Paid summer 2026 research experiences for BSOS undergraduate students. Please read websites carefully for due dates and application criteria.

UM Scholars Program – Paid research opportunities for UMD students through MPowering the State. Closing date is February 22, 2026, but apply early as applications will be read on a rolling basis. Students will work with researchers at the Maryland Department of Health or with faculty at University of Maryland Baltimore in summer 2026.  You do not have to propose your own project. You will be joining an existing research team. Each student receives a stipend.

BSOS Summer Scholars – Supports individual undergraduate research projects in any behavioral and social sciences discipline in the summer ($3000 stipend). Proposals are due on February 27, 2026. You need to have your own proposal idea and a BSOS research mentor. The application for summer 2026 can be submitted via InfoReady, the campus research funding application portal. Questions: bsosresearch@umd.edu.  

SPIRE – Student Proposed Innovation & Research Experience provides opportunities for UMD undergraduates to work closely with faculty mentors on summer research projects while actively engaging with the broader community of SPIRE researchers. Stipends are $3000 and students should have a proposal idea and research mentor. Applications are due February 12, 2026.

BSOS Summer Research Initiative (SRI) –  The program provides rising juniors and seniors with an 8-week intensive, residential summer experience to develop research skills, learn about doctoral training, and increase graduate training readiness. Each student receives a stipend. Applications are due on February 10, 2026.  You do not need to have your own project or research mentor as one will be assigned.