The SURIP program is intended for college students who are interested in pursuing a career in the biological sciences.

The typical participant will be between their sophomore and junior year, or between their junior and senior year of undergraduate studies.

Students who will have a BA or BS prior to the start of the program should not apply.

SURIP is most appropriate for students considering application to PhD programs in the biomedical sciences and is not intended for students who plan to apply to medical school.

There is no clinical shadowing component to the internship.

Students who are undecided or interested in combined degrees are welcome to apply.

Student Selection

We will accept up to 8 students in the program. Intern selections will be made by the Program Director and the Advisory Board.

Selections will be based on scholarship, the personal reference letter and an evaluation of the student's interests. Please be sure to include your personal statement indicating your motivation for a research career and/or your interest in research.

Summer Wage

Interns will receive at least $5,500. If living on campus, SURIP program will pay for one month's rent, July ONLY. Intern will be responsible for June and August rent.

Housing

Housing charges are the intern's responsibility. Any apartment cleaning fees and/or damages will be taken from the security deposit; otherwise, the deposit will be returned. See more information about our housing facilities.

Program Highlights

A variety of career development and scientific research seminars are offered weekly as part of the SURIP program. Each summer's program concludes with the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium, where students present their work. See details about seminars and Symposium here.

In addition, the annual one-day program-supported day trip to the NIH Graduate and Professional School Fair in July affords the summer interns the opportunity to prepare for the next step in their careers by exploring educational programs leading to the PhD, MD, DDS, MD/PhD, and other graduate and professional degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my reference has submitted a letter of recommendation?

On the left-hand side of the application form in the Application Status section, you will see a line 'Reference received'. If there is a check symbol to the left of that text, the reference has submitted a letter of recommendation.

Is housing provided?

Yes. There are on-campus, four bedroom, partially furnished apartments that are available for the summer. SURIP will pay for your rent for JULY but you are then responsible for the remainder of the summer rent. You do NOT have to live on campus, however SURIP will not pay for off-campus rent.

What is the stipend?

Interns will receive $5,500 (prior to taxes) for the summer

Are vacations permitted?

No. Vacations are not permitted during the 10-week research experience. All vacations must be taken before or after the program start and end dates. The PSU College of Medicine does recognize the federal Fourth of July holiday.

Can I take classes or work in the evenings during my research experience if it does not interfere with my time or my research?

Students are expected to conduct research full-time (equivalent to 40 hours per week) in a supervised laboratory or clinical facility. Participation in outside activities and the establishment of a work schedule must be determined by your research mentor.

What are the start and end dates for the program?

For 2025, SURIP begins on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and ends on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Can I apply if I am not a citizen of the United States?

Yes – Students on F1 visas currently attending a college in the US can apply to SURIP.

I am currently a 4th year student scheduled to graduate at the end of the school year. Am I eligible for SURIP?

No, to apply for SURIP, you must be between your 2nd and 3rd years or between your 3rd and 4th years of college.

I would like to attend medical school after college – is SURIP right for me?

SURIP is appropriate for students considering applying to PhD programs, not medical school.

Is there a minimum GPA to participate in this program?

Students must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

Is there a deadline for submission of applications?

Yes, the application deadline is Feb. 1, 2025. Partial applications that are not completed by the deadline will not receive further consideration. The SURIP application is available online beginning on Dec. 1, 2024. 

Can I update my application from last year?

No. You will need to reapply and request a new letter from your reference.

How late will you accept applications?

All applications and supporting documents must be received by noon EST (Eastern Standard Time) on Feb. 1, 2025. Applicants will not be able to submit an application after the deadline.

Is there a deadline for receipt of my reference letters?

Letters of reference must be submitted electronically by noon on Feb. 1, 2025. Hard (paper) copies of letters will not be accepted.

How do I submit my transcript?

All students must upload an unofficial or official transcript through the online application system on or before Feb. 1, 2025.

Does my transcript have to include my fall grades?

Yes. Transcripts must reflect all earned credits and grades through the fall semester of 2024.

How will I be notified if I am selected?

You will be notified by the SURIP Director via email. Notifications are typically sent out 1-2 weeks after the review committee meets – usually by early March.

Can I change my reference?

Yes, you may change your reference if a letter of recommendation has not yet been submitted and the application date for your selected program has not yet passed. First, edit the information in the Academic Reference section of the application, then click the Save and Continue button. Then, click the Resend Reference Email link on the left side of the form under Application Steps.

Leadership

The director of SURIP is Gail Matters, MS, PhD. Dr. Matters is an Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Medicine and is actively involved in graduate education.

Advisory Board Members

• Nicholas Graziane, PhD
• Sergei Grigoryev, MS, PhD
• Christopher Siedlecki, PhD

Find Out More

Office of Graduate Education
717-531-8892
rmr16@psu.edu