Honors Summer Undergraduate Research Program
The Honors College promotes discovery, inquiry, and creativity-based opportunities through mentored research experiences. To that end, the Honors Summer Undergraduate Research Program (HSURP) allows students to work one-on-one with a faculty mentor or a research team to examine various research topics across many disciplines. Additionally, it is a great way to meet fellow honors students and participate in professional development workshops and social activities.
Program Dates
May 26-July 24, 2026
A $4,000 stipend is provided in two installments over the nine-week program.
Professional Development Workshops
- Resumes & Job Interview Skills
- Maximizing the Library as an Undergraduate Researcher
- Strategies For Increasing Success When Applying To Graduate And Professional Schools
- Strategies for Making the Most Out of Undergraduate Research Conferences
- Applying for Nationally Competitive Scholarships
Social Activities
- VCU Outdoor Adventure Program
- Museum and Park Visits
- Pizza & Movie Nights
How to Apply
Each project is unique and may include running lab experiments, literature reviews, data collection and cleaning, web scraping, and statistical analysis.
Application Deadline: The priority application deadline is Monday, February 9 at 11:59 p.m.
Eligibility
- HSURP is open to all majors
- Students must plan to be enrolled full-time during the fall semester after participating in HSURP
- Meet the requirements of good standing in the Honors College
- Letter of recommendation from faculty, academic advisor or university staff employed outside of the Honors College
Requirements
Upon receiving an offer from HSURP, students sign an agreement to fulfill the following requirements:
- To devote full effort to conducting the HSURP project; students must disclose plans to take summer courses, hold a job, or any involvement in activities that may conflict with HSURP before accepting the offer
- To update digital time sheets, detailing work done on a day-to-day basis
- To regularly update a blog outlining your experience with your research and your progress in the program
- To submit two written reflection assignments during the program
- To participate in weekly workshops, group meetings, social activities, etc.
- To present at the culminating poster symposium during the last week of the program
If you have questions, contact Dr. Jacqueline Smith-Mason at jsmithmason@vcu.edu
Benefits
- Participants receive hands-on research experience guided by a faculty mentor
- Excellent preparation to apply to a graduate or professional degree program or a national scholarship
- Build community with honors students
- Gain public speaking and presentation experience
- Strategies for making the most out of attending conferences
- Professional development opportunities (e.g., resume and interviewing skills)
- Social activities: museum & park visits, pizza & movie nights, exploring Richmond
- Stipend: $4,000