Undergraduate Research

Apply Now
The application for 2023-24 positions is now open. Priority deadline is Friday, May 12.
The Department of Economics and Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute values the importance of undergraduate research at the University of Minnesota. This program offers the opportunity for undergraduate economics majors to work with world-renowned faculty and graduate students in the field of economics. Past undergraduate research students have assisted faculty members with topics related to healthcare, public pension policy, retirement financing, minimum wage and the resolution of state court cases. Each undergraduate research assistant will:
- Conduct research work for 10-15 hours per week
- Receive a wage of $15.00 per hour for hours worked
- Present their research findings to alumni and the general public, either at a poster session or an online seminar
- Attend monthly meetings with the other undergraduate RAs
- Attend meetings as required by the faculty member
To be eligible for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be declared economics majors of junior or senior status
- Demonstrate exceptional interest and academic ability in economics
- Applicants who reach the final round may be asked to participate in brief interviews
Aside from the requirements, here are some tips to make you a competitive applicant:
- Complete or be enrolled in an introductory econometrics course (ECON 4211 or ECON 4261)
- Complete or be enrolled in an introductory programming course (CSCI 1103 or CSCI 1113 or CSCI 1133)
- Have experience working with statistical software packages, such as STATA or R
Previous research projects
Curious what it would be like to work as an undergraduate RA? Watch the video to hear from some of our 2020-21 participants about their research projects and the experience overall.
The cohort of 2021-22 participants presented their research at a poster session. Read about their research topics and view their posters with findings on a broad range of topics.
This experience will prepare you for a wide variety of careers after graduation, including:
- Graduate school in economics, statistics, etc.
- Data analytics
- Quantitative analytics
- Public policy
Application Process
The call for applications is typically sent to all undergraduate economics majors in April, with a deadline in mid May. Watch your email and this webpage for more information once the 2023 application is open. Advising staff and faculty members review applications and invite top candidates to interview.
If you have questions, contact econadv@umn.edu.
Alex Becker, Class of '19
Undergraduate Research Assistant for Professor Ellen McGrattan
Sarah Brown, Class of '19
Undergraduate Research Assistant for Professor Amil Petrin
Wesley Janson, Class of '18
Undergraduate Research Assistant for Senior Fellow Kurt Winkelmann
Grace Brang, Class of '18
Undergraduate Research Assistant for Professor Ellen McGrattan