Student Projects and Research

Completing a research or creative project gives you "hands-on" experience and a greater in-depth understanding in what you are studying. The experience:

• will help you develop and hone those skills necessary to your field of study and your future job.
• will tell you whether you want to study further in the field (like go to graduate or professional school) or if you really want a job in that field.
• if successful, shows others that you can complete a major project AND you have a project that shows you are capable.

Just remember...an undergraduate research experience is successful even if you find out you DON'T like research and don't want to do more in the future. Better to find out now!

 

Research methods, approaches, and outcomes vary with the field of study.  Undergraduates don't work alone on their research projects, but work with a faculty member in a particular department. Your faculty mentor can assist you in helping identify and frame a significant question in your discipline and then help plan the steps to the project.

You'll also find that your faculty mentor has more experience with managing the process on campus---in other words, all those practical details about enrolling, meeting university policies, purchasing supplies, reserving rooms, and other such things.

 

How much time will it take?

The amount of time you dedicate to an undergraduate research project depends on what you want, the particular project, and the field of study.

Will it interfere with my other classes?

Actually, your undergraduate research experience may help you get more out of your other classes. But managing your time is important and another reason why you are working with a Faculty Mentor who can help you balance your time.