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Eureka!™ Research Guide

Strategies for Getting Involved

Below is a list of tips for becoming involved in undergraduate research. These strategies will be MOST useful if you begin planning early in your college career. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Research to speak with an advisor about how to get started.

  1. Explore your interests. When thinking about what research topics you would like to get involved in it can help to look at where your personal interests lie; look at what organizations you belong to, what hobbies you have, and how you spend your free time. Consider taking a one-hour Forum Seminar, which will introduce you to a range of research questions and faculty engaged in research. The Career Exploration Center also offers a variety of tools to help you match your interests, skills, and values with an academic field.

  2. Investigate current research at UT Austin. Research happens in every department at UT from Fine Arts to Physics. Most department websites feature brief descriptions of faculty research interests. Individual faculty members’ websites often describe research projects in greater detail. Most organized research units provide information about the research interests of affiliated faculty. UT Austin’s Office of Public Affairs publishes an Expert Guide, which spotlights research on campus.

  3. Take appropriate courses. Pursuing relevant coursework is one of the best ways to prepare for your research experience. Some professors prefer to work with a student who has taken one of their courses. For help identifying appropriate courses, consult your academic advisor and talk with students who are currently involved in research that interests you.

  4. Take advantage of undergraduate research initiatives. A variety of programs exist to support undergraduate research on campus:

    Undergraduate Research in the College of Natural Sciences provides access to a range of resources, from student groups to a database of summer research opportunities.

    Various undergraduate research opportunities exist within the Cockrell School of Engineering, including paid and volunteer research positions and for-credit research programs.

    Research units in the College of Liberal Arts often incorporate undergraduates on research projects. Also, special programs in the College of Liberal Arts typically incorporate a research component. The Psychology Department has many opportunities for undergraduates to participate in faculty research through their PSY 357 course.

    Students in any college can participate in the Bridging Disciplines Programs. Bridging Disciplines Programs (or BDPs) allow you to develop an interdisciplinary specialization that complements your major and combines coursework, internships, and research. The BDP advisors can help you identify research experiences and connect with a faculty research mentor.

  5. Explore undergraduate research programs. Many universities and research institutions offer special programs to attract emerging scholars and to introduce undergraduates to research in a specific field. These programs typically last for a semester or a summer and are often highly competitive. Some programs include stipends for travel and lodging. Talk to faculty in your area of interest or contact the Office of Undergraduate Research advisors to get information on possible programs.

    The National Science Foundation funds summer research programs at many universities and colleges across the U.S. through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program. To find out more, visit the National Science Foundation’s REU website

  6. Approach faculty with respect. Before you approach a professor, do your homework: read her or his website and find out about recent publications. Locate and read about faculty publications using online resources provided by the University of Texas Libraries. If possible, talk with other students who have worked with the professor. When you introduce yourself to a faculty member, be specific about your interests, qualifications, and expectations. DO NOT send a general e-mail to a whole list of professors.