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Office of Undergraduate Research

What is Undergraduate Research?

An inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline. - The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)

What are the benefits?

  • A greater understanding of your discipline and career options.
  • Improved communication skills.
  • Greater problem solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Hands on experience in a lab.
  • Work one-on-one with a mentor.
  • Increased understanding of research methodologies.

How do you start?

Undergraduate Research may be a valuable learning opportunity for students. Although placement is competitive and not guaranteed, undergraduate students seeking research opportunities should:

  1. Contact a current or past faculty member to ask if he or she is accepting students to help with research, or if any of their colleagues are accepting students;
  2. Log into your HANDSHAKE account to look for and apply to research opportunities; 
  3. Review the NSU Expert Database;
  4. View the list of on- and off-campus opportunities online; or
  5. Contact the office of Career Development to discuss research and other opportunities outside of the classroom.

Things to Consider

  • What kind of research most interests you?
  • How much time do you have to dedicate to a research opportunity?
  • What skills are needed for the research?
  • Do you have any research experience?

If credit is an important aspect of your participation as a student researcher, you should discuss this with your faculty member. She/he will determine the requirements to obtain credit if feasible.

If you are seeking ExEL units, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Research for assistance once you have secured a research position.  You may also download the ExEL Student Research packet for more information.

Please note that research placement is not guaranteed. It depends on many variables such as your availability, your responsiveness, your experience, your commitment level, and your grades. 

For undergraduate research opportunities on- and off-campus, click here.

Other Research Opportunities

NSU’s Undergraduate Student Symposium, hosted by the Farquhar Honors College, showcases the outstanding scholarship of NSU undergraduate students through student poster displays, oral presentations, performances, and film presentations. You can be one of the select students to proudly share your work at this annual event.

In addition, consider pursuing an Honors Thesis. To complete an Honors Research Thesis, you must be enrolled in the Honors College (students are eligible to apply and join the Honors College when entering NSU, as well as, while enrolled at NSU).

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