Undergraduate Research & Creative Scholarship

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The University of Minnesota consistently ranks among the top public research universities in the United States according to well-regarded research university assessments. Whether it's through a class project, the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, directed research, or a fellowship, undergraduate students have many opportunities to conduct research.

Research Opportunities

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

The University of Minnesota's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) offers financial awards twice a year to full-time undergraduates for research or creative projects undertaken in partnership with a faculty member. UROP encourages students to conduct research and pursue academic interests outside of their regular courses by employing them to work on special research projects.

College of Design UROP Opportunities

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Pathways to Graduate School: Summer Research Program

Pathways is an intensive 10 week summer program in which undergraduate students work full-time with a faculty mentor on a research project. The cohort-based program includes a series of seminars preparing students for graduate school and developing research skills.

See Eligibility Requirements & Apply

MnDRIVE Environment

The MnDRIVE Environment program supports research and partnerships that develop sustainable solutions to environmental grand challenges, thereby enhancing quality of life and economic vitality in Minnesota.

MnDRIVE Opportunities

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Directed Study

Design your own project and work one-on-one with a faculty member to make it happen. You can earn credit by working in a lab or field setting under a faculty member's guidance. The number of credits for directed study varies and is based on the scope and depth of the project and on your program's criteria. In general, a student will need to commit the same amount of time as one would to a regular class with the same number of credits.

Before You Register for Directed Research/Study:

  • Talk to your advisor and instructor regarding how directed research/study works in your major.
  • Talk to your instructor about the details of your directed research/study projects will be structured.
  • Fill out the Directed Activity Contract. To fill out the contract, you will need:
    • Instructor’s UMN Internet ID (the first part of their email)
    • Year and term of the project
    • Course subject, number, and possibly the section number
    • Number of credits
    • Grading basis
    • The title and description of your project
    • A description of methods, resources, and strategies you may use

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