Texas A&M University College of Engineering departments and labs participate in the Undergraduate Summer Research REU Program based on the admitted applicants’ areas of interest.
We encourage you to explore our programs, faculty and research before you apply to our REU.
Participants Receive:
- Supervision by a College of Engineering faculty member and postdoctoral fellow or advanced graduate student.
- Regularly scheduled seminars on issues directly related to the academic, personal and professional growth of graduate students.
- Social events
- Constructive feedback on the need for further undergraduate courses and acquisition of additional laboratory skills.
- Opportunity to possibly co-author a scientific paper with the faculty mentor.
- Exposure to state-of-the-art research laboratories in our college's departments and interdisciplinary centers.
- University housing (students are responsible for their food expenses).
- Access to campus facilities (library, athletic and health facilities).
Funding
Each participant will receive a $6,000 stipend paid out as a competitive scholarship.
Male recipients of this scholarship must provide the institution (via the REU program upon starting the program) proof of meeting Selective Service registration requirements or
Acceptance of the scholarship may affect a student’s financial aid. Check with the Scholarships and Financial Aid office for more information.
Housing
External Participants
External (non-Texas A&M) participants are required to stay in the housing provided by the program (see below).
Texas A&M Participants
Internal (Texas A&M) participants can choose to stay in the housing provided by the program or receive a one-time housing allowance payment of $1,235.00.
Program Housing
REU housing for summer 2025 will be on campus.
Research Topics and Faculty
Unlike other summer research programs (e.g. NSF REUs), the REU program does not have specific research topics or professors. In general, most faculty members in the College of Engineering are eligible to be mentors for the program. Similar to the graduate school search process, we suggest that you look online at the faculty listings/research pages on the respective department websites. Once you have identified a faculty member of interest to you, contact them to express interest in working with them through the REU program and ask if they will be available during the summer to mentor you, should you be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My school is on a quarter system — can I still apply?
A: In general, yes, you are eligible to apply for the program. However, we will run into issues with your institution being on a quarter system. In the past, we've accommodated some students on a quarter system in consultation with their faculty mentor, but no more than five days past the program start date. There was some give and take from both our end and the student's end. For instance, one student worked with his university's professors on taking final exams earlier than scheduled so that he could start the REU program the Monday following the regular start of the program. Also, the REU mentor agreed on special arrangements by giving reading assignments ahead of time and working with the student on completing the first assignment (research proposal). The REU mentor (and the student) also agreed to the student working extra hours (nights and/or weekends) to make up for the few days missed at the beginning of the program. Applicants on quarter systems are still encouraged to apply and mention the quarter system issue briefly at the end of the personal statement to remind us. However, there is no guarantee that we will be able to accommodate you, since several parties must make special arrangements (you, the program and the faculty mentor), but we will try our hardest.
Q: Is this considered a work experience, and can I use it as a work reference?
A: While a student is able to place the REU experience on their resume as an academic activity, and are encouraged to seek recommendations from those they work with during the program, it is not work experience and therefore cannot serve as a reference when applying to a job, etc. Additionally, a W-2 form will not be provided.
Q: I am an international student. Can I apply?
A: Unfortunately, no. This program is specifically for US domestic students, but we encourage you to look at Texas A&M’s Research Opportunities Database for other programs.
Q: Do I need to have a research topic to participate in the program?
A: Not necessarily. While some students are continuing previous work in their mentor’s lab, others will be matched to a mentor based on their skills and research interests. In this case, you will work closely with your mentor to develop your research project.
Q: Can I take credit hours over the semester while I am in the program?
A: Unless extenuating circumstances are presented, students are not permitted to take any coursework over the summer while enrolled in the program.
Q: I have a vacation planned over the summer. Will this affect my plans?
A: All vacations (outside of weekends) must be approved by the S-REU program staff and the research mentor. At the time of acceptance, participants must notify the S-REU program staff of any pre-planned extended vacations in order to provide the S-REU program and faculty mentor time to review the request and, if approved, make necessary scheduling and assignment arrangements. Requests will not be accommodated after the program begins.
Q: Can a PhD student mentor me rather than a faculty member?
A: No. A faculty member of the College must agree to mentor any students participating in the REU program.
Q: Can a PhD student send a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
A: It is advisable that letters of recommendation come from faculty members.
Q: I’m confused about the letter of recommendation - does the faculty member under which I wish to research need to submit a letter, or are they supposed to be two letters from other faculty members?
A: If you have confirmed that a faculty member will mentor you, they need to submit a letter on your behalf. This will serve as one of the required letters.
If you have not confirmed a faculty member at the time of your application, you will need to have letters of recommendation sent by other faculty members or supervisors.
Q: I will not have completed 30 hours by the Spring 2025 semester. Can I still apply?
A: No. In an effort to ensure that students have the necessary skills and experience to participate in the program, 30 credit hours is required.