Research Opportunities
The psychology department offers undergraduate students the unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the research lab of a distinguished faculty member. Research is a valuable addition to any student's academic program. Getting involved in research in psychology can help you:
- discover your strengths, explore your interests, and develop transferrable skills that can help build your résumé and secure future employment.
- gather the information that can help you make future decisions about graduate school and become more competitive for psychology graduate programs.
- gain firsthand experience and be part of a team whose goal is to make a contribution of knowledge to the field of psychology.
- connect with other members of the department for future networking.
Research for Credit (PSY 4/5993)
PSY 4/5993 is the most common way that psychology students engage in research. At least one semester of research lab experience for credit is required for psychology BS students and is highly recommended for all psychology majors.
Learn what to expect and how to register for PSY 4993/5993: Directed Research.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
UROP supports research or creative projects undertaken in partnership with a faculty member. Financial awards of up to $1,700 are offered twice a year to full-time undergraduates. These grants allow students to design and carry out their own research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Contact psychology advising for information about getting started.
Additional Research Opportunities
Sentience Undergraduate Research Journal
Sentience is the online academic journal for papers describing research in psychology written by undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota. Undergraduates have the opportunity to participate on the editorial board and gain first-hand experience in all phases of the scientific publication process. Contact Dr. Mark Stellmack for more details.
Professional Conferences
Attend or present your work at a professional psychology research conference! The Mortensen Travel & Research Award (up to $500) is available for undergraduate psychology majors who are presenting a poster or paper at an undergraduate research conference or professional psychological conference.
- UMN Undergraduate Research Symposium: The Undergraduate Research Symposium is an annual research fair that gives all undergraduate researchers at all University of Minnesota campuses a chance to share their research, scholarly and creative projects with the University community.
- Midwestern Psychological Association (MPA) Annual Meeting: Learn from and interact with psychologists from diverse backgrounds who all come to keep up on current developments in the field of psychology.
- MidBrains: The Undergraduate Neuroscience Conference for the Upper Midwest.
- Minnesota Psychological Association Annual Convention: Engage in networking, share information, and present your work.
- Minnesota Undergraduate Psychology Conference (MUPC): Present your research and discover the different types of research topics being studied by students in other Minnesota colleges. The call for MUPC submissions happens in early spring.
- National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR): This annual conference promotes undergraduate research scholarship and creative activity from all academic disciplines.
Summer Research Opportunities
McNair Scholars Program
Multicultural Summer Research Opportunities Program (MSROP)
Research Experience for Undergraduate Students (REU) National Site List