Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not answered below, you can contact BUILD.students@csulb.edu .
Any current full-time undergraduate CSULB student or incoming transfer (for fall semester) student who:
- Is in any STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or non-STEM major, but MUST be interested in pursuing both a career and an advanced degree in health-related research
- As of June, has one to two semesters (for Fellows cohort) or three to four semesters (for Scholars cohort) left before completing their undergraduate degree
- Is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or permanent resident
Although all students, regardless of background are welcome, you are strongly encouraged to apply if you have any of the following characteristics:
- You are from a traditionally underrepresented group in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences
- You have demonstrated personal achievement or endured life challenges that can contribute to the diverse perspectives in health-related research (e.g., first-generation college student, limited English proficiency, disability, geographic residency, refugee status, financially disadvantaged backgrounds, etc.)
- You have a commitment to community service or underserved populations
Based on the criteria listed above, if you are ineligible to apply to BUILD, then please use the following link to view other research and funding opportunities for CSULB students: Research & Funding Opportunities for CSULB Students
Students must be a US Citizen or legal permanent resident to apply. This is because we are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which is a national agency. However, research experience is still available to international students with unpaid research internships. Our mentors have both students in our programs and students doing research independent of a program. This research experience will still help with graduate applications and a career in research. International students can also go to the Graduate Center on the 2nd floor of the University Library to receive free grad school prep assistance. Pro-active students can piece together some of the important components of these programs on their own.
First, find out if applications are currently being taken by going to the Apply page. When applications are open, in addition to the online application form, you will be asked to upload several elements into the system. So that you can be prepared, we've published a list of these elements here.
The CSULB BUILD training programs may be part of a joint application with similar NIH-funded CSULB programs.
Whether you are in the BUILD training program or not, you are always welcome to join us for our upcoming workshops. Please check the Homepage and News & Events page often for upcoming events.
No. If you have a preference, you can state that. If you do, you will need to provide a reason for your preference. If you don’t, your application will be reviewed by the participating programs at the same time and, if accepted, you will be placed in the most appropriate program for you by the selection committee.
You can submit a PDF of your unofficial transcript.
The programs prefer a recommendation from an instructor familiar with your work in the field in which you expect to study/research.
- Scholars Program: Up to 12 students will be selected to participate in this 3-4 semester program.
- Fellows Program: Up to 20 students will be selected to participate in this 1-2 semester program.
