• USC degree-seeking undergraduate in their first or second year at the Columbia campus
• No (or limited) previous research experience
• All majors in good academic standing
• Students historically underrepresented in research are encouraged to apply
• SCHC students, with the exception of first-generation and OSP SCHC  students, are not eligible to apply

Magellan Journey provides up to $1,000 in student salary/stipend for up to one year of research for eligible students.

Future Funding Options
Most students funded through the Magellan Journey grant are eligible to apply for other Magellan and institutional grants to receive future research support. An OUR research consultation can assist with finding grants for which you are eligible to apply.

Expand allSet up a research grant consultation:

Please indicate in the appointment comments that this is for a grant consultation.

To schedule a RESEARCH CONSULTATION*:
Consultations will be held either in person or virtually through Teams video conferencing. If you select a virtual consultation, a weblink will be provided to you in your meeting confirmation email. Please click on the weblink at your designated meeting time to start your appointment.

   => Log on to sc.campus.eab.com
   => Click on "Make an Appointment" tab (right hand side of the screen)
   => Under what type of appointment, select "Involvement and Engagement"
   => Under service, select "Undergraduate Research Appointment"
   => Then click on the button "Find Available Time"
Please feel free to include comments about where you are in the research journey (curious about research, ready to get started, have a mentor/questions about funding, etc.). This helps us better help you!

*If these appointment options conflict with your schedule, please contact us directly at our@sc.edu with days and times you are available to meet by video.

Expand allBeginning of grant period:

Students:

• Complete the CITI Responsible Conduct of Research on-line training and submit to Blackboard. 
• Review the student mentoring guide and discuss expectations and project plan with mentor.
• Register your project each semester.
• Maintain consistent effort towards your project and regular communication with your mentor.

Mentors:

• Actively engage students in the discovery, inquiry, and research process of the discipline.
• Complete a research agreement with your mentee. This research agreement template is available for use and can be modified as needed. 
• Oversee the student hire procedures and coordinate with your department business manager to ensure proper and timely payment.  
• Provide regular opportunities for your mentee to reflect and receive feedback.
• Confirm your mentee's engagement each semester through the Research Registry system.
• If applicable: Complete and maintain compliance requirements for projects involving human or vertebrate animal subjects.

End of grant term:

Student:

• Participate in Discover USC, either by attending or presenting your research
• Submit, at minimum, two "research in action" pictures of you engaging in your project.
• Submit brief project report (max 1 page).

 Mentor:

• Guide student in development of presentation and report.

See detailed Program Terms and Conditions here, which include instructions and guidance for completing the requirements.

Students should review the information below before submitting a complete application. Application information for 2025-26 will be posted during spring 2025. 

Remember:

1. No faculty mentor or project needed to apply
2. Applications reviewed within 3 weeks of submission, in the order received
3. Funding is limited; early applications encouraged
   

NOTE: Please provide careful and meaningful responses to questions 14 and 15 on the application. These responses will help in the mentor matching process and may be shared with potential faculty mentors. Applicants are encouraged to review these questions, then draft and revise your responses in word. The responses can THEN be cut and paste into the application form (link below; one application form for both programs). 

Q14: What research areas or topics would you like to explore? Provide a brief description of your research interests (include 2-3 topics) to help us identify potential mentors and projects for you (broad topics are ok but specifics can be helpful); if you know 1-2 mentors you are interested in working with, please provide their name(s), department(s), and a brief description of why they would be a good match for you.

Q15: Personal Statement Please share a brief introduction about you, your academic and career goals; why you are interested in conducting research and how it fits within your goals. Please include if you are considering educational pursuits beyond a Bachelor's degree such as Masters, PhD, MD, etc.

Your form will be reviewed within three weeks, in the order received. At that time, the Office of Undergraduate Research will email you regarding the status of your application and next steps.

If you have any questions, please contact our@sc.edu.