CURVE Application
First-Time Researchers
First-Time Researchers (FTRs) are defined as Viterbi undergraduate students who have not received prior formal research experience at USC and who have not previously received the CURVE fellowship. This category generally, though not exclusively, applies to first- and second-year undergraduate students seeking their first research experience at Viterbi.
First-Time Researchers apply to be matched with research opportunities offered by participating faculty and research labs. Beginning Fall 2026, First-Time Researchers will only be admitted during the Fall semester and participate in a two-semester CURVE experience that spans Fall and Spring. A limited number of students will be selected to receive a $1,250 stipend per semester for up to two semesters, fully funded by the CURVE program.
Experienced Researchers
Experienced Researchers (ERs) are defined as current Viterbi undergraduate students who have already engaged in undergraduate research experiences at USC for 2 semesters or more, and includes past recipients of the CURVE fellowship. This category generally applies to undergraduates in their second year or above.
A limited number of experienced research participants receive $2500 for the academic year (Fall and Spring) or $3000 for the summer. Stipends require a 50/50 cost-share model, with 50% from CURVE and 50% from sponsoring faculty or other external funding sources.
Open Match vs. Self-Secured Lab Opportunities
Open Match
Applicants can request to be matched with open research opportunities. Many projects are interdisciplinary in nature and offer opportunities for students across diverse majors and areas of study. If opting in for the matching process, students will list their lab preferences, and their applications will be forwarded to those labs for further review.
Self-Secured
Applicants who have already secured their own unpaid research opportunities can still apply for CURVE funding consideration. Applicants will need to provide details about their research position, including information about their lab, supervisor and research project, along with a letter of support from their current Principal Investigator.
Fall 2026 Application Timeline
The Fall 2026 CURVE program is open to all Viterbi undergraduates who meet the minimum eligibility requirements listed below.
- Wednesday, July 1, 2026: Fall 2026 Application Opens
- Saturday, July 25, 2026: Application Deadline Due 11:59 PM (PT)
- July 26 - August 24, 2026: Review Period
- August 25 - September 1, 2026: Award Notifications Sent
- TBA: CURVE Fall 2026 Onboarding Orientation
Eligibility
- Enrolled in 12 or more units at USC for Fall 2026
- Enrolled in a declared undergraduate degree major within Viterbi School of Engineering at time of application
- Students of any citizenship status are eligible to participate (please note that participation in certain research projects may require U.S. citizenship).
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above (for current USC students)
- Demonstrated ability to commit to required weekly hours to research and programming events
Please note: First Time Researcher positions (open match and self-secured) will only be available in Fall semesters. Limited Experienced Researcher positions will be available in both Fall and Spring.
Application Details
Applicants will submit the following materials:
- Statement of Purpose: Provide a brief statement of purpose (500-750 words) that addresses the following prompts:
- What interests you about participating in undergraduate research, and what do you hope to gain from the experience?
- How do your interests, goals, or preparation align with the research opportunities you selected?
- How will participating in CURVE contribute to your academic, personal, or professional development?
- Experience Summary: Download and complete the CURVE Experience Summary Template, then upload the completed document as part of your application.
- The Experience Summary replaces the traditional resume and provides faculty reviewers with a structured overview of experiences that have prepared you for undergraduate research. Describe your most relevant experiences—including research, internships, employment, class projects, leadership, volunteer work, or personal projects—and the knowledge, technical skills, or competencies you developed through each.
- Academic Summary: Download and complete the CURVE Academic Summary Template, then upload the completed document as part of your application.
- The Academic Summary replaces the unofficial transcript and provides faculty reviewers with a structured overview of your academic preparation. Include coursework most relevant to your selected research opportunities, including completed courses and those currently in progress. If a research opportunity lists prerequisite or preferred coursework, be sure to include those courses, when applicable. The template also includes a reflection describing the knowledge, technical skills, or competencies you developed through your coursework.
[Open Match Applicants only]
Research Lab Rankings: For student looking to be matched with a lab opportunity, provide your top 3 preferences, and provide a brief explanation of your interests.
[Self-Secured Applicants only]
Research Project Proposal: For applicants who have already secured their own research positions or looking to continue with their current lab, please submit details about your research lab, along with a brief letter of support from your faculty/PI to confirm that you have been offered a research position. Your research project proposal must include details about your specific tasks and responsibilities. If part of a group project, be sure to delineate between individual versus group responsibilities.
Letter of Support from Principal Investigator: The principal investigator will be asked to complete a brief recommendation form, which includes support of your project proposal, along with any availability of the research lab to cost share. If faculty is not able to sponsor, applicants should also seek supplemental funding through other USC fellowships. Students are encouraged to apply for alternative research funding opportunities, such as the USC Provost Undergraduate Research Fellowship (PURF) or WiSE Researchers Program.