The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), is administered by the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at the University of Minnesota. This program is designed to give undergraduate students and faculty members the opportunity to work together on research, scholarly, or creative activities. Started in 1985, this competitive program provides over 400 students a year with financial support in the form of a stipend (up to $1400.00) and/or an expense allowance (up to $300) while they assist with a faculty member's scholarship or carry out projects of their own under the supervision of a faculty member.

Full-time undergraduates enrolled in each of the 23 participating colleges on all 4 University of Minnesota campuses are eligible to apply provided they are enrolled in a baccalaureate or pre-baccalaureate program. Similarly, all University faculty members, whatever their college, rank, or nature of appointment, may serve as UROP sponsors. Students may choose to work with faculty members from their own colleges or from other colleges and campuses, thus giving students access to the University's wide range of faculty and research facilities. Students may submit proposals twice yearly (deadlines are usually in early October and early March).

Over 5,000 students and faculty across the University have already discovered the benefits of these hands-on research opportunities in laboratories, studios, libraries, and field sites. Participating students have developed detailed knowledge of research methods while their faculty sponsors have gained the assistance of enthusiastic and capable students.