Research
At Pitzer you can get involved in research early and often; the experiential nature of the work will enrich your understanding and take your critical expertise to the next level
Build Your Skills
Pitzer is invested in your future success. Your involvement in research can result from a collaboration with faculty on campus or off through successful programs like Research Opportunities for Undergraduates, funded by the National Science Foundation.
Centers & Institutes
Pitzer is home to nine centers and institutes where students and faculty engage with pressing social, cultural, environmental, and political issues through interdisciplinary research, public dialogue, and community action:
- CASA Pitzer
- Center for Asian Pacific American Students
- Community Engagement Center
- Firestone Center for Restoration Ecology (Costa Rica)
- Institute for Global/Local Action & Study
- Munroe Center for Social Inquiry
- Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability
- Global Mental Health Lab
Why Wait?
Four years will go by fast. Spend some of it on exploring a topic that intrigues you. Whether you're interested in the humanities, sciences, sociology, or something else, you have the chance at Pitzer to make an important scholarly contribution with faculty who will guide you along the way.
Programs, Grants & Awards
Get Help for Your Project
Student Research and Award Funds: Each academic year, the College awards grants to Pitzer students to assist them with research connected to independent study and senior thesis projects.
The Katie Lawson Endowed Memorial Award: Grants are awarded to students (typically sophomores and juniors majoring in psychology or sociology) who propose projects involving community engagement, rather than library research. Number and dollar amounts awarded yearly vary – typically three to five awards of $500 to $1,500 each.
Research in the Sciences
Department of Natural Sciences Summer Research Program: The Department of Natural Sciences of Pitzer and Scripps Colleges offers an extensive summer research program, in which students receive paid ten-week fellowships to work with faculty throughout the department.
National Science Foundation (NSF) – Research Opportunities for Undergraduates (REU): NSF funds many undergraduate research opportunities through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a small group of undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Learn more about NSF support at www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/
Summer Research
Summer Faculty-Student Research Assistantship Program: The program provides Pitzer students a stipend to undertake a full-time, eight-week research assistantship with a faculty member during the summer.
Pitzer Internship Fund: Pitzer students engage in meaningful summer internship experiences that facilitate career exploration and the development of professional skills and networks. Students apply through an established, committee-based process, with applications due around Spring Break. Students can also apply to the Pitzer Internship Fund to support off-campus research opportunities.
Additional Support
Conference Travel: Pitzer students who are presenting at an academic conference in collaboration with Pitzer faculty can receive funding to help cover travel costs.