Undergraduate Research and Internships
Internships, Field Study & Opportunities for Research!
Some of these options include LALS elective coursework that can count toward a major or minor. Please note that where appropriate, opportunities are listed under more than one category.
Agroecology & Food Security
Community Outreach / Service
- GISES minor / Everett Program
- Life Lab Internships
- OAKS 151A/B Corre le Voz
- OAKS 153 Community Mapping
- SOCY 139T Community Engaged Research Practicum
Education
Politics / Policy
Technology
Topics Vary
- City on a Hill Press (journalism)
- College Field Study / Internship courses may help you find internships (like MERR 90 Series: Merrill Field Study)--check your college website and the searchable schedule each quarter!
- Dolores Huerta Research Center for the Americas (find funding, internship, and research opportunities)
- Global Learning & the Global Internship Program
- EOP's Pathways to Research Program
- Summer Introduction to Undergraduate Research Program (SIURP)
- Transforming Futures (funding for summer internships)
Why Should You Do Undergraduate Research? Your FAQs Answered
Is research right for me? When should I begin research?
Once you've learned the basics of what undergraduate research entails, all you need is a question, or a feeling of curiosity, to get started. Most students find that research enhances their undergraduate experience, adding a focus and sense of purpose to their UCSC studies. If you want to see if research might be right for you, try doing a mini research project with a topic you learn about in one of your classes. Search a question the material sparks for you and see what comes up. Are you eager to learn more?
I have my own topic or interest in mind, how do I get started?
LALS students who are interested in designing their own research projects are encouraged to take LALS 100A and LALS 100L as early as possible, since it "Introduces students to the methods and analytic approach of social science research within the field of LALS, with an emphasis on research in pursuit of social justice." It also "Builds practical research skills including developing research questions, writing surveys, and conducting interviews."
LALS students should also check out the UCSC Undergraduate Research and Social Sciences Division pages for more information on getting started in undergraduate research. For help with applying to research awards and scholarships, please feel free to contact the LALS Advisor or speak with your LALS instructors.
LALS enjoys a close connection with the Dolores Huerta Research Center for the Americas (RCA), which sponsors research efforts and internships in-house, like the Human Rights Investigations Lab. The Huerta Center is also connected with the Institute for Social Transformation, where you might find more opportunities to get involved in community-based organizations and research.
View student research presentations from the LALS 2021 Undergraduate Research Symposium below:
