Undergraduate Research Project

 

The Department of Sociology encourages undergraduates to get involved in research. We provide research experience through our Undergraduate Research Project (URP). The project promotes, develops, and celebrates undergraduate student research with the overall goal of enhancing undergraduate education and preparing students for careers in all fields.

 

Conducting research as an undergraduate is an excellent way to gain experiences and skills for academic and professional development. In addition to providing an opportunity to explore areas of interest in depth, undergraduate research encourages students to develop skills in collaborative learning and critical thinking. For students interested in pursuing graduate school, undergraduate research is a way of expanding one’s education outside of the classroom and better preparing for the rigors of graduate study. Undergraduates without a clear idea of their interests are still encouraged to contact us about participation in the URP program to learn more about research.**

 

**Students can also gain research experience through the department's Social Research Analysis Certificate or through one of our many courses that teach both quantitative and qualitative research skills.

 

URP brings together undergraduates from multiple fields and disciplines to carry out research projects in collaboration with, or under the close supervision of, Department of Sociology faculty members. Through the support of the Undergraduate Research fund, the department aims to help undergraduate students develop or enhance research competencies across a number of themes, concepts, and methodologies. Faculty will impart students with the rudiments of training in sociological research to craft a proposal, form relevant questions, and develop theoretical frameworks. While we emphasize the importance of research design, our collaborations teach students how to develop a literature review, collect data, conduct analysis, and write up results.

 

We anticipate providing a stipend of up to $500 for first-time undergraduate research assistants, contingent on availability of funds. Students who pursue a Research Assistantship have the option to enroll in practicum credits.

 

Interested in getting involved with research? Start here! Still have questions? Please contact Kat Fabel, Director of Undergraduate Advising, at kfabel@soc.umass.edu.

 

Please encourage the next generation of scholars by donating to Undergraduate Research. A gift of $1,000 would support a year-long research experience for one undergraduate student. All gifts, no matter the size, are needed and appreciated.

 

Many of our undergraduate students are involved in thought-provoking social science research and projects we believe to be important for shaping policy while building bonds within our research departments at UMass and the surrounding communities. Please browse the profiles below to see what some of our students are working on.