Western Carolina University has established itself as a national leader in undergraduate
research and has ranked in the Top 10 for the number of projects accepted to the National
Conference on Undergraduate Research annually since 2006.
Monica Reece, Undergraduate Research Student
Undergraduate research and creative inquiry are defined as inquiry or investigation that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution
to the discipline. Undergraduate students engaged in research and creative inquiry are making contributions
in every department and college on Western's campus.
As undergraduates, students work closely with research and creative teams that are
led by our faculty. These faculty are experts in their field and guide students through
the research and creative inquiry process.
Participating in undergraduate research can prepare you for post-graduation plans
by expanding your academic experience and giving you the opportunity to explore an
academic discipline more fully.
Graduate and Professional School: Undergraduate researchers are more likely to move into graduate programs.
Academic Achievement: Undergraduate researchers demonstrate higher achievement and are more likely to
stay in school.
Career Goals: Undergraduate research can help you clarify your choice of degree program, career
interests, and post-graduation plans.
Transferable Skills: Undergraduate research strengthens written and oral communication, critical thinking,
technical skills, and information literacy.
Community: Undergraduate research provides opportunities to build a learning community with
faculty and fellow students.
Confidence: Undergraduate research builds confidence in your abilities within the discipline,
and improves your overall perception of the discipline.
Want to learn more about becoming an undergraduate researcher? Not sure how to find
a faculty member to work with on a research project? Nervous about contacting a faculty
member about research? Confused about which programs you qualify for to support your
research experience? Getting started can be overwhelming, but we are here to help!
Take time to outline what you'd like to investigate and/or the discipline you'd want
to explore more fully
Explore which faculty currently teach and/or conduct research related to the topics
you outlined
Reach out to the faculty you feel match most with your research interests (send an
email to make an appointment or drop in during their office hours)
Be prepared! Bring your resume or a list of interests, skills, and your semester schedule
to discuss how you might join the faculty research team.
For more guided support in getting started, make an appointment with the Coordinator
for Undergraduate Research, Kloo Hansen (kchansen@wcu.edu), to collaborate on how to get started. Office hours are Thursdays from 11 AM - 12
PM.
For many professional schools and career positions, you will need letters of recommendation.
Most professional graduate programs and positions require at least three formal letters
of recommendation. Job applications often also require references.
Conducting undergraduate research is a way to develop strong relationships with faculty
members who can serve as references for you, and write you strong letters of recommendation.
Undergraduate research allows students to engage in unique experiences.
Students work as individuals or in small teams on research and creative projects,
ranging in topic and depth. These experiences build strong skill and professional
knowledge. Drawing from these experiences can help students stand out during interviews
for graduate and professional school programs, as well as the job market.
Undergraduate research gives students a chance to be specific in their interviews
about the learning they've engaged in while participating in research or creative
projects.
Undergraduate research provides myriad opportunities to expand portfolios or academic
resumes.
Undergraduate research students participate in opportunities that include things
like presenting their work in a professional setting (both on and off campus), earning
scholarships or fellowships, taking course credit, and defending theses and publishing
their work.
All of these opportunities can be highlighted on a students’ resume and discussed
in cover letters.
