Engaged Learning

A kaleidoscope of opportunities for research, community engagement, creativity, innovation and professional development boosts the academic experience.

Research

Cary M. Maguire Center Summer Intern Stipends for Research and Service

The Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility awards summer intern stipends to SMU students exploring public service and research in ethics. Interns have pursued proposals in more than 80 agencies in 12 Texas cities, 12 states and nine countries outside the U.S.

Visit the website of the Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility.

Hamilton Scholars Program

Inspired and supported by a generous gift from Jack and Jane Hamilton, the Hamilton Scholars Program for Undergraduate Research in Dedman College supports faculty/student teams to carry out primary research for a semester or a year. Students in this program can work closely with a member of the Dedman College Faculty (in the sciences, social sciences or humanities) on meaningful and cutting edge projects that advance knowledge.

Each faculty/student team submits a competitive proposal for the project to the Hamilton Scholars Program Director in response to a call for proposals that goes out in August of each academic year. Awards are up to $3,000 per semester with matching funds available from the University Undergraduate Research Program. Hamilton Scholars are recognized at the University Honors Convocation.

This program was launched in the fall of 2008, but some Hamilton Scholars have already successfully delivered papers on their research at professional meetings or submitted their work to professional journals. Students who are interested in this program should speak to a faculty member with whom they would like to work. Faculty members who are interested in this program should identify a student interested in participating.

For further information, please contact Caroline B. Brettell.

John Goodwin Tower Center Undergraduate Research Fellowships

The John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies offers undergraduate research fellowships to students pursuing research in politics and government. Fellows work closely with faculty to develop research projects resulting in publications or final papers presented at professional meetings or national conferences. Students apply for these fellowships as sophomores, and then serve in this capacity in their junior and senior years.

Visit the website of the John G. Tower Center.

National Science Foundation and Undergraduate Fellowships

In various departments, ranging from anthropology to physics, SMU students have received fellowships to work with or under the supervision of professors with the support of funding from the National Science Foundation.

Richter International Fellowship Program

This fellowship is available exclusively to members of the University Honors Program to conduct independent research, usually outside the United States. Students must work with a faculty sponsor to develop and implement their projects. Upon returning, fellows write and submit a scholarly article based on their research with intent to seek publication. Projects can cover any area of study, but should be international or multicultural in nature. SMU is one of only 12 schools offering Richter Fellowships.

Visit the website of the Richter International Fellowship Program.

Undergraduate Research Assistant Program

Faculty members in all colleges that teach undergraduate students (Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Meadows School of the Arts, Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering and the Cox School of Business) can apply for a stipend to support an undergraduate research assistant in a particular research project. Within the past year, students have received $3,000 stipends to work as a URA in connection with professors’ research in engineering, anthropology, geology and psychology. 

Visit the website of the Undergraduate Research Assistant Program.

Community

Big iDeas at SMU

Big iDeas at SMU is an undergraduate research program that supports SMU students who are interested in addressing key problems faced by the Dallas and Metroplex area. The program provides funding to interdisciplinary teams of students who submit proposals to define, study and address the most important issues facing our local community. Proposals are submitted and reviewed annually by a review panel consisting of the provost, faculty members and several members of Dallas city leadership. Teams will present their proposals and findings at University-wide symposia.

Visit the website of the Big iDeas at SMU program.

Arts and Creative

Meadows Exploration Awards

Students in the Meadows School of the Arts can apply for grants to support individual or collaborative opportunities for creative activity, scholarship, community learning and research. These grants are intended to encourage and provide support for Meadows students to explore and expand their creative and research skills beyond the classroom. Students can work on any range of ideas, with faculty sponsorship.

Deason Innovation Gym 

The gym offers student teams opportunities to participate in design challenges and projects. It combines a design studio, machine shop, and garage into 1,200 square feet of space dedicated to undergraduate design projects. The gym hosts several hands-on design programs, including the Immersion Design Experience, Innovation Competition, and Commercial Hunter, in parternership with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Click here for more information on the Innovation Gym.

Professions

Hegi Family Career Development Center

The Hegi Family Career Development Center provides career counseling, job search assistance, job listings, campus recruiting programs and networking opportunities.