Discover Through Research and Real-World Experience
At the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering, undergraduate students can participate in research that advances engineering knowledge and addresses real-world challenges.
Through faculty mentorship, collaborative projects, internships and specialized programs, students gain hands-on experience that strengthens technical skills and prepares them for careers in industry, research and graduate study.
Find your research pathway
BCOE provides multiple pathways for undergraduate students to explore research opportunities and develop valuable engineering skills.
Faculty-Led Research
Work directly with faculty members conducting research in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, environmental engineering and bioengineering.
Explore Research Areas →Mentorship Programs
Connect with faculty and research leaders to explore specialized topics and understand the broader impact of scientific research.
Learn About RAMP →Student Organizations
Explore research topics, collaborate on projects and build leadership through BCOE’s professional student organizations.
Find Organizations →Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Access campus resources for students interested in developing new technologies or launching startups.
Explore Entrepreneurship →CREL Support
The Center for Undergraduate Research and Engaged Learning helps students connect with research opportunities, mentorship and funding support.
Visit CREL →Start, deepen and share your research experience
BCOE offers programs designed to help students begin research, strengthen technical skills and connect with mentors and peers.
Building Undergraduate Research Skills and Talent
The BURST Program supports undergraduate researchers through training, networking and guidance on professional research practices.
- Identify research labs
- Connect with faculty mentors
- Develop foundational research skills
- Prepare for conferences and symposiums
Summer Bridge to Research
Summer Bridge helps incoming transfer students begin research early in their time at UC Riverside.
- 10 weeks of full-time research
- Faculty and graduate student mentorship
- Research training and professional development
- $5,000 stipend
Research skills across STEM
BCOE collaborates with the Research in Science and Engineering program in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences to offer additional workshops and programming for undergraduate researchers.
Learn More About RISE →Research builds technical confidence and career momentum
Many BCOE undergraduate students conduct research in faculty laboratories during their time at UC Riverside. Through hands-on projects, students collaborate with faculty, graduate researchers and peers to develop innovative solutions.
These experiences strengthen critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills that are essential for success in engineering careers.
Connect classroom learning to engineering workplaces
In addition to research opportunities, BCOE students gain valuable professional experience through internships and cooperative education programs.
Internships
Many BCOE students complete internships with local, national and international companies during summer and winter breaks.
Internships allow students to apply classroom knowledge to professional engineering environments while building industry connections and practical experience.
Learn About Internships →Cooperative Education Programs
Co-op programs allow students to extend internship experiences while earning academic credit.
These longer-term placements provide deeper industry exposure and allow students to work full time with partner organizations while continuing their academic progress.
Explore Co-Op Programs →Our student interns work at companies including:
Move from interest to experience
Research and internships are built one step at a time. Start with your interests, connect with support and use each experience to build your next opportunity.
Identify your interests
Review BCOE’s areas of research impact and think about the problems, systems or technologies you want to understand.
Find mentors and programs
Use programs such as BURST, RAMP and CREL to connect with research opportunities and faculty mentors.
Develop research skills
Gain experience through lab work, workshops, student organizations, research projects, internships or co-ops.
Present and grow
Strengthen your research portfolio by presenting at conferences, symposiums and professional events.
Start building your research and career pathway
Explore research areas, connect with mentorship and support programs, and prepare for internships or co-op experiences that help you engineer excellence.