Science Research
Participating in research experiences as an undergraduate is an excellent way to add depth to your science understanding and actively engage with what you are learning in the classroom. By doing so, you further develop your laboratory, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and you start to build your network with faculty members. Research experiences are valuable components to your resume, and they can make you more competitive for both graduate school and industry opportunities.
“I previously had dreams to be an author, but found myself called by the combination of logic, mystery, and truth in science.”
National Institutes of Standards & Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (NIST SURF) (students)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) at NIST laboratories in Gaithersburg, MD; Boulder, CO; and Waimanalo, Hawaii. The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship is designed to inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through a unique research experience that supports the NIST mission. Eligible are currently enrolled undergraduates who are US citizens or permanent residents, majoring in chemistry, computer science, physics, engineering, materials science, fire research, nanotechnology, information technology, mathematics, biology, manufacturing, statistics, or another STEM discipline.
“You will always have access to [Career Education]. Keep using them, keep checking in with them afterward, because the Wellesley community is always willing to help.”
“Listen to your heart and use your head. Math and science ignited my imagination for as far back as I can remember.”
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (sophomores and juniors)
Supports one or two years of undergraduate study in the fields of mathematics, engineering, and natural sciences. Eligible are college sophomores or juniors who are US citizens, permanent residents, and nationals intending to pursue research careers in STEM fields. Campus application deadline typically in late November/early December.
Fulbright Program (rising seniors & graduates)
Supports a year (or occasionally more) of study or research abroad in any discipline, or year-long English teaching assistantships (ETAs) abroad in programs designed by the host countries. Eligible are graduating seniors and graduates who are US citizens. Campus application deadline for Wellesley students and graduates typically in August, after an optional draft deadline in July.
Churchill Scholarships (seniors & graduates)
Supports one year of graduate study (including one-year research degrees) in science, mathematics, or engineering at Cambridge. Eligible: graduating seniors and recent graduates of Wellesley College who are US citizens with majors in appropriate STEM fields. Campus application deadline typically in early October.
Graduate Degrees and Program Examples
This resource covers key questions to explore when considering a degree and program type, and provide information about:
- Certificate & Post-Baccalaureate Programs
- Master’s Programs (MA, MS, MBA, MFA, MEd, etc.)
- Doctoral Degrees
- Dual Degree Programs
Michel David-Weill Scholarship (seniors)
Supports a two-year master’s degree in any field at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), but Economics is especially encouraged. Eligible are graduating seniors at Wellesley who are US citizens. Campus application deadline typically in November.
On-Campus Recruiting Program Policies (Students)
Career Education expects all students to abide by the following rules in order to maintain the success and integrity of Wellesley’s recruiting program.
Wellesley College Graduate Fellowships (WCGF—seniors & graduates)
Wellesley College offers a number of fellowships and scholarships for graduate study or research open to Wellesley seniors and graduates. Two awards are open to women graduates of any American institution (the Schimke and the Shackford). Awards are usually made to applicants currently enrolled in or applying to graduate/professional school for the following academic year; there is a single common application process for most of these awards, and the campus deadline is typically in January.
Yenching Academy Scholarship at Peking University (seniors & graduates)
The Yenching Academy of Peking University builds bridges between China and the rest of the world through an interdisciplinary master’s program in China Studies for outstanding graduates from all over the globe. This initiative brings together young people who show promise to lead and innovate in their fields in an intensive learning environment where they can explore China and its role in the world — past, present, and future. The Academy aims to thereby shape a new generation of global citizens with a nuanced understanding of China and its role in the world.
Wellesley is an official Partner Institution for the Yenching Academy: campus deadline typically in November.
Marshall Scholarship (rising seniors & graduates)
Supports one or two years of study in any discipline at a university in the United Kingdom. Eligible are graduating seniors and recent gradiates who are US citizens. Campus application deadline for Wellesley's endorsement typically in August.
McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill (rising seniors & graduates)
The McCall MacBain Scholarships seek to bring together exceptional students from around the world who strive to engage in positive change by taking on meaningful leadership roles. McCall MacBain Scholars connect with mentors and participate in an interdisciplinary leadership program while pursuing a fully funded master’s or professional degree at McGill University! (Campus deadline typically in August.)
Schwarzman Scholars Program (rising seniors & graduates)
Supports leadership development & a special one-year Master’s program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, taught in English. Eligible are graduating seniors, current graduate and professional students, and recent graduates from any country and any major (knowledge of Mandarin is an asset but is not required). Official deadlines typically in May and September.