Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Check out the diverse undergraduate research programs and funding opportunities available on campus!

  • Engaged Learning Fellowships - Engage in capstone-level scholarly research, community service or civic engagement, professional internship, or other creative project that moves learning beyond the classroom. (Administered by the Office of Engaged Learning). MAKE YOUR MARK
  • Undergraduate Research Assistantships - Experience part-time research and faculty mentorship during the Academic Year. (Administered by the Office of Engaged Learning). DIVE INTO RESEARCH
  • Hamilton Undergraduate Research Scholars - OEL is proud to match funds for the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute's program during the academic year. Hamilton Scholars collaborate with top faculty researchers and contribute to the creation of cutting-edge knowledge. CREATE KNOWLEDGE
  • Summer Research Intensive - Work with faculty in labs, data science, oral history, and more. Students work up to 30 hours/week during the summer on faculty-led research projects. They also participate in professional development workshops covering project management, methods, and presentation skills. (Administered by the Office of Engaged Learning).  DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS
  • Data Science for Social Good - Research Experience for Undergraduates (Funded by a National Science Foundation grant, in collaboration with Dr. Monnie McGee, Statistics and Data Science). DO GOOD
  • Voices of SMU Oral History Project - conduct and archive interviews about real-life experiences by SMU students and alumni, and more. (Funded in part by the Office of Engaged Learning). MAKE HISTORY

  • Caruth Institute for Engineering Education - Summer/Academic Year Mentoring & Research Opportunities working with youth. PAY IT FORWARD
  • Cooper/McElvaney Peace and Justice Fellowship - Deepen your understanding of social justice work with a faith-based organization. Design a service or research project under the guidance of the Chaplain’s office or a faculty mentor.  (Administered by the Office of the Chaplain & Religious Life). FAITH, RESEARCH, & SERVICE
  • Grand Challenge Scholars Program - The Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) aims to inspire young students to explore challenges and opportunities which support the “continuation of life on the planet, making our world more sustainable, secure, healthy, and joyful.”  (Administered by the Hart Center for Engineering Leadership). SOLVE A CHALLENGE
  • Maguire Public Service Fellows - Summer fellowships for public service or ethics research.  (Administered by the Maguire Center). MAKE A DIFFERENCE
  • Mayer Undergraduate Fellows - Conduct a substantial research project that combines and integrates the perspectives of your major(s)/minor(s) under the guidance of two faculty mentors. (Administered by the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute). CREATE NEW KNOWLEDGE
  • McNair Scholars Program - Through faculty mentoring, undergraduate research, and academic support services, you will be prepared and engaged academically and receive postgraduate counseling and opportunities. (Administered by the SMU College Access Programs). PROPEL YOUR RESEARCH
  • Richter International Fellowship Program - Honors students to conduct independent research projects on topics of international dimensions 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 in the Liberal Arts. (Administered by the University Honors Program). RESEARCH ABROAD
  • Tower Center Student Internships & Fellowships - Pursue collaborative work in politics and government and work closely with faculty to develop research projects to be published in the Dialogue. (Administered by the Tower Center). STUDY POLICY
  • Weil Undergraduate Research Award - An annual award for the demonstration of depth and breadth in the use of library research materials and clear evidence of thoughtful command of these resources in undergraduate research papers. (Administered by SMU Libraries). BE THE EXPERT

  • Office of National Student Fellowships - helps SMU undergraduates apply for external, nationally-competitive fellowships, scholarships and awards such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Mitchell, Truman, Goldwater, Udall, Guggenheim, and many others. WIN A FELLOWSHIP
  • Research Experience for Undergraduates - universities across the US offer intensive summer research programs in a variety of STEM disciplines. See our REU page for SMU's programs and recommended programs elsewhere. GAIN EXPERIENCE