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"ALL OVER THE MAP"
How Wharton's research programs prepare undergraduates for careers in academia and the private sector. Wharton Magazine, Winter 2011

Research & Scholars Programs

Why engage in research?

Research provides an individualized method of learning and an in-depth treatment of a topic of personal interest with input from a faculty expert. Research experience is helpful if applying for distinguished international fellowships and is important if going on to graduate studies in an analytical discipline. Research skills are useful for decision-making in the private and public sectors and are required in academic positions.

Independent Study

Independent study allows students to pursue academic interests not available in regularly offered courses and can involve in-depth research on a topic not covered or only introduced in other courses. Independent Study webpage >>

Benjamin Franklin Scholars (BFS)

The BFS program encourages the highest level of scholarship from its participants and asks students to experiment and take charge of the totality of their education. The program offers three main avenues to support active learning:

  • Advising
  • Research
  • Benjamin Franklin Seminars

BFS also creates opportunities for participants to obtain prestigious grants for independent research and scholarships for graduate study. Students are invited to join before entering their freshman year or apply as freshmen or sophomores.
BFS website >>

Joseph Wharton Scholars (JWS)

The JWS program:

  • Emphasizes the importance of scholarly research and the liberal arts and sciences within the framework of a business education
  • Involves taking scholars seminars and courses both inside and outside of Wharton and engaging in a significant senior research project.
  • Requires membership and continued good academic standing in the Benjamin Franklin Scholars program.
  • Features fall faculty research presentations that are open to all Wharton students.
  • Invites students to join before entering their freshman year or to apply as freshmen or sophomores.

JWS webpage >>

Wharton Research Scholars Program (WRS)

WRS is an intensive one-year research program for a select group of upperclass students who are interested in conducting research under the supervision of some of Wharton's preeminent faculty members. Program highlights:

  • Students convene to discuss project progress, strategies, and challenges throughout the year, thus creating a sense of scholarly community.
  • Students defend their projects in a January conference with students, faculty mentors and the program director in attendance.
  • Research progress continues through the spring culminating in final presentations in April, with written submissions to follow.

WRS webpage >>

University Scholars (US)

The University Scholars program provides an unusual academic environment for intellectually dynamic students who have already demonstrated their commitment and dedication to research. The program involves:

  • In-depth research
  • An early start in graduate and professional courses
  • Mentoring, research funding, and scholarly events
  • Weekly lunches at which UScholars present and discuss their research

University Scholars website >>

Research Grants

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) primarily lists grants for summer projects and the following academic year. Some projects are for all undergraduates at Penn; some are for select groups, for which Wharton students may qualify, e.g., by college, department, area of study, or other program participation. CURF Grants website >>

Summer Research Programs

The Wharton Undergraduate Division offers two summer research experiences:

  • Wharton Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) is a 10-week residential program to support the research and scholarly work of Wharton undergraduates who just finished their freshman or sophomore year (i.e., for rising sophomores and juniors). SPUR webpage >>
  • Wharton Social Impact Research Experience (SIRE) provides grants to support the research of rising juniors and seniors on topics that promote both economic and social value. SIRE webpage >>

Research Assistantships

Research assistantships give students the opportunity to assist in faculty research activities. They can involve projects and related research assistance that may be of a quantitative or qualitative nature, involving such activities as:

  • Creating or using databases
  • Engaging in statistical analysis
  • Summarizing scholarly literature
  • Writing up research results

Search faculty research projects >>

Additional Resources

For additional information, please contact Dr. Martin A. Asher
Director, Research and Scholars Programs, Wharton Undergraduate Division
Adjunct Professor of Finance
Email: asherm@wharton.upenn.edu
Phone: 215.898.0285