Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Start with an Interest. Explore the Possibilities.

Undergraduate research can be one way to explore an area of economics that interests you beyond the classroom. Students may become interested in research through a question raised in a course, a paper they have written, a topic they encounter through work or co-op, or an issue they would simply like to understand more fully.

Research opportunities take different forms. Some students work as research assistants on faculty projects, while others develop independent work through directed study, research, or honors courses. Opportunities may involve data analysis, historical research, interviews, economic theory, literature review, or other forms of inquiry. Depending on the opportunity, participation may offer academic credit, transcript notation, funding, or paid employment.

Research can also help students determine whether this type of work interests them. It provides opportunities to develop analytical and research skills, explore a subject in greater depth, and produce work that may be useful for graduate study, employment, or presentation at venues such as student research forums or RISE. These skills are becoming increasingly valuable in an environment in which artificial intelligence can rapidly generate information, analysis, and written content. Research asks students to do something more fundamental: identify meaningful questions, evaluate the quality and limitations of evidence, distinguish information from explanation, verify claims, and develop conclusions they can independently defend. Students do not need to be planning a research career to benefit from the experience.

Finding Opportunities

There is no single path into undergraduate research, and the availability of opportunities varies by semester, faculty projects, funding, and student preparation.

Students interested in research are encouraged to:

• Explore current opportunities. Review research assistant and other undergraduate research positions listed below and search the university-wide database of research opportunities maintained by Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URF).
• Learn about faculty research. Review faculty profiles and current research interests.If a faculty member’s work closely aligns with your interests, you may contact that faculty member to inquire whether appropriate opportunities are available.
• Consider developing your own work. A strong course paper or question may provide the foundation for further study. Students interested in pursuing an independent project can learn more about Directed Study, Research, or Honors Project courses and their requirements.
• Explore funding. Students developing eligible projects may consider opportunities such as Northeastern’s PEAK Awards and the CSSH Undergraduate Research Initiative awards.
• Prepare for the opportunities that interest you. Depending on the project, coursework in statistics, econometrics, research methods, programming, or a relevant substantive area of economics may be useful or required.

Faculty research opportunities depend on current projects, funding, subject matter, and faculty availability. Students who are interested in research should therefore explore the resources above, identify opportunities that fit their interests and preparation, and contact the appropriate faculty member or program when an opportunity appears to be a good match.

Research is one of many ways to extend your economics education. For students who are curious about it, these resources provide a place to begin.