About Student Research
At Cal Poly, student research begins early. Undergraduates work with faculty on projects that build technical depth, strengthen problem-solving and open doors to future study or industry roles.
Applied Research
Research with a Purpose
Student research in our college connects engineering theory with pressing questions in health, energy, materials, computing and more. Students contribute to active projects while learning how research moves from idea to testing to results.
Faculty Mentorship Matters
Learn Alongside Experts
What sets Cal Poly apart is how closely students work with faculty. Instead of waiting until graduate school, undergraduates often join research teams, contribute to ongoing studies and build experience through direct faculty mentorship.
Research Opportunities
Students can get involved through summer research, multi-year project teams and paid research assistant roles tied to faculty-led work across the college.
Summer Research
Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) gives you the chance to spend about eight weeks on a faculty-guided research project and present your work at the annual symposium. The program includes both funded and externally supported projects.
Student Clubs
When you join a Recognized Student Organization (RSO) or an Instructionally Related Activity (IRA), you'll be given ample opportunities for applied research experience. With over 100 student clubs to choose from, you're sure to find the right fit.
Applied Computing
Whether you're majoring in computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering or statistics, the Noyce School of Applied Computing offers a wide range of opportunities to gain hands-on experience in applied computing.