Multicultural Summer Research Opportunities Program (MSROP)

The Office for Diversity in Graduate Education is hosting the Summer 2012 Multicultural Summer Research Opportunity Program  (open to University of Minnesota students) .

Frequently Asked Questions | Program Structure | Application Form  | Additional U of MN Summer Research Programs

Application Deadline:  March 1, 2012 (extended deadline)

Program Dates:  June 4 - August 10, 2012

Program History

Established in 1986, the Multicultural Summer Research Opportunities Program (MSROP) at the University of Minnesota provides undergraduates an opportunity to develop research and inquiry skills with a faculty mentor on an individual basis or as part of a research team, which may include graduate students, research scientists, technicians and other MSROP students. Through the mentoring process, students are introduced to the methodology of their chosen discipline by involving them in research and other scholarly activities. Such involvement is expected to improve the quality of the students' undergraduate experience, to enhance the likelihood of their completing bachelor’s degrees, and to attract larger numbers of prepared students of color to graduate or professional schools.

Program Goals

MSROP is directed by four goals: (1) to encourage undergraduate students to give graduate education serious consideration following completion of their undergraduate studies; (2) to provide talented students with faculty mentors who will introduce them to the methodology of the chosen discipline by involving them in research and scholarly activities; (3) to create an environment in which the participant and the faculty mentor will be able to assess realistically the student’s potential for and interest in graduate studies; and (4) to provide a sense of community among the students and an opportunity to develop the networking skills important to building professional bonds within the community.

Eligibility Requirements

University of Minnesota Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors (that are enrolled for at least one additional semester after the summer program) majoring in the Social Sciences, Arts, Humanities, Education, Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering are eligible to apply.  Applicants must have completed at least 45 credits by the end of fall semester 2011 and must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and must be a US citizen or permanent resident. We encourage applications from students who have been historically underrepresented in their discipline and from first-generation college students. Students may not enroll in intersession or summer school during the program.   To be given full consideration, students must have contacted a prospective faculty mentor (e.g. contacted via email or telephone) to determine availability to serve as a mentor for summer 2012.  Preference will be given to students who have not participated in a formal summer research program; we would like to give more students a research opportunity.

Financial Support Package

Each student will receive a $ 3,500 stipend for personal and research expenses (plus a one - time $500 allowance for housing expenses in place of room and board.). An additional research stipend is assigned to the faculty mentor for use by the student. The personal stipend is received in installments over the ten-week period.

MSROP 2011

MSROP 2010 Participants

MSROP 2008 Participants (with students from NCED and REU programs)