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Pursuing research makes students knowledge creators and develops their teamwork skills. The discipline of mind that research requires is one of the best ways to learn to think critically.

Why Pursue Research as an Undergraduate?

Our students can work with a faculty mentor on an independent research project, assist a professor or one of the many research centers on campus with an existing project, or even conduct fieldwork for an NGO or agency halfway around the globe. Also, graduate and professional schools often expect students to conduct research during their undergraduate careers.

Get Research/Hands-On Experience

Sign up during registration week.  For information see the “course catalog” in myNEU. AFAM 2991 is a course designed for students who are interested in engaging in independent or group research under the supervision of a faculty member. Registering for this course offers students an opportunity to learn basic research methods within English studies. In order to enroll in this class, you must be Sophomore standing or higher and have permission and collaboration from an instructor.

Hired at the beginning of each semester at student employment linked here. If you qualify for work-study through your financial aid package, you may use the work-study money to work as a research assistant for a professor. Work study-eligible students can apply directly to the English Department. If arrangements have been made to work with a particular faculty member, the department can allocate work-study resources accordingly.

Due dates follow the normal CO-OP schedule

You can fulfill your CO-OP experience by conducting research for a faculty member at Northeastern or elsewhere either domestically or abroad. Seek out a professor who is working on a topic that you are qualified to and interested in assisting with. Draft up a plan for how you can contribute to their research and what the outcome will be. Then present the plan to Stephen Williams, Africana Studies Program Co-op Advisor for his approval.

Other Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The Undergraduate Research Initiative encourages undergraduate students in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities to carry out research and other creative work activities in collaboration with faculty members. With the support of this fund, the college wants to help undergraduate students develop or enhance research skills. In the best instances this would include: how to define the scope of a project and write a proposal, how to develop a bibliography, how to systematically collect data, how to understand or carry out data analysis, and how to write up results. For more details and for how to apply for this grant, click here.

CSSH students in the University Honors Program pursue excellence via many pathways through their undergraduate curricula. As the culmination of their studies, Honors students have the opportunity to carry out independent research projects of significant scope. Students may work within or among disciplines to pursue their interests. Many students choose problems that incorporate a global element that can be pursued either physically or virtually. Students’ Honors projects topics are as diverse as their interests are and the projects are presented in various formats for writing theses to documentaries.

 

More information here.

Undergraduate students can receive Honors Distinction in their major on their transcripts by successfully completing a CSSH honors research project in their junior or senior year. Students need not be members of the university-wide Honors Program to receive College Honors. For guidelines and the Proposal for CSSH College Honors Project form, visit the CSSH Honors page.

The Project-Based Exploration of the Advancement of Knowledge (PEAK) Experiences Awards are a progressively structured sequence of opportunities designed to support learners as they continue climbing to new heights of achievement in undergraduate research and creative endeavor throughout their Northeastern journeys. From the beginner surveying the landscape with a Campfire Chat or establishing a Base Camp, to those gaining experience while making the Ascent and Building Bridges, to those reaching the Summit, Blazing new Trails, and Shouting Out their successes, the PEAK Experiences Awards offer something for everyone. Find more at the URF website linked here.

URF supports undergraduate students throughout the process of developing research or creative endeavor projects, from connecting with mentors and securing funding through sharing results. The office also works closely with students to identify and apply for appropriate fellowships for advanced study in the United States and internationally. These research, creative, and fellowship processes guide students toward a fuller understanding and clearer narration of their ambitions, talents, and projects. Visit the URF website for more information.

Forums for Presenting or Publishing Research

RISE is Northeastern’s annual research exposition event showcasing the breadth and depth of innovative thinking, and a chance for undergraduates to present their research projects. The very best receive grants to further their research endeavors. Visit the RISE website for more information.

The Undergraduate Research Committee and CSSH Ambassadors will be inviting undergraduates to submit a proposal to present at the annual Undergraduate Research Forum. Any undergraduate CSSH student who has conducted original research independently or in collaboration with a faculty member is eligible to participate. Presentations will be 10 minutes long and presenters will have the opportunity to discuss their work with the audience.

The student run literary arts magazine dedicated to showcasing the unique and extraordinary talents of the Northeastern University community: http://www.spectrum.neu.edu.

The revived student-run journal focused on social and political issues and debates of interest to communities of color. Students with an interest in gaining relevant and useful experience with new media, online publications, and editing, ideas about future stories, or would like more information, please contact https://thenuonyx.wordpress.com.

A new CSSH journal is in formation as a platform for publishing new research in the social sciences and humanities conducted and written by undergraduate students. The new journal will be an entirely student run operation, with the editors, editorial board, and reviewers comprised entirely of undergraduate students. For more information, please contact Christopher Parsons, History at c.parsons@neu.edu