Research Opportunities
One meaningful way for undergraduate students to set themselves apart is by participating in research alongside faculty or graduate students. Research helps you build advanced skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication—while also deepening your knowledge of a specific topic or field of interest.
Undergraduate students are encouraged to discuss research interests with faculty members even when the research idea is not yet fully developed.
Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)
The Office of Undergraduate Research supports students from all majors and class levels who want to pursue research opportunities. The office provides funding, programming, and guidance to help students get involved in research across campus. OUR promotes research as a high-impact experience that enhances career readiness, supports academic success, and opens doors to future opportunities in graduate study and beyond.
To explore research programs, funding, and upcoming events, visit the Office of Undergraduate Research Page.
College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Award
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky offers research awards to undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing faculty-guided research during the summer. This is an excellent opportunity to explore a topic you care about, gain hands-on experience, and strengthen your academic and professional skills.
Research projects are developed in collaboration with a faculty mentor and typically involve approximately 20 hours of research per week over 10 weeks. However, scheduling may vary depending on the nature of the work and the student’s availability.
For full details about eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply, visit the A&S Undergraduate Research Page.
PS 395: Independent Work
Political Science majors interested in conducting research within the department can enroll in PS 395: Independent Work. This course allows students to collaborate directly with a faculty member engaged in active research. Students are encouraged to seek out faculty members and express research interests to find out if PS 395 is a viable option.
To enroll, you must:
- Identify and gain approval from a faculty mentor
- Have a 3.0 GPA or higher in Political Science coursework
- Receive consent from the instructor supervising your research
PS 395 may be repeated for credit, up to a maximum of 12 hours. It offers a flexible and personalized opportunity to engage deeply with your academic interests and develop skills that will serve you well in any future path—whether professional or academic.
LJ 395: Independent Work
LJ 395 is currently being developed. Law and Justice majors who wish to complete independent work with a faculty member in the Department should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
