College of Arts and Sciences Experiential Learning Research
CAS undergraduates can collaborate with world-class faculty in their research process and explore their own independent research interests in a variety of ways. Graduate and professional schools, as well as employers, value the knowledge and skills you gain. You may earn academic credit or compensation.
Gain familiarity with the research process that will help you in advanced education
Develop relationships with faculty and graduate students who can become mentors and write letters of recommendation
Participate in writing scholarly articles and papers published in professional journals
Attend and present at professional conferences
Hone your academic interests and build a network with others in your field of interest
Assist with Faculty Research
Faculty members in every department at the university conduct research, and they often need support from undergraduate students with a variety of tasks, such as:
- managing and maintaining equipment
- gathering and analyzing data
- working with research participants
Being involved with research means helping them create new knowledge in the field. These opportunities may be paid or unpaid and are typically available all year.
Enroll in CASC 98 (0-credit course) to help plan and document your experience while reflecting on how it connects to career and educational goals.
Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience
UCARE provides grant funding to support undergraduates collaborating with faculty in research or creative activities.
- Propose your own project or contribute to a current faculty project
- Academic year or summer session
- Present research on campus
- You may publish your work in academic journals and/or attend professional conferences
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
REUs are competitive research programs, usually offered in the summer, at institutions across the United States. Some programs have a fee, and others offer compensation such as housing or a stipend. Students typically apply in late fall or early spring for the following summer.
- rigorous research experience
- faculty mentorship
- a preview of the graduate school experience
- often cohort-model: work and live with a small group of other students from across the country
Example programs and resources:
Writing a Thesis
Undergraduates can more deeply and independently research a topic related to their academic program. Many students complete a thesis to graduate with distinction or to finish their University Honors Program senior project.
A good first step is to connect with a faculty member with expertise in your topic of interest and seek their support as a primary thesis advisor. Then you’ll submit a prospectus summarizing your topic, faculty advisors, and research plan.
Enroll in CASC 99 (0-credit course) to help document your experience while reflecting on how it connects to career and educational goals.
Getting Started
Academic Advisors
Watch for research opportunities in your academic advisors’ weekly emails. Share your interests with them in your meetings and ask for recommendations for faculty.
Career Coaches
Meet with a career coach about which research option would be best for you based on your interests and goals.
Faculty
Connect with current and former faculty members on their research and for suggestions and recommendations for colleagues or external programs. Check the department website for information.
UCARE
Learn more about the application process on the UCARE website and see examples of previous projects. Contact Courtney Santos at ucare@unl.edu with questions.