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.
USC Price grads provide Congress with insights on how Americans save for retirement
The Master of Public Policy students analyzed a large dataset on private-sector pensions for their practicum project.
Students pitch transformative ventures for Los Angeles and beyond
The 2025 Das Family Innovate x LA Student Competition challenges students to develop high-impact urban solutions and compete for a $20,000 prize.
USC undergraduates navigate stem cell research at inaugural symposium
Research is shared by three groups of Trojans participating in COMPASS, a comprehensive two-year program designed to prepare juniors and seniors for careers in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
How one USC sophomore’s algorithm is helping young cancer patients
Research from biomedical engineering student Arjun Karnwal is being used by Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to improve cancer radiation treatments.
How Trojans are leveraging machine learning to detect middle ear diseases
A group of undergraduate students and Professor Brian Applegate are working to develop a machine learning model to quickly and accurately identify specific ear problems.
Anya Shah brings a unique perspective to USC’s Convergent Science Institute in Cancer
The multiple-major student, diagnosed with leukemia at age 8, has been working at the institute since she was a freshman.
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, andCAIS++.
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.