Student Research

• Working as a research assistant
• Independent study
• Funds for undergraduate research

Designing and implementing research is a rewarding way for students to build upon their work in the classroom, to pursue particular interests in their major, to get to know faculty members, and to gain an understanding of what it means to do work in their chosen field. Weinberg College, like Northwestern in general, is committed to facilitating student research, and to helping undergraduates immerse themselves in challenging, intense explorations in well-focused projects. Through research, you will have the chance to apply the knowledge you have gained in your coursework. You will get to experience firsthand the complexities, frustrations, and joys of generating new ideas and knowledge. Research is also a great way to learn about the different types of work that exist within a given discipline, which can help you think about your short- and long-term plans.

Through developing a topic, deciding how to tackle it, interpreting what you learn, and reporting your findings, you will gain skills that can lend focus and prestige to your studies and your career.

Research can take on many forms and varies greatly from discipline to discipline. Some research projects stem from a student's own persistent interest in a particular topic that he or she wishes to study in more detail. Other students become involved in ongoing faculty research. If you have a specific project in mind, you may want to consider planning an independent study with a faculty member.  Students can also become involved in a faculty member's research as a paid research assistant or for course credit. Activities can range from preparing materials and collecting data in science labs to conducting and summarizing library research to managing databases, conducting data analyses, organizing project records, and much more.

You can find extensive information on undergraduate research at Northwestern--including guidance on developing and proposing research plans and on finding faculty advisers and funding--through the Provost's Undergraduate Research website.

If your topic takes you to another country, you may want to investigate ways to pursue your work while studying abroad. The Study Abroad Office and your College Adviser can give you some ideas about doing this; each year, for instance, a small number of students are invited to join the Study Abroad Research Program, a program that encourages and prepares students to do cross-cultural research abroad that they can then turn into a senior honors thesis, independent study, fellowship, or postgraduate work when they return.

Initial research experiences are sometimes gateways to expanding a project into an honors thesis in a major. A thesis can be a tremendous capstone to your academic experience.

There are numerous ways for students to be recognized for their research. Each year, for example, students can apply to showcase their research at the Provost's Office's Undergraduate Research Symposium. Northwestern University, Weinberg College, and some departments and programs within the college all have available, on a competitive basis, funds to support student research. Undergraduate research can also be a stepping stone to prestigious external fellowships and awards that provide funding for graduate school or for further research abroad or in the US after graduation. The Office of Fellowships has information about such programs and can help you think about your plans.