on-campus research opportunities
The most common way of starting out in research is to volunteer time in a faculty member's lab. Some faculty members may offer academic credit or pay an hourly wage to those who assist with their research.
More structured programs include:
Maryland Student Researchers Program – introduces students to scholarly research, allowing them to spend 4-6 hours per week working under the direction of a faculty mentor on that faculty member's own research. At the conclusion of the assistantship, the student receives a notation on their transcript. No academic credit or grade is earned.
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program – designed to prepare students who are primarily from low-income, first generation and traditionally underrepresented groups to pursue doctoral studies. Full-time University juniors and seniors who wish to pursue doctoral studies, enhance their skills to prepare for graduate study, and participate in undergraduate research with faculty members are eligible.
Departmental Honors Programs – offered in each department. These are typically four semester programs, with students applying in the spring of their sophomore year or fall of their junior year. Students work under the supervision of a faculty mentor to design and carry out an independent research project, which culminates in a formal defense of the research. Students receive academic credit for their research that can be applied toward their degree requirements, participate in honors seminars and, upon completion of the program, graduate "With Honors".