UC Davis is a public doctoral/research university, and we view discovery through research not only as a core mission, but also as a responsibility to public service. Our campus's varied research programs seek solutions to state, national and global problems in agriculture, the environment, health, the economy and public policy, among others. We are committed to engaging our undergraduates in the research process.
Nearly every faculty member is engaged in original research, both scholarly and creative, resulting in an enriched classroom experience and numerous opportunities for students to work individually with professors in research activities outside the classroom. More than half our students work on a special project or research with a faculty member in the course of their undergraduate education.
UC Davis offers a rich array of campus-based research resources for undergraduates, such as the McNair Scholars Program, MURALS (Mentorships for Undergraduate Research in Agriculture, Letters, and Science) and several National Science Foundation (NSF) research programs. Learn more about our programs extending Beyond the Classroom for off-campus opportunities. Visit our Undergraduate Research Center for more information about our sponsored research programs.
The Center for Leadership Learning offers UC Davis students a variety of opportunities to develop and implement their leadership skills through a variety of programs such as the Student Leadership Development Series, the Leadership Learning Community within the Colleges at La Rue, and the Contemporary Leadership minor. Through these programs, UC Davis strives to cultivate a new generation of leaders who demonstrate effective cultural and interpersonal skills, who are socially engaged and who can successfully lead within their professions.
Several publishing opportunities on the UC Davis campus are available to undergraduate students. Explorations, the UC Davis Undergraduate Research Journal, presents students with a vehicle for publishing their academic research articles. Prized Writing is an annual publication of the University Writing Program, and presents UC Davis student writings as diverse as the dynamics of hairstyles to the dangers of worker's compensation. The 2006 edition of this journal was supported by a variety of UC Davis faculty as well as best selling novelist John Lescroart. The independent undergraduate student journal, Produce, is an annual of short fiction and poetry, created through a collaboration of writers in the UC Davis English Club.
The President's Undergraduate Fellowship Program (PUF) awards grants to undergraduate students conducting research or creative projects under the guidance of UC Davis faculty members. Students from all academic disciplines are eligible to apply. In addition to traditional areas of research, this is your chance to try your hand at film production, design and create original artwork, compose music, travel to libraries or research collections, among many other activities. The maximum award is $2,000.
Students interested in pursuing academic research at UC Davis also have the opportunity to participate in the UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference, an annual event in which participating undergraduate students present their research findings. Participating students become familiar with the process and academic rigors of presenting research in a scholarly manner and have the chance to interact with an audience of faculty, administrators and peers. The Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference is designed to encourage students to pursue advanced degrees that will lead to research and college teaching.
The UC Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS) program provides math, engineering and science students with educational experiences that prepare them to assume positions of leadership in industry, government, public service, and academia. Additional benefits include: research experience, research stipends, GRE preparation, seminars/workshops, advising, networking, and travel to professional meetings.
Our Undergraduate Research Center facilitates research opportunities for all UC Davis undergraduates. The center provides advising, referrals and educational programs to support students interested in exploring topics through undergraduate research. The center also provides resources such as listings of faculty research interests, sponsored research, summer opportunities and information on research-related grants and fellowships.
UC Davis Undergraduate Admissions
178 Mrak Hall
530-752-2971
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