Undergraduate Opportunities | Center for Innovation in Social Science

Opportunities for BU Undergraduates

Are you an undergraduate student at BU interested in the social sciences? Take a look at these new opportunities to enhance your studies and research. Learn more about paid and unpaid research, publishing, and internship opportunities, as well as programs and supports available in CAS academic departments.

Check back regularly and subscribe to our weekly Digest for new opportunities open to undergraduate students.

Crisis Support

Job & Internship Opportunities

Research Assistant (Deborah Carr/Sociology)

Options: Volunteer Position with Potential for UROP Funding, Potential for Academic Credit

Overview
Title: Social isolation and integration of older persons in climate changing cities and communities

Project Overview: This project is motivated by two global challenges: social isolation of older adults (age 65+) in their cities and communities, and the impacts of climate change, including excessive hot and cold temperatures, and extreme weather events (e.g., blizzards). We will examine the perceived impacts of climate-related events and conditions on older adults’ social isolation vs. integration in the urban environment. For instance, extreme heat may confine already socially isolated older adults to their homes, natural disasters may threaten the communities and social fabric that previously provided support and integration to older adults, and the financial costs imposed by climate change (e.g., rising home insurance costs) may prohibit new families and support systems from moving into the neighborhoods that older adults have long called home.

The study will address two main research questions: (1) How do older adults perceive the role of climate and their local physical environment in their daily lives and experiences of social connection and isolation? (2) How do older adults’ experiences of social isolation and integration, and their adaptation to environmental conditions, vary across geographic, climatic, and sociocultural settings? Our findings can potentially guide policy and practice recommendations based on older adults’ experiences, with attention to socially and economically disadvantaged populations.

The study will use a mixed-methods design with data collection in summer and winter. This will include seasonal walk-along and home-based open-ended interviews, mental-map drawing tasks, and closed-ended questionnaires. The main task of the student research interns will be carrying out interviews and surveys with older adults, participating in team meetings, helping to analyze the data, and participating in report-writing.

Skills you’ll build:
• Learning about two major social trends: climate change and population aging.
• Participating in survey design and pretesting.
• Exposure to qualitative research methods, including how interviews are designed, conducted, and analyzed.
• Participating in the recruitment of older adult study participants.
• Honing one’s interviewing skills and skills in interacting with older adults.
• Practical research skills like literature review, citation management, and organizing qualitative data.
• Experience translating research findings into clear, accessible materials for community and academic audiences.
• A first-hand look at how research teams carry out their work.

Role and responsibilities:
• Conducting background literature searches and summarizing relevant articles on climate impacts on older adults.
• Assisting with recruitment logistics, including preparing flyers and tracking outreach to 50 study participants.
• Carrying out interviews with 10-12 older adults in Winter 2027 (with possibility for Summer 2027 interviews).
• Assisting with interview transcription review and organization of qualitative data files.
• Assisting with basic data analysis (e.g., frequencies and crosstabs in SPSS). Training will be provided.
• Attending regular team meetings and contributing to project planning discussions.

Time commitment: Approximately 5–8 hours per week during the academic year (fall/spring), with some flexibility for exam periods. Exact hours are negotiable based on course load and project needs.

Prerequisites and qualifications:
• Undergraduate student in good academic standing, any year (rising sophomores through seniors welcome); coursework in sociology, public health, psychology, earth & environment, or related fields preferred but not required
• Excellent communication skills and an interest in honing interviewing skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working independently and communicating proactively about progress or questions.
• Interest in aging and older adults.
• Prior research experience is a plus but not required.
• Must be able to complete CITI human subjects research training prior to starting (training will be provided)

Application instructions:
Interested students should email Dr. Deborah Carr (carrds@bu.edu) with:
• A brief cover letter describing their interest in the project and relevant experience or coursework.
• A current resume or CV.
• Their expected availability (days/hours per week) and anticipated start date.

Posted 09/03/2026

2026 Fall Deadlines

Undergraduate Research Funding Opportunity (UROP) (09/11)

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is now accepting applications for fall 2026 funding. UROP connects full-time undergraduate students interested in conducting research with BU faculty mentors. Two types of stipends are available:

Student Research Award: Fully funded by UROP.
Faculty Matching Grant: Funding shared equally between UROP and the faculty mentor’s research funds.

We strongly encourage students to review the eligibility requirements and funding descriptions before applying. For more information, visit the UROP website.

🗓️ Submission Deadlines: Apply by September 11 at noon.

Posted 08/18/2026

Do you have a project that could use extra funding to reach its full potential? BU Crowdfunding is here to help you make it happen!

BU Crowdfunding (09/25)

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting project submissions for the Late Fall BU Crowdfunding cycle. This is your opportunity to bring your innovative ideas, service trips, events, or other BU-specific ventures to life with the support of the Boston University community.

Why BU Crowdfunding?

No Fees

Receive every dollar you raise without worrying about processing fees.

Support

Our dedicated team will guide you through setting up and launching your campaign.

BU Approved

Fundraise with confidence on the official university crowdfunding platform.

Important Note:

While our team provides valuable resources and guidance, the success of your campaign ultimately depends on your efforts. As the project leader, you will be responsible for actively leading and managing your fundraising campaign. Our role is to empower you with the tools and support you need, but it will be up to you to rally your network and drive the fundraising efforts.

Eligibility Requirements:

Projects must be affiliated with an official BU club, department, or university-sponsored entity.
Unfortunately, BU Crowdfunding cannot be used for projects that benefit individuals personally or to raise money for third-party non-profit organizations.

🗓️ Info Sessions: Need more info? Come to one of our Zoom information sessions!

- Session 1: Tuesday, September 8 at 11 am
- Session 2: Wednesday , September 23 at 2 pm

🗓️ Late Fall Deadline: Applications for the Late Fall Cycle (Nov. 3 – Dec. 2) must be submitted by Friday, September 25 by 11:59 pm.

Posted: 09/10/2026

Rolling Deadlines

Call for Submissions: Third Spaces

The Boston University Initiative on Cities is excited to launch Third Spaces: an interdisciplinary, student-led zine that brings together diverse stories on urbanism.

Third Spaces celebrates the rich diversity of city life. We foster relationships across communities and hold civic leaders accountable to public needs. Through an interdisciplinary approach,Third Spacesaddresses urban inequalities to envision a more resilient, sustainable, and livable future.

With a focus on storytelling, we offer a creative platform to share urban narratives. We aim to make urban scholarship accessible by providing researchers, artists, and enthusiasts with opportunities to publish their work.

We encourage community members to publish content on urban topics, including but not limited to:

·Architecture

·Art & Design

·Business & Commerce

·Culture & Identity

·Data & Technology

·Education

·Environment & Nature

·Gentrification

·Health & Well-being

·History

·Housing & Land Use

·International

·Philosophy

·Policy & Law

·Sociology & Society

·Transportation

We are currently accepting rolling submissions for our first zine issue.

All BU students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty, staff, and external submissions are welcome to submit and share their stories.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling

Humanities and Artificial Intelligence Lab (HAIL)

What is HAIL?

The Humanities and Artificial Intelligence Lab (HAIL) is an interdisciplinary, student-centered working group that brings together BU undergraduate and graduate students to explore social, political and ethical questions raised by AI. HAIL places an emphasis on examining the sometimes overlooked value-laden considerations that researchers and practitioners use to guide their work, and by asking how these considerations shape which normative questions are treated as salient, and which are sidelined, within and between the humanities and technically oriented fields. In this way, the lab aims to create a space in which different methodologies and background assumptions can be brought into conversation without imposing a single framework from which to ask the questions raised by AI.

If you have any questions, please read this FAQ or send us an email at buhail@bu.edu

Spring 2026

Spring 2026 is our first semester, with twelve participating students from disciplines including Philosophy, Political Science, Economics, Psychology, Neuroscience, and Data Science. We will focus on ethical, social, and political questions raised by AI, drawing on AI-related initiatives already taking place at Boston University. The group will reflect on how the humanities are understood and woven into AI research, teaching, and governance at BU, and on the moments when this engagement takes place.

The semester will culminate in a deliverable, written by the students, that articulates what BU’s priorities with respect to incorporating humanistic perspectives into their approach to AI ought to be.

🗓️ Meetings: In the Spring 2026, we will meet on Mondays at 4 pm.

BUCH Undergraduate Research Grant

BUCH Undergraduate Research Grants support costs associated with accessing, archiving, and disseminating information. Applicants may request up to $1,000. Please write to the BUCH staff at buch@bu.edu with any questions related to the award application and implementation process. Please first carefully review the information here.

All current BU undergraduates in any school or college are eligible to apply. We welcome proposals from individuals or from groups. No individual or group will be awarded funding more than once per academic year. New applicants may be prioritized over past recipients. Your proposed research project’s end date must fall before your anticipated graduation date.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling

The application is available via InfoReady Review.

Posted: 10/28/25

Experiential Learning Gap Funding Grants (GFGs)

GFGs are for CAS undergraduate students who require supplemental financial support to participate in an experiential learning opportunity they have been offered and/or admitted to. The EL Connector works to promote access to transformative educational experiences for all CAS students, and GFGs are an integral part of our mission. Current CAS undergraduates with documented plans to engage in an eligible activity are invited to submit a request for funding. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in the College of Arts & Sciences with a planned graduation date that falls after the conclusion of the experiential learning activity for which they are requesting funding. Grants are capped at $700, and only applications from individuals (not groups) will be considered.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling

Professional Clothing Closet. Students can now easily access high-quality, professional attire for interviews, networking, and career-related events. This unique resource provides a personalized style experience to help them look and feel their best as they enter their careers.

How it works:

Students create an online account with our partner
Enter their size and shipping information
Meet with a personal stylist
Within 5-7 business days their professional clothing ships to their door!

Each box contains six items for a 30-day rental. Students also have the option to purchase pieces at up to 60% off retail. Rentals cost $60 per month, with need-based subsidies available.

Co-sponsored by the Center for Career Development and the Newbury Center, the Professional Clothing Closet is ready to help students dress for success. Encourage them to take advantage of this fantastic resource today!

The Professional Clothing Closet relies on the generosity of the BU community and beyond. Donors are invited to contribute to this initiative to help provide subsidized access to professional clothing for BU students who need it. Every donation makes a difference.

Forage. Students can access free, real-world online projects backed by top employers like JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Accenture, BCG, Deloitte, General Electric, and more. With no application process or interviews required, students can dive into hands-on experiences that enhance their skills in real-world scenarios.

Students will earn a certificate for each completed project, which they can proudly display on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Completing these programs doubles their chances of securing a job with the company!

Encourage students to explore Forage and take the first step toward valuable career experience!

If you have reviewed the Crowdfunding Policy and believe BU Crowdfunding is right for your project, please submit an application below. The Application Details section provides an outline of what is needed to submit a project.

Need more info before applying? Review the posts in our application phase category for helpful resources before submitting a project.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling

Minority Access’ National Diversity & Inclusion Internship Program (Paid) The Minority Access National Internship Program is designed to allow talented undergraduate and graduate students experience the diversity and scope of career opportunities available in the federal, state and local government and participating private business entities. The program allows students to merge academic theory with the experience they are learning in the workplace. Minority Access interns receive pre-employment training, financial management and professional development, and recognition for fulfilling the program’s requirements.

💰Funding Information: $15.50 – $19.50 hr.

🗓️ Application Deadlines: Rolling, December, March & July 1st.

Teagle Foundation Education for American Civic Life The program supports efforts to prepare students to become informed and engaged participants in the civic life of their local and national communities. The funder seeks to elevate the civic objectives of liberal arts education by partnering with institutions offering bold and coherent initiatives that endow students with the content, skills, and sensibility to participate in a political system designed for self-governance.

The program is focused on funding in two particular areas:(1) anchoring significant questions in democratic thought in local history and community and(2) strengthening preparation for public service.

💰Funding Information: up to $300,000 over up to 3 years

Proposals for planning grants in the range of $25,000 over 6-12 months are strongly encouraged.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling – Concept papers for this initiative will be reviewed three times per year with submissions due by December 1, March 1, and August 1.

Details: https://www.teaglefoundation.org/Call-for-Proposals/RFPs/Education-for-American-Civic-Life-RFP

UROP Travel & Supplies Award Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) applications for supplies and travel awards are now accepted and reviewed.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling

Rewriting the Code (RTC) is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to disrupting gender and racial inequity in tech. By connecting, equipping, and empowering undergraduate, graduate, and early-career women in tech, RTC is unapologetically making space for women to enter and thrive in the tech industry. The community is virtual and operates through Slack and regional in-person events. Membership is free, as are all of the amazing resources and opportunities RTC provides. Sign up today to take advantage of this women-focused network with over 18,000 members across 110+ countries, prioritized career opportunities with 50+ tech companies, and, most importantly, the sense of pride, representation, and belonging. Contact info@rewritingthecode.org with any questions!

BUild Lab Innovation Pathway Support & Funding The Innovation Pathway (IP) is a self-paced program that fosters and supports all forms of innovation created by current Boston University students from any school and college, as well as BU alumni within one year of graduation. Whether you want to launch a new business or nonprofit, or dream of creating a community event or campus initiative, this self-paced program provides the inspiration, resources, and opportunities needed to develop new ventures or projects. Submit your application before the 25th of each month in order to be considered for the next month’s round of interviews.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling – (Note: the early application deadline is the 20th of each month and is filled on a first come first serve basis).

Institute on Culture, Religion, & World Affairs (CURA). Travel grants of up to $500 are provided to Boston University students who wish to travel outside of Boston for a conference or to conduct research on a subject related to CURA’s mission. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.To Apply: Send an explanation of the purpose of the travel, along with a budget for the trip, your current CV, and an email from a professor approving the plans to Assistant Director Arlene Brennan.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling

Jewish Cultural Endowment (JCE) supports Jewish cultural programs across the University, sponsoring lectures, conferences, literary events, curricular enhancement, and artistic performances and exhibitions. Its mission is to foster an appreciation of Jewish culture in all its richness and diversity. The JCE invites grant proposals from individuals (faculty, students, and staff) with access to a BU program administration that will be responsible for planning, promoting and executing the event. JCE funded events must take place on the BU campus and should directly benefit the BU community.

🗓️ Application Deadline: Rolling – There are three submission deadlines each year in February, May and October.

Academic Supports

Student Organizations

Anthropology

Anthropology in the Works is a student-run group that is an inclusive, collaborative, creative space for students to explore anthropology and is open to any student interested in learning more about the discipline. We work to increase the understanding and appreciation of anthropology and to dispel claims that it is not “real” science. We are dedicated to learning more about the traditions and customs of different cultures by hosting and participating in events around campus and across the Boston area. Anthropology in the Works connects undergraduate students with faculty and graduate students and contributes to the community within the Anthropology Department. We do this through planning excursions, discussions, presentations, and celebrations attended by various members of the community. For more information, contact the Executive Board at aitw@bu.edu.

Archaeology

BU Undergraduate Archaeology Society who’s mission is to discuss, learn, and promote awareness about Archaeology and related fields such as Anthropology, Cultural Heritage, and History. To join, send an e-mail to archsoc@bu.edu.

Phi Beta Kappa Only students at a college or university may be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Membership is invitation-only and contingent upon fulfillment of minimum requirements. Chapters are expected to determine the specific application of standards stated in these stipulations. If you have questions on your eligibility, please contact your chapter officer.

Economics

Graduate Economics Association (GEA) assists students in the Economics graduate program and provides peer resources on a variety of topics. The GEA can be contacted at mailgea@bu.edu.

History

Undergraduate History Association (UHA) The UHA is an organization for history concentrators and other students interested in the study of history. Activities include discussions, lectures, museum trips, and an annual undergraduate history conference. Members also assist at events designed for prospective history majors. To join the UHA, send an e-mail to the BU chapter email at uha@bu.edu.

Phi Alpha Theta – Delta Mu Chapter, the national history honor society, was established at Boston University in 1952. Membership is open to undergraduates and graduates concentrating in history. Eligibility for undergraduates is based primarily on high scholastic achievement in all subjects and especially in the field of concentration. The faculty advisor for the BU chapter is Professor James Johnson (jhj@bu.edu).

Political Science

Undergraduate Political Science Association (UPSA) is an organization for political science majors/minors and other students interested in the study of political science. The group hosts a variety of events including discussions, lectures, group outings, and alumni engagement. Members also assist at events designed for prospective political science majors. To learn more, students can email upsa@bu.edu.

Pi Sigma Alpha – Gamma Xi Chapter, the national political science honor society, was established at Boston University in 1956. Membership is open to undergraduates majoring in political science or international relations. Eligibility for undergraduates is based primarily on high scholastic achievement in all subjects and especially in the field of concentration. For more information about the society, students can email poadvise@bu.edu.

Sociology

Boston University Undergraduate Sociology Association Boston University Undergraduate Sociology Association (BUUSA) aims to foster community among BU undergraduate Sociology students by hosting events that cultivate a greater sense of togetherness among the BU Sociology community. These events will connect undergraduate Sociology students through conversations about ideas learned in the classroom and from lived experience. BUUSA supports undergraduate Sociology students in their post-graduation plans through events that engage faculty, alumni, and various professional organizations to inform students about their various career options like the Professor Perspectives series and the grad student panels. BUUSA will also offer fun social events including ice skating nights, documentary screenings, game nights, and professor perspective talks. Lastly, BUUSA aims to give back to the greater Boston community by engaging in community service events.

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Other

Alianza Latina is Boston University’s largest Latinx student organization dedicated to providing programming that fosters community and encourages students to learn more about Latinx culture and identity, regardless of their own race or ethnicity. We implement weekly cultural, social, and professional meetings as well as community service events on and off campus. For more information, email them at alianzal@bu.edu.

Alpha Phi Omega is the gender-inclusive community service fraternity at Boston University. They aim to establish a space for our members to build a diverse community right here on campus and with the city of Boston. APO partners with numerous community partners, such as the American Red Cross Food Pantry, Women’s Lunch Place, and the Boston Bruins Foundation, to help support this city we call home. There’s definitely an opportunity to get involved with any issue or social justice area you’re passionate about.