Students in the College of Arts & Sciences are actively involved in research, scholarship, and creative work across every discipline—from analyzing environmental data to composing original music. This page is your hub for getting started. Whether you’re looking for funding opportunities, interested in connecting with faculty mentors, or seeking tips to navigate the research process, you’ll find helpful resources and links to support your journey. No matter your major or experience level, there’s a place for you in the vibrant research community of ArtSci.
Tips for Getting Started in Undergrad Research
Create a Resume
Create a brief resume of your strengths and interests.
Pay Attention in Classes
Listen in your classes for research opportunities described by your professors.
Look for Announcements
Watch for announcements about research opportunities in varied labs and research spaces throughout campus.
Email Faculty
Attaching your resume, send an email message to the faculty member of a lab you’d like to join and express why you’re interested and want to get involved.
Be Patient and Persistent
Your dream lab might not have an opening right away, but continue to check back.
Attend Research Events
Attend college and university undergrad research fairs, workshops and seminars to learn of opportunities and to gather tips.
Keep an Open Mind
Research takes place throughout the university. If you don’t find a research opening in the department in which you’re looking, consider opportunities in other departments and colleges.
Check Aggie Handshake
Watch for undergraduate research opportunities on Aggie Handshake.
Check Websites
Check USU’s Undergraduate Research site and departmental sites often, to learn about varied opportunities.
Presenting Your Research
USU supports a variety of ways for students to present their research.
Research in the Arts Day
RAD takes place in April in support of Research Week.
Research in the Arts Day (RAD) began as an independent celebration of creative and scholarly research by students, faculty, and staff in the Arts, and has become an integral part of Research Week through its integration with Spring Research Symposium. Accommodations will be made for performance and pop-up gallery presentations. RAD takes place in April and is supported by Differential Tuition in the Caine School of the Arts.
USU Student Research Symposium
The SRS takes place in April as part of Research Week.
The Student Research Symposium is Utah State University’s largest showcase of student research. The SRS both celebrates student research and improves each student’s ability to communicate their research. Students present their work in short videos, posters, visual arts exhibitions, and performances and get feedback from judges on their work. The most highly rated presenters in each broad disciplinary category will be recognized in various digital formats after the symposium.