Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) | Application

Ready to advance your research career? Review the 2026 application requirements for our NSF-funded summer program in Smart and Sustainable Construction.

Scenes of students at the Leach Teaching Gardens on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (Whitney Moody/Texas A&M University Division of Marketing & Communications)

REU Application Process

Smart and Sustainable Construction in the Digital Era

The Department of Construction Science seeks highly motivated undergraduate students for our 2026 summer research cohort. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is strongly encouraged.

2026 Important Deadlines

  • Application Opens: Nov. 1, 2025

  • Priority Deadline (Round 1): Feb. 1, 2026

  • Final Deadline (Round 2): March 1, 2026 (Subject to availability)

  • Selection Notification: Mid-March 2026

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the 2026 cohort, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Academic Status: Must have completed at least 30 credit hours (freshman year) by the end of the spring 2026 semester.

  2. Graduation Date: Must graduate no sooner than December 2026.

  3. Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

  4. Fields of Study: Enrollment in a STEM major is required. Preferred majors include construction science, construction engineering, civil, environmental, or computer science.

  5. Academic Standing: A cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher is preferred.

  6. Intent: A demonstrated interest in actively participating in ongoing research projects.

Note: Exceptions (excluding residency and graduation requirements) are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Application Packet Requirements

All materials must be submitted digitally via the application portal at arch.tamu.edu/reu/application/.

  1. Unofficial Transcripts: Both Texas A&M and external applicants must upload their most recent unofficial transcripts. Texas A&M students should use the PDF version available via the Howdy portal.

  2. Personal Statement (Minimum 500 words): Your statement should address:

    • Objectives for participating in the program and what you hope to gain.

    • Career plans following your undergraduate degree.

    • Current or previous research experience.

    • Specific research areas of interest within your field.

    • Relevant extracurriculars, leadership roles, or honors.

  3. CV/Resume: A current summary of your academic and professional history.

  4. Letters of Recommendation: At least one letter is required (two maximum). Letters must be from a professor or supervisor who can speak to your potential for success in a summer research environment. Recommenders should submit their letters directly through the [official recommendation form].

Review and Selection

The REU Selection Committee carefully reviews all completed application packets. Candidates will be evaluated on academic merit, the quality of their personal statement, and the strength of their recommendations.