Undergraduate Research Scholars Program

Undergraduate Research Scholars Program

The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP) is designed to give undergraduates an authentic research, creative, or scholarly experience under the guidance of a mentor

Download the Proposal Guidelines for helpful suggestions regarding the student application form.  Note that the project should be appropriate for an interdisciplinary audience and authored by the student. 

Fall URSP is open now! The deadline for this cycle is May 27, 2026.

Upcoming Seminars

OSCAR’s Seminar Series is designed to guide you through every step of your undergraduate research and creative journey. Whether you are figuring out how to find a faculty mentor, looking for tips on securing project funding, or preparing to present your findings, our peer leaders and staff are here to help. Explore our upcoming sessions below and register today to take your next step!

All spring 2026 seminars will be held virtually!

Fall URSP Information Session #1

Wednesday, April 22, 4-5 pm

Registration link: https://gmu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_43mv1TAX5RkT0ou

Fall URSP Information Session #2

Thursday, May 7, 5-6 pm

Registration link: https://gmu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3dC0sVUv4DoiDXw

Wondering about how to apply for the URSP program and get helpful information about writing your application proposal? Come meet OSCAR Peer Leaders during their office hours to discuss your URSP applications and proposals. An OSCAR Peer Leader is an undergraduate student who has done research at Mason.

Picture of Summer Research 2019

Funding Details

Fall

  • Up to $1,500 total award
    • Student Materials and Supplies: $1000
    • Mentor Allocation: $500
  • Approximately 144 hours spent on the project
  • Required enrollment in UNIV 495 (0 or 1 credit, meets weekly) or UNIV 496 (0 credit, for those with previous research experience)

 

Spring

  • Up to $1,500 total award
    • Student Materials and Supplies: $1000
    • Mentor Allocation: $500
  • Approximately 144 hours spent on the project
  • Required enrollment in UNIV 495 (0 or 1 credit, meets weekly) or UNIV 496 (0 credit, for those with previous research experience)

 

Summer

TRADITIONAL URSP

  • Up to $1,500 total award
    • Student Materials, Supplies and/or Pay: $1,000
    • Mentor Allocation: $500
  • Approximately 144 hours spent on the project
  • Attend OSCAR Summer seminars 

INTENSIVE URSP

  • $7,000 total award
    • Student Summer Pay: $6,000
    • Project Materials, Supplies and/or Pay: $500
    • Mentor Allocation: $500
  • Approximately 360 hours spent on the project
  • Attend OSCAR Summer seminars 

 

Mason Korea URSP

  • Up to $2,500 total award
    • Student Materials, Supplies and/or Pay: $2000
    • Mentor Allocation: $500
  • Approximately 144 hours spent on the project