MasterScholar UCSB Summer Research Program Recently Updated

The UCSB MasterScholar Summer Research Program, hosted on the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, provides an engaging and immersive pre-college academic experience for high school students interested in sustainability, engineering, and environmental science.

Throughout this intensive three-week program, students dive into UCSB's innovative, student-centered science and engineering curriculum, benefiting from the university's focus on research and its unique location. After choosing a research field to study, participants learn crucial academic skills, cultivate their critical thinking abilities, and gain research experience through collaborative discussions and hands-on exploration.

Location
UCSB’s campus, minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, sits on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The scenic location and Southern California’s warm weather make it a great place for students to enjoy outdoor activities, play sports, and relax on campus with friends. The campus features an extensive system of paths for walking and bicycling, as well as its own campus beach!

Research and Innovation
At UCSB, teaching and research go hand in hand. The school is a tier-one research university where undergraduates can dive into hands-on research from the very beginning of their studies. With accessible, highly motivated faculty, students explore various fields of study, gain lab experience, build their academic networks, and may even contribute to new discoveries.

Student Life
At UCSB, education extends well beyond the classroom, with over 500 student organizations, the record-breaking Gaucho soccer team, and a vibrant, inclusive community committed to student wellness and success. Students can enjoy kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding at UCSB’s Campus Point, as well as adventure programs that provide opportunities to explore and enjoy nature.

Research Concentrations Available:

1. Innovative Technologies for Ocean Health
2. Environmental Economics and Policy Strategy
3. Renewable Materials and Bioengineering
4. Data Science and AI for Environmental Solutions
5. Urban Sustainability and Smart City Design
6. Data Analytics and Machine Learning for Engineering Solutions
7. Human-Centered Design and Engineering Innovation 

Course Overview:

• Introduction to Research Lectures
  • Scholars will learn research communication skills to effectively present their findings at the end of the program. They will develop content that establishes a foundation of knowledge through motivation, literature review, research goals, and methodology. Students will learn field-specific approaches to present their findings, including tables, graphs, images, figures, etc. Finally, they will gain technical skills to leave the audience with a clear understanding of the explored research question and potential future work.
• Mentorship Seminars
  • Each afternoon, students attend study sessions led by UCSB researchers that highlight different themes, including:
    • Research Mentorship: meetings focused on establishing research goals, enhancing technical skills, receiving feedback on progress, and suggesting ways to overcome setbacks.
    • Research Group Discussions: guided group study focused on advancing research questions, brainstorming, facilitating collaboration, and practicing presentation of findings.
• Presentation Seminars
  • This series of workshops prepares students to effectively communicate their research findings to a diverse audience by learning to design slides for impact. Students will receive specialized coaching to develop skills in crafting concise elevator pitches that translate into compelling research presentations.
• GRIT Talks Lecture Series
  • The UCSB GRIT (Groundbreaking Research/Innovative Technology) Talks lecture series will give scholars access to some of the best minds in the research community. This exclusive opportunity allows students to gain insight into advanced interdisciplinary research fields that impact humanity and the world. They will interact with notable faculty and observe professional presentation skills while learning about cutting-edge research.
• UC Admissions Information Sessions
  • UCSB Admissions Officers will offer information sessions that highlight insights into academic programs, student life, and the latest admissions policies in the UC system. Students will gain first-hand knowledge of what a world-class university looks for in its ideal candidates.
• Research Showcase
  • The program culminates in a professional research forum where student groups showcase their contributions and findings—an experience synthesizing the program’s emphasis on research and technical communication, providing excellent preparation for future university-level presentations.

Program Dates: July 6th - 26th, 2025

Program Fees: $11,250

Program Fees Cover: Tuition fees, teaching facility usage, international student travel health insurance, airport pick-up and drop-off, housing, meal plan, management fees, and student services fees

Program Fees Do Not Cover: Round-trip transportation expenses to and from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), all expenses associated with visa processing, weekend activity fees, personal expenses during weekend outings, international student registration fee, and official UCSB transcript fee