Undergraduate research
- Why research?
- First steps
- Available opportunities
- Research FAQs
- Other helpful tips / things to consider
- Sample email template
Our motto isn’t just “Driven to Discover” because we like alliteration—at the University of Minnesota, we truly pride ourselves on cultivating curiosity, igniting inquiry and investigation, and exploring via experimentation.
Research as an undergraduate student is a fantastic opportunity to connect with existing projects and the faculty and researchers leading them (or launch your own!) as well as make connections with others who are interested in emerging possibilities and challenges within and across fields. Whether your future goals involve getting into the workforce, applying to graduate or professional programs, or something else altogether, undergraduate research is a great way to practice and build skills from critical and systems thinking to community problem-solving.
First, you should explore how a research experience may be useful for your future goals (or how it can help determine what those goals could be!).
- Search for job descriptions that interest you to see whether research experience is listed in any of the required or preferred qualifications.
- Talk to professionals in jobs or work areas that interest you and ask them whether they'd recommend undergraduate research.
- Consider what you will want to have, understand, and/or be able to do after completing your research experience.
- Do you want to publish or help publish a paper? Create a new product or tool? Build professional networking relationships? Apply to a scholarship or fellowship that requires research? Improve your technical writing and communication skills? Explore an interdisciplinary or non-CSCI research project or topic?
Next, you will want to decide what kind of research interests you!
- Do I want to work on my own, with a faculty mentor, or as part of a group?
- Do I want to work a few hours per week or commit to a larger project?
- What kind of skills can I contribute and what kind of skills or knowledge do I want to develop?
- Is there a research question I’m passionate about that I could do independently, or would I prefer to learn from an existing project?
Finally, you will need to decide when to pursue research.
- Most CS&E students start looking for research opportunities after they have been accepted to the major (typically second semester sophomores and up).
- You can participate in research over a summer term, or can look for opportunities during an academic semester.
- Talk to your CSCI advisor about balancing degree requirements with research.
Research opportunities in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering
Connect with CS&E faculty members
- First, check out the CS&E research areas and identify what you might be interested in.
- Feel free to contact faculty directly via email to express your interest in their research and ask whether they’re looking for additional support!
- Work with Director of Undergraduate Studies if you get stuck.
Complete the Student Research Area Interest Survey
- Submit your interests and skills in this survey. Faculty are then able to contact you directly if they think you might be a match for their project or research area.
Sign up for the Undergraduate Mailer
- Make sure you are receiving the CS&E Undergraduate Mailer. This weekly email includes information about research and job opportunities, on-campus events, and other department news and updates.
Check out the CS&E academic research opportunities
- There are three different course designators students can explore as ways to pursue research for credit. Please work with your CSCI advisor for more information.
University research opportunities
Apply for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
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UROP provides undergraduates from every college, major, and discipline the opportunity to partner with a faculty member on an independent research project. Students receive financial aid for your time and work.
View more opportunities through the Office of Undergraduate Research
- In addition to the UROP, the Office of Undergraduate Research facilitates other programs that facilitate undergraduate participation in faculty-mentored research projects.
Check for other student job opportunities at the University
- Departments outside of computer science often need people who know programming and data analysis. Be sure to check the current online postings regularly for departments that interest you.
Additional research opportunities outside the University of Minnesota
Check out these other options to conduct computer science research
Can I do research for course credit?
Yes! There are for-credit research opportunities within CS&E. If you have questions, contact your CSCI advisor.
CSCI 4970W (Advanced Project Laboratory), CSCI 5991 (Independent Study), CSCI 5994 (Directed Research)
CSCI Special Class Registration Form
I can't connect with a faculty member. What do I do?
Please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
I'm interested in non-CSCI research areas. What should I do?
That's totally fine! You can research absolutely anything, especially as computer science is becoming more and more interdisciplinary. Check the website of the specific departments you are interested in, or check the University's student employment website.
- Check in with your CSCI TAs and ask them whether they've done or are currently doing research
- Talk to your faculty and instructors for their advice on the best ways to get involved in research
- Research can happen outside of structured or “official” programs and projects. If you’re curious and have a research question, explore it independently! Students who have done independent research can put together papers/articles and then share them on online portfolios, GitHub, LinkedIn, etc.
Directly contacting faculty members can be a great way to become involved in research and to build relationships with professionals in your field.
Your email should:
- have an informative subject line
- be concise
- be formal: Dear Dr. Smith; Sincerely, Your Name
- not use Mrs. or Ms.
- NOT have slang, abbreviations, or emoticons
- if applying for an opening:
- address any qualifications the professor is looking for
- demonstrate your experience
- if asking for a research opportunity:
- state specifically your interest in that research group (you need to read the professor's website)
- explain why research is important for your goals
- ask to schedule a meeting or say that you will be coming to office hours
DO NOT SEND THIS EMAIL
Hi First Name,
My name is Name and I am a major in Major. Is there space in your lab for an undergraduate? If so, what is the pay rate?
Thanks,
Name
DO SEND AN EMAIL LIKE THIS
Subject: Meeting to discuss undergraduate research opportunities in topic
Dear Dr./Professor Last Name,
I am a year student at university majoring in major. List how you found out about the professor's research. Express your interest in specific paper or topic. I would appreciate the chance to talk with you about your research in topic of interest and about possible undergraduate opportunities in your lab.
My experience in research experience or class confirms my intention to develop my research skills and goal. I know you are very busy, however I would like to schedule an appointment or drop by your office hours on day and time.
I have attached my resume and unofficial transcript. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide. I look forward to talking to you soon.
Best,
Name
Sample emails adapted from University of Santa Cruz