Summer Research Programs for Undergraduates

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is excited to announce that we will be hosting two summer research opportunities for talented undergraduate students

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The USC Viterbi Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) provides outstanding undergraduate students with the opportunity to compete for positions that allow them to spend 8 weeks in Los Angeles working on cutting-edge research projects under the supervision of Viterbi faculty and current Ph.D. students.

The USC Viterbi SURE program will help participants develop research skills and build important relationships that will expand their academic horizons and further their research careers. The overarching goal of SURE is to help students develop an understanding of research in engineering disciplines, and prepare students with skills for successful academic careers in engineering graduate programs.

More below...

The University of Southern California (USC) and Amazon Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) provides outstanding undergraduate students with the opportunity to compete for positions that allow them to spend 8 weeks in Los Angeles working on cutting-edge research projects in the field of artificial intelligence, computer science and engineering, and robotics.

This exciting new program, sponsored by Amazon, focuses on undergraduate students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in STEM and allows participants to work in an academic-industry collaboration under the supervision of Viterbi faculty and current Ph.D. students to develop skill sets in research towards academia as well as your career goals. Participants also will engage in professional network opportunities and build relationships that will expand their academic and professional horizons to further their research and career paths. The overarching goal of USC-Amazon SURE is to help students develop an understanding of research in engineering disciplines and prepare students with skills for successful academic careers in engineering graduate programs.

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View photo albums from previous SURE programs

Our summer research programs not only provide amazing research opportunities for students but are also fun! SURE participants will be able to attend community-building events with other participants, both on campus and around Los Angeles. Get a sense of what's in store for next summer by viewing our photo albums from previous years.

Informational Webinar

Date: February 8 - 4pm
Topic: Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) programs at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Details : Join us and learn more about the SURE and Amazon-SURE programs. There will be time for questions.
Registration: Now Open

USC Viterbi School: SURE Program

Summer 2022 Program Dates: June 13-August 5, 2022

PROGRAM GOALS

Engage in cutting-edge research under the guidance of USC faculty and PhD mentors.
Attend community-building events with other SURE participants. both on campus and around Los Angeles.
Attend professional development seminars on topics such as conducting literature reviews, delivering effective presentations, designing technical posters, developing best practices in research, writing scientific abstracts, and applying to PhD programs.
Present their research at the end-of-summer Research Symposium.

ELIGIBILITY

Sophomore or junior-year undergraduate students enrolled at a U.S. higher education institution outside of the University of Southern California.
U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or DACA recipient currently located in the U.S.
Strong academic background (GPA of 3.5 or higher is recommended) in the fields of engineering, math, computer science, or hard science (biology, chemistry, physics)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Transcripts (official or student portal generated transcripts are acceptable)
Resume/CV (1 page maximum)
Statement of Purpose
2 Letters of Recommendation (academic references preferred)

Visit the Official SURE Webpage

AMAZON + USC Viterbi School SURE Program

Visit the Official AMAZON SURE Webpage

The Progressive Degree Program (PDP) allows you to earn credits toward a Master’s Degree while completing your Bachelor’s Degree at USC.

Financial Aid: For more information about how the Progressive Degree Program would affect your financial aid, please visit the Financial Aid website.

Scholarship: Viterbi Admission and Student Engagement is pleased to offer merit based scholarships for Viterbi Master’s students who are currently completing graduate coursework via the Viterbi Progressive Degree Program (PDP). For more information and how to apply.

Applications are now accepted from USC undergraduates with at least 64 college units completed (excluding AP, IB or transfer units earned prior to high school graduation). Students may apply in their junior or senior year, but no later than the semester prior to beginning graduate coursework. Application after undergraduate graduation is not allowed. Viterbi encourages students to apply in their junior year so that the applicant and advisor(s) can carefully coordinate upper division undergraduate courses with the onset of graduate coursework. If admitted, students are required to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees within 12 semesters of the student's first term in college.
Letters of recommendation are not required from Viterbi Progressive Degree applicants whose overall USC undergraduate GPA is 3.5 or higher. Applicants with GPAs below 3.5 are required to submit one letter of recommendation from an instructor in a relevant academic field.

PLEASE NOTE: If your GPA is 3.5 or above, please select "other" in the drop-down menu on the letter of recommendation section in order to submit the application in myViterbi. If you don't see your undergraduate major in myViterbi, please select 'undeclared engineering from the drop-down menu.

Program Overview

IMPACT

From improved collision avoidance on roads to soft robotic systems for use in space, from imaging technology for use in medicine to AI for social good, USC Viterbi is there leading the way with groundbreaking research. The research that you participate in will have real world impact and we invite you to review the list of available research projects.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Participation in cutting edge research alongside world-class researchers
Travel to and from Los Angeles
$650 per week stipend
Campus housing
Health insurance
Educational and social activities
End of program poster session

BENEFITS

Research experience gained by working alongside faculty researchers and PhD students
Access to professional development seminars on topics such as conducting literature reviews, delivering effective presentations, designing technical posters, developing best practices in research, writing scientific abstracts, and applying to PhD programs
Participation in professional networking events
Explore the vibrant city of Los Angeles with its many cultural activities; local beaches, mountains and deserts and virtually unparalleled job and internship opportunities

Opportunity to meet and make friends with other SURE students that share your passion for research

Important Dates & Deadlines

Application opens on December 10, 2021
Application closes on February 13, 2022
Arrival: June 11-12, 2022
Program begins and orientation takes place on June 13, 2022
Program ends on August 5, 2022
Departure: August 6-7, 2022

Applicant Information

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Sophomore or Junior-year undergraduate student enrolled at a U.S. higher education institution (including USC)
U.S. citizens/permanent residents, or DACA recipients* currently located in the U.S.
Strong academic background (GPA of 3.5 or higher is recommended)
Acceptable Majors: engineering, math, computer science, biology, chemistry and physics
Must be available for the full length of the program (June 13 – August 5, 2022)

* Undocumented students need work authorization. (Unpaid summer internship opportunities for undocumented students regardless of work authorization can be found here.)

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Transcripts (unofficial, student portal generated transcripts are acceptable)
Résumé/CV (1-page maximum)
Statement of Purpose
2 Letters of Recommendation (academic preferred)

Deadline & Notification:

Deadline Extended to Friday, February 7, 11:59pm PST
2020 SURE Application Deadline is February 2, 2020, 11:59pm PST
Participants will be notified in mid-March 2020

** Please do not contact faculty directly until you have been formally accepted into the program

For questions regarding the SURE program, please contact Tracy Charles

Other Summer Research Opportunities

In addition to the SURE program on our main campus, additional USC Viterbi summer research internship opportunities exist in our Computer Science department, Institute for Creative Technologies and Information Sciences Institute!

Published on June 6th, 2017

Last updated on August 2nd, 2022