Find a Position

Handshake is an online forum where faculty often post paid positions. Click here to create an account.

Networking directly with faculty is the most direct way to find a research position that aligns with your specific interests. Workshops such as the Pathways to Research Program help you navigate that process. 

Pathways to Research Program (Summer and School Year)

Interested in research but don’t know where to start? The Pathway to Research Program can help! Registration open until November 16, 2025, for 4-week synchronous online programs to help undergraduate students find and connect with mentors to secure a paid undergraduate research position. This is a cohort-based program run by the Undergraduate Research office where students meet regularly to build foundations for undergraduate research. Academic year applications typically open at the beginning of September. https://urca.msu.edu/pathway 

Research Abroad

The Office of Undergraduate Education and the Office for Education Abroad provides financial support for undergraduate MSU students to participate in approved accredited study abroad programs that have an undergraduate research component. To be considered, submit your application and essay to the MSU Office for Education Abroad. Check out these Research Abroad opportunities and apply for the scholarship by October 15. If you have questions about the application process or award, contact Benjamin Ladd, MSU Office for Education Abroad, laddben1@msu.edu.

Student Mentorship – Peer Ambassadors

Connect 1:1 with a peer Undergraduate Research Ambassador, organized by MSU’s Undergraduate Research Office, to learn more about engaging in undergraduate research and creative activity. Click here to book an appointment. 

Summer Research

Click here to explore opportunities for summer research: https://urca.msu.edu/summer 

Honors College

Students in the Honors College can take advantage of various programs, including Professorial Assistantships, Research Seminars, and the Research Scholars Program. Click here for more information.

Fulbright Student Program

In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. Schedule a meeting with MSU’s Fulbright Advisor and Scholar Liaison, Joy Campbell, to learn more about your Fulbright options, talk about your application, or go over response drafts.

CAL-URCA OFFICE

You may apply for up to $200 in gap funding to pay for conference registration fees or materials needed to present at UURAF or NCUR (such as poster printing). Please have your mentor click here to apply.

Research Abroad Scholarship

The Office of Undergraduate Education and the Office for Education Abroad provides financial support for undergraduate MSU students to participate in approved accredited study abroad programs that have an undergraduate research component. To be considered, submit your application and essay to the MSU Office for Education Abroad. Check out these Research Abroad opportunities and apply for the scholarship by October 15. If you have questions about the application process or award, contact Benjamin Ladd, MSU Office for Education Abroad, laddben1@msu.edu.

Julian Samora Endowed Scholarship

The scholarships, named in honor of Dr. Julian Samora, support two students, (one Graduate and one Undergraduate) engaged in scholarly activities focused on Latino/as in Midwestern communities. Click here for more information. 

Faculty Funding Opportunities from CAL

Click here for a list of additional faculty funding opportunities.

Undergraduate Research Office Funding

Click here for an extensive list of funding resources maintained by the Undergraduate Research Office.

Honors College Funding

For CAL students that are also members of the Honors College, please click here for Honors College Research Support. 

Pathway to Research Program

Undergraduates in any college who have no research experience may register for this cohort-based program, which will help you to find funded research positions. Click here for more information: urca.msu.edu/pathway or email ugrsrch@msu.edu

Need Help Finding an Undergraduate Research Assistant?

Do you have a potential position for an undergraduate researcher or creative assistant? MSU’s Undergraduate Research Office can help you find students interested in research opportunities. Complete survey to advertise your potential UR opportunity.

Handshake is an online forum where faculty often post paid positions. Click here to create an account.

Networking directly with students is the most direct way to find a research assistants. 

CAL-URI Grants

Applications are due Wednesday, September 17th, at 5PM.

The application can be found at:  https://forms.office.com/r/mNJbVgc0PX

CAL Undergraduate Research Initiative (CAL-URI) grants are awarded once a year and are a key way that faculty fund undergraduate research assistants.  This funding comes in from the Provost and CAL. Only faculty may apply. The call for applications goes out in late August and is due mid-September. Funding may be used to pay for student wages, student travel, and for presentation supplies.

• These grants can be up to $1000.
• In 2024, we had 44 applications and $32,000 was awarded.  

Faculty are responsible for crafting a high-quality, high-impact mentorship experience for the student research assistant. The application includes a brief description of the project and student work. Students supported by CAL-URI grants are expected to present at UURAF. Work should also be entered into the Spartan Experience Record through the Undergraduate Research Experience Module. Although we will consider all applications, preference will be given to proposals that identify CAL primary majors as researchers. 

CAL-URCA OFFICE

You may apply for up to $200 in gap funding to pay for conference registration fees or materials needed to present at UURAF or NCUR (such as poster printing). Please have your mentor click here to apply.

Faculty Funding Opportunities from CAL

Click here for a list of additional faculty funding opportunities.

Undergraduate Research Office Funding

Click here for an extensive list of funding resources maintained by the Undergraduate Research Office.

Honors College Funding

For CAL students that are also members of the Honors College, please click here for Honors College Research Support. 

Advertise Your Recruitment Event

Does your college, department, or program host undergraduate research and creative activity events? Advertise in MSU’s URCA Newsletter and social media by emailing here: ugrsrch@msu.edu. 

Need Mentoring Resources?

Visit the MSU Undergraduate Research Office’s Mentor Resources page to access content designed to assist you as a mentor of undergraduate researchers. Resources include:

• Undergraduate Research Experience Module FAQ
• Research Abroad Program Designation
• NSF Broader Impacts Resources

MSU URCA Workshops 

MSU’s Undergraduate Research Office has frequent workshops on topics ranging from “how to find opportunities” to “how to write an abstract.” Click here to view upcoming workshops: https://urca.msu.edu/workshops 

Tailored URCA Workshops 

Looking for a workshop about undergraduate research? Want to promote undergraduate research at your resource fair? MSU’s Undergraduate Research Ambassadors are ready to support your class or resource fair with information about engaging in undergraduate research and creative activity. Three workshops can be tailored to meet the needs of your group and can last between 15 to 45 minutes.

• Learning About Undergraduate Research
• Finding Research Opportunities
• Success at Your Research Forum

Click here to request a Workshop or Table

MSU URCA Workshops 

MSU’s Undergraduate Research Office has frequent workshops on topics ranging from “how to find opportunities” to “how to write an abstract.” Click here to view upcoming workshops: https://urca.msu.edu/workshops 

Why present at a conference? Sharing your ideas with a broader audience can lead to valuable feedback, a great addition to your resumé, greater confidence in public speaking, and the chance to connect with scholars and professionals in your field. This can lead to academic and career opportunities.

UURAF 

April 17, 2026 at the Breslin Center, and online
Abstract Submission opens January 12, closes February 10 (late registration follows)
What is UURAF? The University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) is MSU’s premier showcase where undergraduate students present their research and creative projects to the campus community.
Why do UURAF? Participating in UURAF gives you a platform to share your work, gain valuable presentation experience, an interesting line on your résumé, and feedback that enhances your academic and professional development. Plus: There are AWARDS & PRIZES!
What can be submitted? You can submit research or creative projects from any discipline, at any stage in development, including posters, oral presentations, coursework, performances, exhibits, or multimedia works
What will I do? Presentations include poster, oral, performance, visual art, film presentation
What does it cost? Registration is free. Gap funding of up to $200 is available for presentation material (such as poster printing), through the CAL-URCA Office. Please have your mentor click here to apply
How to register? Step-by-step registration guide

Mid-SURE

July 2026, STEM Building, and online
Registration opens May 2026.
Mid-SURE is an opportunity for students to present their work on MSU’s campus over the summer: Click here for more information.  
What does it cost? Registration is free. Gap funding of up to $200 is available for presentation material (such as poster printing), through the CAL-URCA Office. Please have your mentor click here to apply.

NCUR

April 13-15, 2026 – Richmond, Virginia
Abstract Submission opens Sept 9, 2025, closes Dec 5 (discounts for early registration)
What is NCUR? The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is a prestigious annual event where students from across the country present their research and creative projects, engage with peers and experts, and explore academic and professional opportunities.
Why present NCUR? Presenting at NCUR allows your to showcase your work on a national stage, gain valuable feedback, network with peers and professionals, and enhance your academic and career prospects with interesting achievements.
What can be submitted? Research and creative projects can include posters, oral presentations, visual arts, and performances.
What does it cost? Registration fees will be paid for by MSU by following these directions. Travel costs may be paid for in part by CAL-URCA, the department, and the student’s mentor.
How to register: Click here for the registration link.

Diversity Research Showcase

This MSU conference is hosted by the Honors College. It is open to all students that want to share work (or work in progress) on issues of diversity that advance inclusion. Presenters are eligible for a competition with monetary awards. Click here for more information. 

WORLDCUR

Stay Tuned: WorldCUR’s next conference will be in 2026. Information about location and registration has not yet been posted. 
What is WorldCUR? WorldCUR is one of the largest platforms in the world dedicated exclusively to undergraduate research. Previous Congresses have seen over 300 delegates from over 30 different countries over the three days presenting their research work on a diverse range of topics. WorldCUR was hosted in Qatar in 2016, Germany in 2019, and the UK in 2023.

Disciplinary Conferences 

A disciplinary conference is a gathering of scholars, professionals, and students in a specific field where you can present your research or creative work, receive feedback from experts, network with potential mentors, and build professional experience in your academic or career path. Talk with your mentor about upcoming conferences.

Example: Northeast Modern Language Association Convention, March 5-8, 2026, in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) Advocacy Program

The STR Program (run by NCUR) is a professional development opportunity for undergraduate students and faculty/mentors interested in skills to connect research to groups such as funding agencies, association partners, elected officials, future employers, community, and beyond. MSU may pay for registration and travel. See funding directions here.

SPARC

MSU Commons

Share Your Story with Us

Got a CAL-URCA story? Want to boast about a great student research project, or recognize your awesome mentor? Click here to leave your story.

What is Experiential Learning? 

Experiential learning applies knowledge and skills in real-world settings, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-awareness. It emphasizes reflection and communication, helping students connect their experiences to personal, academic, and professional growth.

What is EL in CAL? 

All CAL students must complete 3 credits of experiential learning through internships, study abroad/away, service learning, research or creative projects, or honors theses. Activities must be approved by the College and completed with a grade of P, S, or 2.0 or higher.

How can Research Fulfill this Requirement?

Research fulfills the requirement when it is faculty-directed, rigorous, and part of an approved course or independent study. It must total 3 credits and include reflective components linking the experience to academic and career goals. Speak to your professor or your advisor about the possibility of fulfilling your EL requirement with research.

More Information: Click here for the Experiential Learning Website