Undergraduate Research Opportunities at UF


Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The University of Florida and the College of Journalism and Communications offer numerous opportunities for undergraduates to pursue research under the direction of a faculty member. These intensive research opportunities personalize the academic experience and challenge students to strengthen their writing and analytical skills. In addition, having research experience is vital for admission to most graduate and/or professional schools. For more information, see www.honors.ufl.edu/academics/research/.

Current CJC Research Opportunities

College faculty are continually offering research opportunities for undergraduate students. To see a list of current opportunities, click here.

University Scholars Program

The University Scholars Program is designed to introduce undergraduate students at the University of Florida to the exciting world of academic research. Teamed with a faculty member, students pick their topic, initiate research during the summer, and continue investigating throughout the following academic year. Scholars receive a $1,750 stipend to support their research efforts and have the opportunity to publish their research in UF’s online Journal of Undergraduate Research. The faculty mentor will receive a $500 stipend to use as needed to support the research of the student.

Details and deadlines can be found here: www.jou.ufl.edu/home/main-immersion/undergraduate-research-program.

Undergraduate Research Database

This database matches undergraduates with researchers in all fields across the university. Faculty needing research assistance post their project and contact information for students to browse. In addition to getting valuable hands-on experience, many students will be given the chance to publish their findings in prestigious journals.

Stem Translational Communication Center Undergraduate Research Immersion Program

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of research by receiving hands-on training on projects conducted in the STEM Translational Communication Center (STCC).  They will learn about UF’s Institutional Review Board (IRB), assist with the recruitment of and learn how to communicate with study participants, learn how to moderate focus groups, and subsequently with the data collection and qualitative coding. The program is open to all UF undergraduate students.

McNair Scholars Program

The McNair Scholars Program is a training program designed to support undergraduate students from low-income/first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds in their pursuit of a Ph.D.

National Science Foundation REU Program

NSF lists national research opportunities for undergraduates. Project details and contacts are provided on their website.

ADV 4910, JOU 4910, PUR 4910 and TEL 4910 courses allow undergraduates to work with a professor who may need an assistant for their current research project.  This mentored but self-directed work enables students to explore an issue of interest to them and to communicate their results to others. Depending on the topic, projects may involve inquiry, design, investigation, scholarship, discovery, or application. If you’re not sure whom you’d like to work with, try asking in your department about available research positions with faculty.