How to Get Involved!
There are many ways to begin experiencing research and creative scholarship! Students often select from various opportunities at different points during their time at UM. The Office of Undergraduate Research supports the process of finding research and creative scholarship offerings that align with your financial, time, and academic credit needs, as well as your current interests and academic or professional plans after completing your undergraduate studies.
Options
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In an individual research project, you will work with a faculty mentor to develop and refine a research project based on your passions and interests. You can receive academic credit for your project by discussing the option to register for Undergraduate Research, Senior Thesis, or Independent Study credits with your mentor.
Where do I start?
Before you approach faculty, take time to read more about developing your interests and preparing to meet with faculty.
Interested in completing a senior thesis? Read our guide with important tips, timelines, and considerations.
Regardless of where you are with your project idea, we're always happy to help! Schedule a project advising meeting with the Office of Undergraduate Research to discuss your interests and explore your next steps.
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Assisting a faculty member or graduate student with an existing project is an excellent way to learn research skills, develop relationships with potential mentors, and be part of a research team. Faculty or graduate students may have funding to hire you (including through work study), or you may work on the project as a volunteer. As a research assistant, you will typically be assisting on a project or supporting the research group rather than working on your own study (although you may be inspired to build a future project based on your RA experiences).
How can I find these opportunities?
Schedule an appointment with the Office of Undergraduate Research or email enzo.martellimoya@umontana.edu for guidance on finding paid or volunteer research opportunities that align with your interests.
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A number of courses at UM focus on research and creative scholarship as part of the in-class experience. These are an excellent opportunity to learn skills you’ll need to pursue projects you are interested in, learn about contemporary topics in your field, and produce original work, often as part of your required coursework and with guidance and feedback from faculty. Check with your academic advisor and faculty to see which courses make the most sense for you to participate in.
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Structured research opportunities typically require a competitive application and have a defined start and end date. Participants are often paid a small stipend and receive both experience in their field and additional skills or career training. Examples of formal programs include:
- NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU): This program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in intensive, hands-on research projects at universities and research institutions across the United States and internationally. Students apply directly to individual REU Sites, where they work closely with faculty mentors while gaining valuable research experience. REU participants receive a stipend and, in many cases, additional support for housing, meals, and travel. For more information about REU opportunities and how to apply, click here.
- Flathead Lake Biological Station summer internship program: This internship offers undergraduate students from the University of Montana and other institutions the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at an internationally recognized research facility while working alongside world-class scientists. The program runs for 8 weeks, from mid-June through mid-August, and provides paid positions with room and board; UM students may also be eligible to receive internship course credit. Applications and position descriptions are typically available in December for the following summer. For more information about the program and application process, click here.
- Montana INBRE Visiting Undergraduate Scholars: The Montana INBRE Scholars Statewide Program offers Montana-based sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduate students a 10-week summer research experience. The program is open to students enrolled at participating Montana INBRE Network Institutions (including University of Montana-Missoula). Applications are accepted annually, with priority review beginning February 15 and submissions accepted through March 15, funding permitting. For more information about eligibility, participating institutions, and how to apply, click here.
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An internship is an opportunity for practical application of classroom learning through professional, career-related work experiences. All interns have a set of learning objectives, a faculty advisor, and site supervisor. Internships are eligible for academic credit. Some but not all internships include research and creative scholarship; for those that do, you may either have the opportunity to develop your own project or be working in a supporting research assistant position.
Interested in finding an internship?
The Experiential Learning and Career Success (ELCS) office provides resources, advising, and internship listings to help you get started. Click here to explore the Find an Internship resources.