CSS @ UVA
About CSS
College Science Scholars began in 2003, as a way to allow a small number of select and highly qualified undergraduates to have direct access to the very best laboratory research faculty and facilities that can be found at the University. It is overseen by the Chairs of the Departments of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology and Statistics.
The program is designed to give each student individual attention and close interaction with research faculty. Scholars have a senior faculty member serving as their advisor/mentor from the very beginning of their program of study. All participants have the opportunity to become a member of a research lab or group as early as the first semester so that advanced research experience can begin quickly. During the first year, all scholars enroll in the CSS seminar (both fall and spring semesters), where they meet internationally-renowned science faculty from each of the participating departments, hear talks on issues in the forefront of science, and visit research laboratories, etc.
Scholars are expected to major in one of the eight science departments. They are expected to attend all weekly seminars during their first year, and occasional CSS events thereafter. CSS students should actively engage in research early in their academic career, and demonstrate exemplary progress within their science curriculum. You can see our informational flyer here.
