Eagles gain academic and professional benefits through undergraduate research

College students become Morehead State University Eagles partly because of the institution’s emphasis on academic excellence and student success. For many undergraduate students, unique educational experiences can provide more benefits than the traditional academic setting or professor-student interaction.

This is one of the many benefits offered to Eagles when they participate in student research and programs like MSU’s Undergraduate Research Fellowship program. This program provides students the opportunity to work side-by-side with our experienced faculty on creative projects or in-depth research as early as their freshman year.  

Participation in research improves a student’s knowledge of their academic discipline, enhances life-long learning skills, is viewed favorably by potential employers, provides a “heads-up” for those interested in graduate school, and increases self-confidence and academic recognition. As a student researcher, you will be able to get a glimpse of what it is like to work in your chosen field while getting personal attention from expert MSU faculty.

You may qualify to be an Undergraduate Research Fellow (URF). Full-time undergraduate students may apply if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

• ACT Composite of 24 or higher.
• Overall cumulative and within major GPA of 3.00 or higher.
• Other evidence of research/scholarship potential.   

URFs may work up to 15 hours per week during the academic year and are financially compensated with a starting rate of $7.50 per hour. These fellowships are renewable annually for four years with evidence of satisfactory progress. URFs are also required to present their work at the annual MSU Celebration of Student Scholarship in April. 

“Morehead State University has a well-documented history of support for undergraduate research, scholarship and creative endeavor,” said Dr. Michael Henson, associate vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School. “This has resulted in a campus culture that embraces faculty mentorship as a means of enhancing student engagement, retention and critical thinking skills.”   

To participate in student research, you must first initiate contact with individual faculty members whose research areas interest you. Speak to your professors to learn if they have an available slot in their research program for you to fill. You may also choose to approach a department chair or associate dean about applying for an available Undergraduate Research Fellowship position. There is no deadline to apply. However, because a limited number of positions are awarded on a competitive basis, it is strongly suggested that applications be made as early in the semester as possible before all slots are filled.

For more information on undergraduate research, email ugrc@moreheadstate.edu or visit www.moreheadstate.edu/undergraduateresearch. You can also call the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at 606-783-2010.