What is URP?

As part of its effort to encourage undergraduate participation in scientific research, the College of Science and Technology created the CST Undergraduate Research Program (URP).

This program allows students in the College of Science and Technology to work with distinguished Temple faculty members on both the Main campus and the Health Sciences campus completing hands on research in their particular field of interest.

This research program runs in the Fall, Spring and Summer – students can apply for the semester that best fits their schedule.  However, students can only participate in URP for a total of two semesters.

Why would I participate in URP?

Students who are seeking a career which includes post undergraduate education often are required to obtain hands on research work to be considered for professional school.  Many job opportunities that a student may seek are also looking for students who have spent time in the lab outside of just the classroom experience.  Completing hands on independent research may be critical to the next step in your educational or professional endeavors. 

How do I go about applying for URP?

Students are required to apply each semester for participation in URP - this is a very selective program so a student will need to have a solid GPA in their CST related courses as well as a strong university GPA.  Both will be reviewed during the URP acceptance process. 

The program is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.  Typically, freshmen have not completed enough of the required entry level CST courses to be considered for the program.  Transfer students who have been on campus for a semester may also apply.

Students will be sent an email informing them about the application deadlines to apply.  They must then complete the required application online by the due date to be considered.  Students may indicate during the application process which URP faculty member they might be interested in working with as their faculty research sponsor– students can specify more than on URP faculty sponsor.

Students who are selected to participate will take a 1 -4 credit research course. They will work with a Faculty sponsor to perform research work in the faculty member's lab. Students are expected to work approximately 3 times the number of credit hours per week in the lab and may be asked to participate in conferences or to showcase their research work in the department.

Students may also be paid for additional time in excess of their required course work requirement in the lab if the faculty sponsor supports the additional research work.  Students may earn up to $9.00 an hour for a maximum of 9 hours each week above the required course time in the lab.

When do I apply?

See the dates on the previous page.

Who do I contact for more information?

Additional information can be found on the URP Web site or you may contact – Rose McGinnis – Director of Undergraduate Research.