Student Research
Nothing beats real world experience. With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, students work closely with faculty on exploring research opportunities in the lab, the local community and around the world. Many schools have funding programs to support student research so that research experience is accessible for all.
Research Opportunities & Scholarships
The chance to practice high-level scholarly inquiry is at your fingertips. Take advantage of a wide range of centers and scholarships that can propel you forward.
Using Your Education to Solve Problems
Being enrolled at USC comes with beyond-the-classroom learning opportunities, such as improving the well-being of our immediate community, addressing questions with national and global implications, and much more.
Student Research News
Take a peek at just a few standout examples of students taking their inquiry out into the real world.
No. 1 USC claims 2024 Pac-12 beach volleyball championship
It marks the fifth time in the eight stagings of the event the Trojans have claimed the crown.
Laws requiring doctors to report a dementia diagnosis to the DMV may backfire
USC researchers investigate whether state reporting mandates are associated with clinicians’ likelihood of underdiagnosing dementia.
USC researchers find genetic variant contributing to disparities in childhood leukemia risk
The variant helps explain why Latino children face a higher risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and offers insights about what causes the disease.
Keck Medicine of USC opens transplant care clinic in Las Vegas
The clinic is the first in Nevada to offer in-state heart transplant services.
People with rare longevity mutation may also be protected from cardiovascular disease
Patients with growth hormone receptor deficiency, or Laron syndrome, appear to have lower than average risk factors for cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.
USC announces 2024 commencement celebrations
Dozens of student-focused events will recognize the newest graduates.
USC welcomes reinstatement of Reggie Bush’s 2005 Heisman
Bush had a legendary career at USC and an electrifying 2005 season, scoring 18 touchdowns.
Can AI help us uncover unknown authors?
USC computer scientists are developing language technologies that could potentially identify who wrote anonymous text.
Few hospitals are promoting potentially predatory medical payment products
A recent USC study finds concerns about hospitals offering medical payment products may be overblown.
‘Be leaders in your community’: Students engage with university officials at sustainability town hall
EARTH MONTH: Representatives of the USC Office of Sustainability spoke with students about what’s been done, what’s in the works and what needs to happen to create a greener university.
USC Bridge Institute
A launchpad for projects combining diverse disciplines in science, engineering, medicine and the arts, Bridge Institute leverages the strengths of diverse experts to act as a connector that trains fearless researchers, supports convergence and empowers collaborative problem-solving.
Opportunities for Graduate Students
Center for Advanced Genocide Research
Recognizing USC undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students who use USC’s Visual History Archive or other genocide-related resources at USC for innovative research projects, this award is open to students across all academic disciplines.
Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations (C-DEBI)
While the search for extraterrestrial life is neverending, USC scientists have launched the search intra-terrestrially — they’re hunting for life below the ocean floor. Graduate students contemplating a career in scientific research are encouraged to apply for a variety of opportunities.
Institute on Inequalities in Global Health (IIGH)
With partners in civil society, academia, government and the UN, IIGH offers several fellowship opportunities for students and postdocs interested in conducting research both in the U.S. and internationally.
More Research Opportunities
These are just a sample of the many research opportunities available to graduate students. Find one that works for you.
Opportunities for Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate research is a key part of the complex, robust research ecosystem that makes up USC. Take a look at just some of the many funding opportunities you can explore.
-
Various schools and divisions offer funding for fields of research that fall under their disciplines.
- USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
- USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
- USC Sol Price School of Public Policy
- USC Viterbi School of Engineering
-
The USC Bridge Institute is training the next generation of students to explore across scientific disciplines and connect with the arts to understand science in a deeper way. Learn more.
-
MMUF is a partnership between the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and USC’s Office of the Provost to identify, support and mentor highly qualified underrepresented undergraduate students and other students interested in diversifying fields of study in higher education. Learn more.
-
Founded to increase the number of women in faculty positions and increase the representation of women in science and engineering, WiSE gives upper-level undergraduate women first-hand experience in laboratory-based research and other programs. Learn more.
Tech4Good Opportunities
Students also lead their own initiatives to better the world. There are several Tech4Good organizations that allow students to engage with issues that matter to them: Code the Change, Shift SC, and CAIS++.
Shift SC is USC’s student-led platform for human-centered and socially responsible technology. Students who participate are focused on interdisciplinary conversation and action around the social implications and ethical issues of tech.