NOTE: This is a description for how to apply for General USP funding.  If you want to apply to a specific program, i.e. INBRE, Beckman Scholars, etc. please visit that programs webpage by clicking on the appropriate link to the left.

"I probably wouldn't have done research if it hadn't been for the USP program."
-Jeremy Mitchell, senior, chemical engineering
The Application Process
Step One Step Two Step Three Step Four
Getting Started with an Idea
After you have developed an idea for a research project, creative or scholarship activity with your mentor you will begin the application process by writing a proposal. Your proposal should not exceed five typed, double-spaced pages and should include the following five sections:
	Introduction
	Background
	Methodology or Creative Techniques
	Time Schedule
	Collaboration with Faculty Sponsor
Introduction
Provide a statement of the objective(s) and the anticipated significance of the work. What problems will be investigated? What hypothesis will be tested? Describe the creative endeavor. We suggest that the Introduction begin with a brief description of the project in general terms before the more technical aspects of the project are discussed.
Background
Provide a brief review of the work that has been done in the project area together with complete references in appropriate professional style. This section should also include any personal information about you that would indicate to the reviewers your qualifications for successfully completing this project.
Methodology or Creative Techniques
Provide a detailed description of the research methods or creative techniques that you will use in the project. This should include a justification for the specific approach that you will use. For example, how do the methods answer the questions that have been posed, test the hypothesis, or lead to the desired goal?
Time Schedule
Provide dates for the initiation and completion of each phase of the project. Attempt to lay out a reasonable schedule taking into consideration all phases of the research and the writing of the final report.
Collaboration with a Faculty Sponsor
Provide a description of the way you and your faculty sponsor will collaborate on the project. The faculty sponsor should play a significant role in responding to your ideas, providing advice for new directions and resources, discussing the implications of the results, and reading drafts of the final report. Will there be regularly scheduled meetings between you and your sponsor? Explain how the project relates to the ongoing work of your sponsor, if this is the case.

NOTE: If your project involves human subjects you will most likely need to obtain permission from the MSU Institutional Review Board (IRB).  Please visit their homepage for additional information and be sure to start this process as early as possible to minimize any negative impacts on your ability to complete your project.

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 9/2/09