Current application cycle: Fall 2026
The Center for Undergraduate Research in Viterbi Engineering (CURVE) Program provides a centralized resource for Viterbi undergraduate students to explore research opportunities early in their academic career. In partnership with faculty, CURVE facilitates the placement of Viterbi undergraduate students in research labs to gain hands-on experience on faculty-led projects. CURVE fellows receive stipends and participate in professional development opportunities that prepare them as future leaders in engineering and computer science research.
Eligibility
All CURVE applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be enrolled as full-time students (12 units minimum) for the semester in which they receive an award
- Be enrolled in a declared undergraduate degree programs within the Viterbi School of Engineering at time of application
- Students of any citizenship status are eligible to participate (please note that participation in certain research projects may require U.S. citizenship)
- Demonstrated ability to commit required weekly hours to research
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
The Fall 2026 CURVE application is open to Viterbi undergraduates for the following positions:
- First-Time Researchers
- First-time research participants are defined as Viterbi undergraduate students who have not received prior formal research experience at USC and has not previously received the CURVE fellowship. This category generally, though not exclusively, applies to first and second year undergraduate students.
- First-Time Researchers submit an application to be matched with listed research opportunities from participating labs.
- A limited number of first-time research participants will be selected to receive $1250 per semester for up to 2 semesters (Fall & Spring) funded by the CURVE program.
- First-time research positions will only be available in Fall 2026. Students applying as first-time researchers will not be able to apply for Spring 2027.
- Experienced Researchers
- Experienced Researchers are defined as current Viterbi undergraduate students who have already engaged in undergraduate research experiences at USC for 2 semesters or more, and includes past recipients of the CURVE fellowship. This category generally applies to undergraduates in their second year or above.
- A limited number of experienced research participants receive $2500 for the academic year (Fall/Spring or Spring/Fall) or $3000 for the summer. Stipends require a 50/50 cost-share model, with 50% from CURVE and 50% from sponsoring faculty or other external funding sources. Funding terms include fall, spring and summer.
CURVE fellowship awardees may receive a maximum of 4 semesters (total) of funding. A Summer CURVE fellowship will count as 2 semesters of funding.
Required Application Templates:
Please download, complete, and upload both documents as part of your CURVE application.
Questions: Email viterbi.studentservices@usc.edu
USC CURVE Fellowship Application
Current application cycle: Fall 2026
The Center for Undergraduate Research in Viterbi Engineering (CURVE) Program provides a centralized resource for Viterbi undergraduate students to explore research opportunities early in their academic career. In partnership with faculty, CURVE facilitates the placement of Viterbi undergraduate students in research labs to gain hands-on experience on faculty-led projects. CURVE fellows receive stipends and participate in professional development opportunities that prepare them as future leaders in engineering and computer science research.
Eligibility
All CURVE applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be enrolled as full-time students (12 units minimum) for the semester in which they receive an award
- Be enrolled in a declared undergraduate degree programs within the Viterbi School of Engineering at time of application
- Students of any citizenship status are eligible to participate (please note that participation in certain research projects may require U.S. citizenship)
- Demonstrated ability to commit required weekly hours to research
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
The Fall 2026 CURVE application is open to Viterbi undergraduates for the following positions:
- First-Time Researchers
- First-time research participants are defined as Viterbi undergraduate students who have not received prior formal research experience at USC and has not previously received the CURVE fellowship. This category generally, though not exclusively, applies to first and second year undergraduate students.
- First-Time Researchers submit an application to be matched with listed research opportunities from participating labs.
- A limited number of first-time research participants will be selected to receive $1250 per semester for up to 2 semesters (Fall & Spring) funded by the CURVE program.
- First-time research positions will only be available in Fall 2026. Students applying as first-time researchers will not be able to apply for Spring 2027.
- Experienced Researchers
- Experienced Researchers are defined as current Viterbi undergraduate students who have already engaged in undergraduate research experiences at USC for 2 semesters or more, and includes past recipients of the CURVE fellowship. This category generally applies to undergraduates in their second year or above.
- A limited number of experienced research participants receive $2500 for the academic year (Fall/Spring or Spring/Fall) or $3000 for the summer. Stipends require a 50/50 cost-share model, with 50% from CURVE and 50% from sponsoring faculty or other external funding sources. Funding terms include fall, spring and summer.
CURVE fellowship awardees may receive a maximum of 4 semesters (total) of funding. A Summer CURVE fellowship will count as 2 semesters of funding.
Required Application Templates:
Please download, complete, and upload both documents as part of your CURVE application.
Questions: Email viterbi.studentservices@usc.edu