Program Overview

The Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy (VSSA) gives college students earning a four-year degree the opportunity to participate in basic research and/or clinical patient care at Vanderbilt.
There are two major tracks within the VSSA:

• The Basic Science Programs for undergraduates interested in careers in research.Participants will complete a research project under the leadership of a research mentor.
• The Clinical Research Programs for undergraduates who wish to pursue a career in medicine. Interns directly observe clinical patient care while spending time with resident and attending physicians.

Each program has its own director, application guidelines, and application review timeline. For specific questions about a program, please reach out to the contact person listed for that specific program.

Programs begin accepting Fall applications October 1. General questions can be directed to vssa@vanderbilt.edu.