Undergraduate Research enhances learning by providing hands-on opportunities to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom, and engages students in creative thinking and problem solving. Through this "learning-by-doing" model, undergraduate research provides excellent experience for students, whether they are preparing for graduate school or seeking employment in a professional field.

Undergraduate Scholars Program

The Undergraduate Scholars Program (USP) is designed to encourage, facilitate, and support undergraduate research and creative activity in collaboration with faculty. Working on specific research/creative projects has been shown to increase student success in other classes, in the job market, and in graduate school. 

McNair Scholars Program

The McNair Scholars Program at MSU serves the needs of 25 undergraduate students annually who are either first-generation/low-income or minorities traditionally underrepresented (e.g. Native American, Latino, Alaskan Native, and African American) in graduate school. Eligible scholars are selected who have demonstrated strong academic potential and are committed to attending graduate school and pursuing a doctoral degree.  A particular focus of the MSU McNair program is providing research/project opportunities and financial support for summer research projects for each student who is paired with a faculty mentor.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Montana INBRE

MSU Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Center for Boiofilm Engineering

Montana Space Grant Consortium