Our Traditional UROP Program has been our flagship offering for over 35 years. This program runs throughout the academic year, covering both the Fall and Winter terms, and involves undergraduate students from all academic fields at U-M Ann Arbor. Priority admission is given to students with little to no prior research experience. Student research assistants work collaboratively with faculty members, research scientists, professional practitioners, and community partners on ongoing or newly developed research projects.
The application for incoming freshmen and transfer students (for Fall '25 enrollment) will be available on Thursday, May 1, 2025
UROP Program Requirements and Expectations
- Serves U-M Ann Arbor undergraduate students from all academic fields and disciplines.
- Partner students with a research mentor.
- Identify academic and career interests.
- Apply real world applications to the classroom.
- Help students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Help students develop research skills useful in their courses.
- Help students meet great people and participate in diverse research teams.
- Help students stretch themselves intellectually and learn to think in creative, innovative ways.
- Conduct research 6-12 hours per week, for the full academic year (both Fall and Winter Terms).
- Engage with a community of student researchers participating in mandatory research seminars held on Tuesday evenings 4:00pm-5:30pm. The seminars are designed to complement your UROP research experience, facilitate your professional development as new scholars/researchers, and get the most out of your research experience.
- Present research at the annual Spring Research Symposium.
- Meet with a UROP Peer Facilitator once per month.
Every year, students are placed on the wait list for this program due to the limited availability of placements in UROP. Therefore, any student admitted to this program who fails to adhere to any of the requirements above could result in receiving a failing grade and/or being dismissed from the program.
Any incoming first year student who has been admitted and will be attending the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor OR
A student who is currently attending the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and with Sophomore standing.
(Please Note: If you are a current Sophomore participating in UROP and wish to continue participating in UROP as a Junior, you MUST instead apply to the Research Scholars Program.)
Academic Credit Option
Students can earn 2-4 academic credits per term. The number of credits earned is determined by the project you work on and the agreement made between you and the project's mentor.
Work-Study Option
Work-study students who have applied and accepted their Financial Aid work-study package will receive 1 academic credit per term and hourly compensation.
Federal work-study is a financial aid program for students who have financial need. The program funds part-time jobs for undergraduates, allowing students to earn money to help pay educational expenses. Under the Work-Study program, a percentage of students’ earnings is paid through federal funds, with the remainder paid by UROP.
Contact Information
For more information email urop.info@umich.edu or call (734) 615.9000. Please include your UMID number and/or U-M uniqname in all correspondence.
