Research Opportunities at USC
One of the many things that makes USC unique is how accessible research can be, even as an undergraduate. Whether you’re interested in biology, artificial intelligence, film, history, public policy, or just about anything else, there are countless ways to get involved. USC is home to hundreds of research centers and institutes, and many students start working with faculty mentors as early as their first year. There are several programs that provide funding so students can spend less time worrying about finances and more time exploring questions they’re passionate about.
Two of the biggest opportunities for Dornsife students are SOAR (Student Opportunities for Academic Research) and SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fund). (Know that there are funding opportunities like this in just about every school.) SOAR supports students during the academic year, whether they’re assisting a faculty member with an existing project or pursuing original research of their own. SURF offers similar support during the summer, giving students the chance to focus on a research project full-time when classes aren’t in session. Both programs help make research more accessible by providing funding and mentorship, allowing students to turn ideas from the classroom into real-world projects. USC also offers additional funding through programs like Undergraduate Research Fellowships, which provide stipends for student researchers across disciplines.
What’s especially exciting is the range of projects students can pursue. If you’re interested in the sciences, you might find yourself working in a lab at Keck Medicine, contributing to research on topics like cancer, neuroscience, or aging. USC also offers specialized summer research programs through schools like the Viterbi School of Engineering and research institutes across campus, giving students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and scientific discovery.
Research at USC isn’t limited to labs, though. Humanities and social science students have just as many opportunities to dive into topics they’re passionate about. You might analyze historical documents in USC’s archives, work with a professor studying public policy or urban development, or conduct community-based research throughout Los Angeles. Because USC is located in the heart of LA, the city often becomes an extension of the classroom and research space. Students regularly engage with local communities and museums while exploring questions about history, culture, politics, and society. For those interested in more specialized opportunities, resources like the USC Shoah Foundation’s Visual History Archive offer access to one-of-a-kind collections used by researchers around the world.
One of my favorite things about research at USC is that it often extends beyond campus. Thanks to USC’s location in Los Angeles, students can connect their research to museums, nonprofits, hospitals, community organizations, entertainment companies, and public institutions throughout the city. Regardless of what major you pursue, research becomes a way to engage directly with Los Angeles while building skills that will stay with you long after graduation.
Written by: Jaelin Robin, Assistant Director, USC Office of Admission