Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Build research skills, connect with faculty, and prepare for your future. Learn why research matters and how to get involved.

Why Take on a Research Opportunity?

Research lets you explore your interests, build hands-on skills, and strengthen your resume, making you a competitive applicant for jobs or further education. In fact, students who gain research experience as an undergraduate are almost twice as likely to pursue advanced degrees and secure a job after graduation.

See our curated list of internships and research opportunities.

Requirements to Consider

Pursuing research as an undergraduate is rewarding, but there are some considerations:

  • Eligibility: Research opportunities are open to all majors and years, including freshmen.
  • Coursework & GPA: Some labs may require you to complete foundational courses or maintain a certain GPA.
  • Financials: Paid roles may require Federal Work-Study or be competitive. Academic credit may also be an option.
  • Time Commitment: Research programs may have minimum time commitments, including full-time over the summer.
  • International students should consult with your advisor or International Student Services regarding eligibility.

How to Find & Apply for Research Opportunities

Consider the environmental science topics or fields you’re passionate about and want to explore further. A great place to start is the Department of Environmental Science Research, where you'll find:

  • Our eight research disciplines like microbial ecology, climate change and water sustainability
  • Affiliate research centers
  • Research articles

Remember, research isn't limited to lab coats, pipettes, and chemicals. Environmental research spans across the social sciences, history, culture, law and more. Research can look like:

  • Fieldwork: Conduct species surveys, gather soil and water samples, or monitor ecosystems.
  • Data Research: Dive into simulations, data analysis, and modeling.
  • Community-Based Research: Engage in surveys, interviews, and public outreach projects.
  • Laboratory Work: Assist in controlled experiments, sample analysis, and lab prep.

Build a list of potential programs, faculty, or labs that align with your interests. The best place to start is the ENVS Research page, where you can select one of the eight disciplines to see a list of faculty for each area. Your academic advisor and professors are also great resources.

See our curated list of research and internship opportunities.

U of A Opportunities

National Undergraduate Research Databases

Job Boards

  • Handshake: To find a list of research opportunities, select Jobs > All Filters > Labeled by your school > Undergraduate Research
  • LinkedIn: Filter by the research job category and internships job type

If you want to create a strong application and land that research opportunity, you'll need to update your resume and prepare an elevator pitch. Don't worry, we've got you covered with free professional development resources:

You've identified your interests, found research opportunities that align with them, and updated your resume — now it's time to apply. 

If the opportunity you're interested in has an application webpage, then that's the best place to submit your materials. Otherwise, you'll need to reach out via email to the principal investigator (PI), faculty or research contact to see if they are accepting applications.

Need help crafting the perfect email outreach? Check out the Undergraduate Research & Inquiry Collaboratives email writing guide.