Entry Points

The UR2PhD program intends to support undergraduate students who are interested in computing research.

UR2PhD workshops are open to all students, irrespective of their involvement with the program. To participate in the workshops, students must register.

The UR2PhD undergraduate research training course is space-limited, so there is an application process. There are two primary pathways for students seeking to participate in the course: individual applications and institutional partnerships.

Institutional Partnerships

Institutional partners are schools, or departments, that are committed to amplifying and diversifying the existing research infrastructure at their institution. In an effort to meet the program’s objectives, the program leadership team works with local coordinators at institutional partners to expand an institutions research capacity by at least 20 new undergraduate researchers.

2023 partners: Boston University, University of Alberta, University of North Texas, and University of Waterloo.
2024 partners: Barnard College, New Mexico State University, University of Alberta, University of California Riverside, University of North Texas, University of Waterloo, and Wellesley College.
2025 partners: Barnard College, Boston University, Harvey Mudd College, New Mexico State University, University of Alberta, University of California Riverside, University of North Texas, University of Waterloo, Wellesley College, and West Virginia University

The responsibility for managing recruiting and mentoring efforts at institutional partner schools lies with the local coordinators. Undergraduate and graduate students at institutional partner schools should request additional information from their local coordinators about how they can get involved.

Your Pathway with UR2PhD

The journey to a PhD in computing is a multi-step process that can begin at various points during your undergraduate education. The “You and UR2PhD” guide is designed to help you visualize how your experiences, research opportunities, and UR2PhD resources can come together to support your unique path from undergraduate researcher to graduate mentor.

View the guide

Individual Applications

Undergraduates who do not attend institutional partner schools can apply to participate in the virtual research training course. Before applying, students must first form a research group (composed of 2-4 undergraduates) and identify a research advisor and project. Each student must submit their own application.