Research

Research is a hands-on opportunity to investigate real world questions while expanding your understanding of classroom concepts. You can participate in research via an independent project or by collaborating with faculty members or employers. Research can take place in a lab, in an everyday in-person environment, or online. Types of research vary depending on your major.

Benefits of Doing Research

• You can work closely with employers or faculty members, making it more likely that they will write you a letter of recommendation for a job or graduate school
• You can develop skills that employers value such as communication, critical thinking, digital fluency, and quantitative skills
• You can learn about issues within your chosen career path
• You can improve people’s lives through the results of your research

Undergraduate Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) supports many initiatives focused on student engagement in university research.  Some initiatives to consider include:

• EUREKA, a searchable database of undergraduate research opportunities
• Informational guides for identifying research interests and finding projects
• Resources for earning course credit, receiving scholarships and awards, and publishing your work

UT Austin Resources for Undergraduate Research

• Science Undergraduate Research Group
• Bridging Disciplines Programs
• McNair Scholars Program
• Intellectual Entrepreneurship Pre-Graduate School Internship
• Office of Research Support
• Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP)

College and School Resources

• Cockrell School of Engineering
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Natural Sciences
• School of Nursing
• McCombs School of Business

Off-Campus Research

If you are interested in research opportunities outside of UT Austin, consider the following opportunities:

• Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) are summer programs funded by the National Science Foundation that allow students to conduct supervised research projects at host institutions inside or outside the United States.
• Big 10 Academic Alliance Summer Research Opportunities Programs provide opportunities for underrepresented students to prepare for graduate study through research experiences with faculty mentors.
• Summer Research Programs are hosted by institutions throughout the country. Conduct an online search for programs using keywords based on research interest areas.
• Non-academic research opportunities exist within various companies and organizations. Search HireUTexas to find available positions.

Texas Career Engagement does not support student participation in programs which require students to pay fees for applications, participation, or training.