The Ohio State University's Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) will take place May 24 through July 23, 2027.
The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is a gateway to graduate education at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. SROP helps prepare undergraduates for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors and enrichment activities. SROP at Ohio State seeks to provide undergraduate research experience to students who do not have extensive prior research experience.
Through SROP, undergraduate students can enhance their academic and research skills by working one-on-one with a faculty mentor from top-ranked research institutions. SROP activities are designed to prepare students as graduate applicants through:
- Weekly campus-based educational enrichment activities that broaden views of graduate education and research, while strengthening technical skills.
- Campus workshops focused on graduate admission procedures, funding, and presenting your research.
- Informal social gatherings that provide a relaxed setting for students to exchange ideas and share experiences.
- A culminating research symposium, which provides an opportunity for students to present their research findings.
“My SROP experience was amazing. I was able to experience what it's like to be a grad student by forming and completing my own project. The professors, grad students, and research assistants in my lab were all very helpful and encouraging throughout the project. I was treated like I was one of OSU's own grad students.”
Program Benefits
SROP participants at Ohio State receive the following:
- $6,000 stipend, which includes a partial meal stipend
- Partial campus meal plan
- On-campus housing
- Roundtrip travel to and from Columbus, Ohio
- Ohio State Recreation and Physical Activity Center membership
- Weekly professional development workshops
- Networking opportunities
Program Requirements
SROP at Ohio State is a full-time research experience. Participating students are required to:
- Complete 35-40 hours of research per week. Students are not permitted to hold any other jobs or be enrolled in summer courses.
- Participate in the program for the full period, from May 24 to July 23. With the exception of students at universities on the quarter system, all students must start the program on May 24. Students are not permitted to take vacation or leave the program early.
- Live on campus in the SROP-designated residence hall for the duration of the program.
- Attend all program activities and events outlined in the SROP calendar.
- Present research findings at the Consortium of Undergraduate Research Experiences Research Symposium on July 22.
Eligibility
Students wishing to participate in SROP must meet all the following criteria:
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale).
- Be a citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
- Be at least 18 years old by the application due date (Feb. 10, 2027).
- Be enrolled in a degree-granting program at a college or university in the United States, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territory.
- Have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate education by the time of the summer experience.
- Have at least one semester of undergraduate education remaining after completing the summer research experience.
- Have a strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D. Please note that SROP is not for students pursuing professional degrees such as law, medical, and MBA degrees.
Apply to SROP
When applying to Ohio State SROP, we recommend:
- Apply to the program early, in December or January. We review applications on a rolling basis.
- Submit all applications materials in advance of the deadlines. Letters of recommendation are due on February 10 and should be requested well in advance of this deadline.
Apply via the Big Ten Academic Alliance Portal
Application Materials
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should include:
- Your interest in pursuing a graduate degree
- Steps you have taken to prepare for graduate school
- Why you choose your area of study
- Your career goals
- Key factors shaping your academic pursuits
Statement of Research Interest
Your statement of interest should include:
- Your research interests
- Why you would like to conduct research
- Any research experience and training you may have (previous research experience not required)
- Your relevant academic coursework
- What you would like to do in the future with your research
Institution-Specific Statement
Your institution-specific statement should include:
- Why you are interested in participating in SROP at Ohio State
- The faculty mentors at Ohio State with whom you are interested in working
Two Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation must be submitted by Feb. 10. We encourage applicants to request letters of recommendation early.
Academic Transcripts
Applicants must include academic transcripts from each undergraduate institution they have attended. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
To learn more about other undergraduate research programs offered at Ohio State, visit the Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry website.
SROP Faculty Mentor Information
To learn more about being an SROP mentor, visit our Summer Research Opportunities Program Faculty Mentor Information page. Ohio State sign-in is required.