Academic Enhancement and Research

In collaboration with faculty and staff from across campus, the College of Letters and Science offer programs that focus on academic and professional experiences that will help undergraduate students succeed at UCSB and beyond.

We encourage students to make the most of thier time at UCSB by exploring these opportunities.

Questions? Contact the College of Letters and Science Advsing Office.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

UCSB provides a diverse range of research opportunities spanning across humanities, social sciences, arts, and sciences. Whether you're interested in laboratory work, field studies, creative projects, or assisting faculty members, UCSB offers a wealth of opportunities to explore and expand your academic horizons through research. UCSB is committed to fostering inclusive undergraduate research experiences that honor the sociocultural identities and intellectual interests of our diverse student populations. Students may be eligible to recieve course credit by enrolling in an Independent Study Course.

Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (URCA)

URCA is a program offered by the Division of Undergraduate Education at UCSB aimed at facilitating and promoting undergraduate involvement in research and creative activities.

Undergraduate Research Assistant Directory

The RA Directory provided through the Faculty Research Assistance Program (FRAP) is another initiative by the Division of Undergraduate Education to connect undergraduate students with opportunities to assist faculty members in their research endeavors. Explore what opportunities peek your interest!

UCSB Undergraduate Research Website & Blog

The UCSB Undergraduate Research website serves as a central hub for various research programs and opportunities available to undergraduate students. It contains comprehensive information on available programs, guidance on project selection, and inspiring stories from fellow UCSB undergraduates who have participated in research endeavors

Explore Research Opportunities Beyond UC Santa Barbara

Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research (SCCUR)

Learn about the Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research (SCCUR) to engage with a broader academic community and showcase your research.

Discovery @ UCSB Seminars

Knowledge is created as faculty and students collaborate in UCSB's classrooms, studios, laboratories, museums, and workshops to ponder big questions with answers yet to be discovered. Discovery @ UCSB is your opportunity to learn in depth about how this knowledge-making takes place, and to learn about how you can become a part of it.

UCSB Capital Internship Programs

The UCSB Capital Internship Program provides unique learning opportunities to live, intern, and study at the UC Center Sacramento (UCCS) or in Washington, D.C. at the UC Washington Center (UCDC). This is a UC Systemwide program and is available to students from all UC campuses. Participating students not only engage in stimulating internships and coursework but also observe public policy processes firsthand. Students must apply and interview for a position and be selected by the internship organization.

Scholarships & Awards

Outstanding UCSB undergraduate students may research Scholarships Requiring UCSB Endorsement, a repository of prestigious national and international scholarship opportunities.