The MasterScholar UCSB Summer Research Program
July 5th - July 25th, 2026
The MasterScholar Summer Research Program, offered in collaboration with KSE Global Education, provides an immersive pre-college academic experience for high school students interested in sustainability, engineering, and environmental science.
Interdisciplinary Summer Studies
at UC Santa Barbara
In this three-week program, students will conduct research in a university setting under the guidance of experts in wide-ranging fields. By choosing a unique concentration in areas such as sustainability, engineering, and environmental science, scholars will navigate topics that intersect with data science, economics, humanities, and social sciences. Working in teams, students will develop a research question to gain interdisciplinary understanding and specialized knowledge by investigating diverse perspectives. By the end of the program, scholars will effectively present their findings to a dynamic audience by demonstrating their contribution to scholarship.
Top-Tier Public Research University
UCSB is considered one of the top public universities in the United States, known especially for its STEM programs
in Top 25 Public Colleges
(Forbes Magazine,
2024-2025)
in Physical Sciences
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
in National Universities
(U.S. News & World Report, 2025)
in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
(U.S. News & World Report, 2025)
The Perfect Summer Destination
Santa Barbara, located on the Southern California coast is the perfect summer getaway. With its warm sunshine, beautiful beaches, and hiking trails, it’s a favorite location for tourists and American people. This safe, smaller city offers local markets and a student-friendly atmosphere. The UCSB campus, perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, features its own beach where MasterScholar students can kayak, paddleboard, surf, or stroll along the shore.
Innovative Curriculum
The program's innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to prepare students for a rigorous university research environment. Students learn collaboratively through a wide variety of teaching methods, including research lectures, mentorship seminars, presentation skills seminars, and expert guest lectures. At the end of the program, students have the chance to present their projects in the form of a research showcase.
Global Cultural Exchange
MasterScholar programs attract participants from around the world. Through their experience in the program, students have the opportunity to build international friendships—broadening their perspectives, enhancing cross-cultural understanding, and creating lasting memories and connections.
Experience UCSB Campus Life
MasterScholar students receive the full campus experience, housed in a residence hall with its own dining commons, a 25-meter swimming pool, basketball courts, and sand volleyball courts. Students also have access to campus academic facilities, research resources, and the University Recreation Center, which features myriad athletic facilities and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Learn more about the MasterScholar UCSB Summer Research Program:
MasterScholar Website Contact KSE
