Research and funding opportunities

Deepen your understanding of social justice work with a faith-based organization. This fellowship awards $2500 for SMU undergraduates and graduate students to design a service or research project under the guidance of the Chaplain’s office or a faculty mentor. Applications are open in spring term. (Administered by the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life)

This eight-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (Funded by a National Science Foundation grant) leads students through workshops on data science skills and pairs participants with faculty mentors on impactful research projects. $4800 stipend plus room and board. (Administered by the Office of Engaged Learning, in collaboration with Dr. Monnie McGee, Statistics and Data Science)

$2500 award for capstone-level scholarly research, service, or creative project. Fellows present their work to the public and receive a transcript notation of their project. Application cycles close on September 15, December 15, February 15, and April 15. (Administered by the Office of Engaged Learning)

The First Year Research Experience (FYRE) is a unique opportunity for a limited number of students to get involved in research right away, in their first year at SMU. This is a pilot program for the 24-25 academic year. Students take UNIV 1102 (FYRE) and work as research assistants with faculty mentors (earning $15/hr).

Hamilton Scholars collaborate with top faculty researchers and contribute to the creation of cutting-edge knowledge. Earn an hourly wage ($12-15/hr) while working on your research project. Application cycles in late spring (for summer) and late summer (for academic year). (Administered by the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute)

† Faculty mentors apply

$2000 summer fellowships for public service or ethics research. Applications close mid-spring. (Administered by the Maguire Center for Ethics)

Up to $2000 to conduct a substantial interdisciplinary research project. Combine and integrate the perspectives of your major(s)/minor(s) under the guidance of two faculty mentors. Applications close in late April. (Administered by the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute)

For underrepresented, first-generation, or income-eligible students to pursue mentored research and receive academic support and counseling. Earn credit and a $2800 stipend through the Summer Research Institute. (Administered by the SMU College Access Programs).

For Honors students. Up to $5000 to conduct independent research projects abroad or multicultural projects within the United States under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Eligibility: Second and third-year SMU students enrolled in the University Honors Program. 

Work with faculty in labs across campus and earn up to $15/hr. Students work up to 29 hours/week during the summer on faculty-led research projects. They also participate in weekly professional development workshops covering communication and project management skills. (Administered by the Office of Engaged Learning)

† faculty mentors apply for student funding

A selective, multidisciplinary minor in public policy and international affairs enabling students from a variety of academic backgrounds to combine their academic interests with experience in the real world of public policy. Scholars participate in immersion trips, research projects, and internships. Apply in your first year. Applications close in January. (Administered by the John Goodwin Tower Center for Public Policy and International Affairs)

Earn up to $15/hr as a part-time researcher, assisting a faculty member with their current projects. (Administered by the Office of Engaged Learning)

† faculty mentors apply for student funding