Can I conduct research abroad?
Any students wishing to conduct research abroad should visit the Global Education website and contact OIA for any questions regarding international travel.
What can I do with the research I have done?
We encourage students to participate in the Situating Your Research Series, learn about presentation opportunities, and submit your completed projects to the Knowledge Bank.
What is the average time commitment?
The average amount of time spent in a lab or on a project each week is 8-10 hours during the academic year. However, this time varies depending on the student’s schedule and professor’s desire. Some students spend as little as four hours and as many as 20 hours on a project. During the summer, some students may join Summer Research Programs or URAP and record up to 38 hours per week.
How do I find funding for conference travel?
UR&CI recommends that students reach out to their major or department where they conduct research asking if there are discretionary funds available for student use. Additionally, check the Find Funding page to see if there are any known funding sources that students will qualify for.
Does Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry have funding?
UR&CI offers funding through the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) for students. Other opportunities are listed on the Find Funding page. Research mentors can visit the Funding and Grants page for funding opportunities.
How do I get academic credit for my research involvement?
If you are not getting paid for research, you should be receiving academic credit. Note, you cannot get both at the same time for the same project. All departments have a 4998 or 4999 course. Once you find a research opportunity, schedule an appointment with your academic advisor as soon as possible to coordinate your research responsibilities and how many credit hours this translates to (varies by department).
Can I get paid to do research?
Most undergraduate positions are unpaid. There are a few avenues to find paid positions, though they might not be year-round or may be more competitive.
- Workday and Handshake Student Jobs
- UR&CI’s Research Postings
- Apply to a paid Summer Research Program
- View Departmental Funding
A professor responded to my email. What comes next?
Professors will normally ask students to meet with them to discuss their current projects. In this meeting, you will determine if you are interested in these projects and if you are a good fit for the lab. You can discuss time commitment and responsibilities before you agree to join the lab or project.
Do I have to do research within my major?
Students can do research within any major. Some labs require that certain general education courses (GEs) are fulfilled - typically in STEM fields and up to the professor's discretion. You can visit our Research Positions tab, and the Knowledge Bank to see examples of research in each field.
How do I become an undergraduate researcher at Ohio State?
We recommend students visit the How to Start page, which involves identifying your interests and emailing faculty to ask if they need undergraduate research assistants. Students can also check out the Research Positions, Faculty-Led Projects pages, visit your department websites, or talk with your professors and advisors to learn about other opportunities.