Summer Research Opportunities

 Why should I participate?

  • Gain more research experience
  • Get paid for your research
  • Live in a different state or country for a summer
  • Meet people who are as passionate about your field as you

General things to keep in mind if you are interested in summer research:

  • Most programs require or strongly encourage at least one year of research experience prior to beginning the summer program.
  • Plan ahead! Try to at least spend your junior year doing undergraduate research at MNSU so you can spend your summer before you graduate in a research program. More ideally, however, you would already have one year of research under your belt before applying.
  • Programs may require current status as an undergraduate (i.e. if you graduated in May, you may not qualify for the summer program).
  • Deadlines for programs usually vary from November through February prior to the summer you are interested in doing research, so have a running list of the programs you wish to apply to and all of their requirements early in the fall.
  • Almost all programs will require multiple recommendation letters- be proactive and ask for these very early in the fall semester.
  • Apply for many programs (at least 10). It is not uncommon to apply for 10-15 programs and only receive 1-2 acceptances.

Why should I participate in a summer research program?

  • Drastically improves your chances of acceptance into graduate programs, primarily those that will involve research (e.g. Master's, PhD, and MD/PhD programs).
  • Provides you with greater research experience, tools, and preparation for furthering your education in graduate programs.
  • If you research at an academic institution, you can develop relationships with faculty and admissions counselors to improve your chances of acceptance into that institution.
  • Expand your job resume in demonstrating your ability to problem-solve and work in a team setting, as well as improve your public speaking skills through dissemination of your project.
  • Many programs provide the chance for students to be paid to live in and experience a new city, state, or country.

This is not an exhaustive list of programs. If you don't see one in a university, location, or topic you're interested in, a quick internet search should let you know what other opportunities exist.

Engineering and Math

The Undergraduate Research Center and the Office of University Fellowships have partnered to offer interested engineering students support and assistance with their REU applications. To schedule a time to meet with the graduate assistants in these offices, email the Undergraduate Research Center (urc@mnsu.edu) or the Office of University Fellowships (fellowships@mnsu.edu) or visit their office in Morris Hall 265. 

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