Undergraduate Research

Discover and deepen your passions within your field of study while building valuable skills alongside college faculty on hands-on projects. Gain real-world knowledge that enhances your classroom experience, and build a resume that stands out to graduate schools and future employers. Take part in exclusive presentations and events with guest speakers, all designed to inspire and equip you for success. Join a vibrant, supportive community that fosters growth, connection, and opportunity

Overview

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions began its Undergraduate Research Program in fall 2006. The program is designed to provide undergraduate students with research, presentation and publication experience. Faculty members within the Watts College of Public Service play a crucial role in helping undergraduate students engage in research. Any faculty member who wants or needs assistance with research is encouraged to work directly with an undergraduate student of their choosing.

The student receives a scholarship allocated at the beginning of each semester. For the first semester. The faculty member and student work together to determine location, hours and documentation of task completion.  Students can participate in research until they graduate.

Students are required to attend a kickoff meeting/information session to get necessary details and connect with the other participants. Students are also required to present their research each year at the Undergraduate Research Symposium typically held at the end of April. Each year, students are asked to prepare a research poster capturing their research experience. They then present their findings to faculty and peers.

An RSVP link for the next Undergraduate Research Symposium will be sent to all faculty and qualifying students in the last week of March. Poster preparation sessions will be held during the spring semesters. 

Interested in getting involved?

Students

Get Connected to a Current Project

Or

Complete the General Interest Form

Faculty

Faculty Information

Funding and Scholarships 

Students are awarded a $500 scholarship for their first semester of participation, which increases to $750 in the second semester, and $1,000 in the third semester and each subsequent term. Participants are required to dedicate a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 10 hours per week to research activities.

Upcoming Events

Spring 2025

MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS PARTICIPATING: 

Professional Development Training - January 2025

Undergraduate Research Symposium - May 2025