Graduate Study
Academic Opportunities|After Graduation
Students may explore an interest in humanities or social science research early in their careers by taking a Freshman Seminar or a Benjamin Franklin Seminar. As they explore their majors, students should consider fields they might want to do graduate study in, taking opportunities to enroll in research methods courses and seminars in those fields (even if they are not part of the student’s major). They should also take advantage of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.
Penn offers much to the student who wishes to study science at the highest levels. Those who wish to major in one of the natural sciences should take courses in that discipline in their first semester. Students should speak with the undergraduate chair of the department that interests them as they plan their first year.
Students talented in science should consider preparing for a Ph.D. program. It is extremely important to get as much advanced coursework and research experience as possible. Since the common language of science is math, and the common unit of study for most sciences has become the molecule, it is important to begin the study of math, chemistry and physics early in an undergraduate career.
The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) provides information, advice, resources and encouragement for students pursuing undergraduate research, fellowships and scholarships.
CURF maintains an extensive research directory listing undergraduate and summer and research opportunities. It also provides a directory of, and supports students competing for, national and international fellowships and scholarships. CURF administers the University Scholars and the Benjamin Franklin Scholars programs for highly motivated undergraduates and sponsors numerous talks, presentations and information sessions in addition to offering one-on-one advising.
To speak with a CURF advisor, call 215.746.6488 for an appointment.
The Graduate/Undergraduate Mentoring Program pairs Penn undergraduates with graduate and professional students to help undergraduates learn first-hand about preparing for, applying to, and succeeding in graduate school. The program currently has mentors in a wide array of fields, including architecture, biology, business, education, engineering, law, medicine, political science, psychology, sociology, and more.
