Research and funding opportunities

SMU offers multiple opportunities for undergraduates to fund their research. Links below will take you to respective department websites.

Don't know where to start? Meet with our Program Manager, Dr. Adam Scott Neal, for an ideation/coaching session.

Opportunities on campus

  • Cooper McElvaney Peace and Justice Fellowship

    Deepen your understanding of social justice work with a faith-based organization. This fellowship awards $2500 for SMU undergraduates and graduate students to design a service or research project under the guidance of the Chaplain’s office or a faculty mentor. Applications are open in spring term. (Administered by the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life)

    work for peace and justice

  • Data Science for Social Good

    This eight-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (Funded by a National Science Foundation grant) leads students through workshops on data science skills and pairs participants with faculty mentors on impactful research projects. $4800 stipend plus room and board. (Administered by the Office of Engaged Learning, in collaboration with Dr. Monnie McGee, Statistics and Data Science)

    Do good

  • Engaged Learning Fellows luncheon 2019

    Engaged Learning Fellowship

    $2500 award for capstone-level scholarly research, service, or creative project. Fellows present their work to the public and receive a transcript notation of their project. Application cycles close on September 15, December 15, February 15, and April 15. (Administered by the Office of Engaged Learning)

    Make your mark

  • two students working in a chemistry lab

    First Year Research Experience (FYRE)

    The First Year Research Experience (FYRE) is a unique opportunity for a limited number of students to get involved in research right away, in their first year at SMU. This is a pilot program for the 24-25 academic year. Students take UNIV 1102 (FYRE) and work as research assistants with faculty mentors (earning $15/hr).

    FYRE up your research

  • Hamilton Undergraduate Research Scholars

    Hamilton Scholars collaborate with top faculty researchers and contribute to the creation of cutting-edge knowledge. Earn an hourly wage ($12-15/hr) while working on your research project. Application cycles in late spring (for summer) and late summer (for academic year). (Administered by the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute)

    † Faculty mentors apply

    Create knowledge

  • Maguire Public Service Fellowships

    $2000 summer fellowships for public service or ethics research. Applications close mid-spring. (Administered by the Maguire Center for Ethics)

    Make a difference

  • Mayer Undergraduate Research Fellows

    Up to $2000 to conduct a substantial interdisciplinary research project. Combine and integrate the perspectives of your major(s)/minor(s) under the guidance of two faculty mentors. Applications close in late April. (Administered by the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute)

    Combine your interests

  • McNair Scholars

    For underrepresented, first-generation, or income-eligible students to pursue mentored research and receive academic support and counseling. Earn credit and a $2800 stipend through the Summer Research Institute. (Administered by the SMU College Access Programs).

    Propel your research

  • Richter International Fellowship program

    For Honors students. Up to $5000 to conduct independent research projects abroad or multicultural projects within the United States under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Eligibility: Second and third-year SMU students enrolled in the University Honors Program. 

    Research Abroad

  • Group of students with notebooks and laptops

    Summer Research Intensive

    Work with faculty in labs across campus and earn up to $15/hr. Students work up to 29 hours/week during the summer on faculty-led research projects. They also participate in weekly professional development workshops covering communication and project management skills. (Administered by the Office of Engaged Learning)

    † faculty mentors apply for student funding

    Develop your skills

  • NexPoint Tower Scholars

    A selective, multidisciplinary minor in public policy and international affairs enabling students from a variety of academic backgrounds to combine their academic interests with experience in the real world of public policy. Scholars participate in immersion trips, research projects, and internships. Apply in your first year. Applications close in January. (Administered by the John Goodwin Tower Center for Public Policy and International Affairs)

    Study policy

  • Undergraduate Research Assistantship

    Earn up to $15/hr as a part-time researcher, assisting a faculty member with their current projects. (Administered by the Office of Engaged Learning)

    † faculty mentors apply for student funding

    Dive into research

External funding opportunities

  • Laura Lee Blanton Building west side

    National Fellowships

    The Office of National Undergraduate Fellowships assists both current undergraduates and recent graduates in pursuing competitive, external fellowships and scholarships, including the Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Truman, Goldwater, Gilman, and many more.

    Go beyond

  • Research Experiences for Undergraduates

    Research Experiences for Undergraduates (“REUs”) are paid summer internships where students can work with faculty on research projects. These programs are funded by the National Science Foundation. REUs are held all over the US, so there is one for you somewhere! See our list of recommended programs.

    Recommended REU programs