Undergraduate Fellows

The Undergraduate Fellows Program at ISERP is designed to expose students to social science research at Columbia. Over the course of two months, Fellows have the unique opportunity to gain a first-hand look at how research is conducted by leading social scientists in the field and to gain valuable hands-on experience. The program matches students with ISERP-affiliated faculty and projects addressing issues such as environmental decision-making, public health, public opinion, and social inequality, among others. In addition, Fellows participate in weekly seminars led by researchers focusing on past or ongoing research efforts at the University.

The summer of 2010 will mark the fifth year of the Undergraduate Fellows Program at ISERP. Last year's interns worked on a range of innovative projects at the Institute. Students worked on projects measuring the public’s reaction to terrorism through polling data, the spatial allocation of social provision in Brooklyn, and the efficacy of homeless programs. In many cases, the Fellows made themselves indispensable to their projects and continued to work on them through the following academic year.

The program’s structure is informal by design. The work and routine of the Fellowship will be highly individualized, as they are determined by the project’s requirements. Except for certain cases, Fellows will work from outside of our offices.

• Research activities vary depending on the skill set and interests of the Fellow and the needs of our faculty and scholars.
• The duration of the program is usually eight (8) weeks, from June through July. Fellows typically work for 30-35 hours per week.
• The program takes place on Columbia University's Morningside Campus in New York City, and all applicants must make their own housing accommodations for the length of the Fellowship. Unfortunately, we are unable to help with housing.
• Fellows receive a small stipend to cover the costs of local transportation and lunch that will be paid at the end of the Fellowship.     

Applying to the Undergraduate Fellows Program

ISERP is pleased to invite applications for our Undergraduate Fellows Program. The number of students accepted depends on the needs of our faculty and scholars. Acceptance decisions are made after a series of interviews, and the deadline for applications will be announced January, 2010. Applications should be sent to Fletcher Haulley.

• Eligibility
  The program is open to all undergraduate students. Non-Columbia students are encouraged to apply. However, we are unable to provide housing over the summer, and the fellow will have to make his/her own arrangements.
• Qualifications
  The program is appropriate for motivated undergraduate students with demonstrated interest and experience in the social sciences. This is an excellent opportunity for students majoring in economics, political science, sociology, and statistics.
• To Apply
  To apply for a fellowship, please submit your resumé and a cover letter by e-mail to Fletcher Haulley. We will acknowledge that we have received your application.
• Deadline
  Applications must be received by the close of business on March 1st, 2010.
• Admissions Decision
  Admissions decisions are made following interviews. The final selection for the program will take place shortly after all of the interviews have been completed.