software development and computer science create or improve upon software programs.
- Kinesiology Research Expo is organized by the Kinesiology Student Association, which provides Kinesiology students with opportunities and experiences that facilitate professional growth and development in Exercise and Movement Science and Physical Education.
External Opportunities
Many organizations offer research opportunities, internships and fellowships.
- CSU Council on Ocean Affairs, Science and Technology (COAST) provides funding for field experiences and travel to conferences.
- CSU Biotechnology administers competitive grant and award programs that are open to CSU students in all disciplines related to biotechnology — including life sciences, physical sciences, clinical sciences, math, computer science, agricultural science, engineering and/or business.
- Big Ten Academic Alliance Summer Research Opportunities Program helps prepare undergraduates for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors and enrichment activities at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities.
- Institute for Broadening Participation offers a database of STEM programs and professional development resources for current and prospective undergraduate students.
- National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates allows undergraduates to participate in research projects in any area of research funded by the National Science Foundation, across the United States and the world, by applying directly to sites.
- UCSF Summer Research Training Program allows undergraduate students in the health sciences to work with UCSF faculty members on research projects and take part in seminars, lectures and social events.
- AAMC lists summer programs for undergraduates interested in pursuing careers in medical research.
- Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Identification Program is a summer internship that provides undergraduates with training and mentoring in the principles underlying the conduct of research and prepares them to pursue competitive applications to PhD or MD-PhD programs.
- National Institutes of Health Summer Internship Program is for college, graduate and professional students interested in exploring careers in research and health care.
- NASA Internships offer college-level students an opportunity to gain practical work experience while working side-by-side with mentors who are research scientists, engineers and individuals from many other professions.
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Summer Internship Program for undergraduate and graduate students introduces participants to the full spectrum of possible museum careers as well as builds foundational leadership skills.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Internships offer employment opportunities for students and recent graduates to work in the agricultural, science, technology, math, environmental, management, business and other fields.
- U.S. Department of Energy Internships and Fellowships offer early career programs for students and recent graduates in fields such as STEM, national security, international affairs, business and program development.
- Handshake provides a list of several opportunities.
- SFSU Fellowships Office provides resources and support to undergraduate students, graduate students and recent alumni interested in applying for CSU and national fellowships and awards.
- Amgen Scholars allows undergraduates to participate in science and biotechnology research opportunities at educational and research institutions.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers fellowships for graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals and artists to study, conduct research or teach English abroad.
- James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program offers graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year a chance to work as research assistants to Carnegie Endowment for International Peace senior scholars.
- Library of Congress Junior Fellows Program enables undergraduate students, graduate students and recent graduates to gain career experience by working with analog and digital collections and supporting the services of the world's largest library.
- Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship is committed to broadening the range of scholarly perspectives in the United States by supporting students of great promise and helping them become scholars and professionals of the highest distinction.
- NASA Fellowships are designed to prepare graduate-level students for careers in research through hands-on experiences and workforce training.
- National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program is for undergraduate students who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship inspires undergraduate students to pursue careers in STEM through a unique research experience.
- National Conference on Undergraduate Research is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students.
- Stanford Research Conference is a forum for undergraduates to present their work, hear from distinguished leaders in research and connect with one another to form a national research community.