URA

An undergraduate researcher examining a beaker of clear liquid. She has the beaker raised in the air looking at the clarity of it's content

Key Dates

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO WEDNESDAY, MAY 6TH

  • January 2, 2026: Applications open for 2026-27 URA Scholars
  • April 22, 2026: URCAD 30
  • May 1, 2026: URA application deadline
  • May 31, 2026: Final reports due for 2025-26 URA Scholars
  • June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027: URA research period for new Scholars

URA Application

URA Faculty Recommendation Form

Have questions?

A smiling woman with glasses standing in a courtyard..
Director of
Undergraduate Research
Dr. April Householder

Remember:
URAs provide up to $1,500 to undergraduate students to support their research, scholarship, or creative work with a UMBC faculty mentor on an original project. UMBC students of all years and disciplines are invited to apply, as long as they remain enrolled at UMBC long enough to complete the proposed work.

Applications require a research proposal and mentor statement of support.

Entrepreneurship URAs

Entrepreneurship URAs provide up to $1,500 to undergraduate researchers to support the commercialization of their ideas to solve a technical or social problem. These solutions can be new or improved products or services, address a social or “green” concern or promote ideas that generate artistic value. Students will collaborate with either a faculty member or a business mentor identified or approved by the Alex. Brown Center as they conduct their research. To be eligible for an ENTR URA students must be enrolled as a UMBC student for the duration of the work proposed. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the ENTR Minor who are serious about launching a business around their idea in the near future.

Entrepreneurship URA’s Application

** You must be logged in to myUMBC and logged out of all other gmail accounts in order access the URA application form. REFRESH browser (preferably google chrome).

To preview the list of questions from the application and prepare your responses before you fill out the online form, go to the forms page

2025-26 URA Workshops

Workshops will be announced when scheduled.

  • POSTER Presentation Workshop for URCAD
    Join Webex meeting
    ID: 26339259406
    Password: q6MZdJpZp43
    12 – 1 p.m. with professor Raimi Quiton
  • URCAD Oral Workshop Presentation
    Join Webex meeting
    ID: 26311352726
    password: 38dWXcVhy5a
    12 – 1 p.m. with professor Timothy Phin

More useful workshops can be found here.

URA Scholars are required to enroll in a zero-credit PRAC through the Career Center and have your research experience documented on your transcript!

Employers and graduate admissions offices like to see practica recorded on your transcript because it indicates that your internship, co-op or research position was a significant learning experience, approved and vetted by the University. Applications and information on how to apply can be found at the Career Center.

Download the Faculty Recommendation Information form here!

URA creative projects have included:

Future Children
Emily Eaglin
Mentor: Vin Grabill

Light Inhibits Light
Rachel Wolven
Mentor: Steven Silberg

The Undergraduate Research Awards program is funded by the Division of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. The program began in 1995 – 1996 as an initiative of the Office of the Provost.