James Madison College offers a variety of undergraduate research opportunities that enable students to pursue in-depth scholarship and develop research skills under faculty guidance.
The college provides three distinct pathways for students to engage in meaningful academic inquiry:
These undergraduate research opportunities prepare students for graduate school success, enhance career prospects, and provide valuable writing samples and research credentials for future academic and professional endeavors. Faculty-supervised research experiences accommodate diverse academic interests while maintaining high standards for scholarly achievement, ensuring every student can find a research pathway that aligns with their academic goals and career aspirations.
Explore an area of study in-depth under the direction of a JMC faculty member.
Highly individualized study that's not addressable through any other course format.
Independent research supervised and evaluated by a JMC faculty member.
The Human Rights Data Science Lab at JMC is an innovative undergraduate research project that bridges academic learning with critical global human rights work. Students working with the lab have presented their work to the International Criminal Court, Amnesty International, and other civil society and legal organizations.
The Mekong Culture WELL project, led by JMC Prof. Amanda Flaim, is a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of scholars and students at MSU who work in collaboration with community partners, artists and experts across the Lower Mekong River Basin. Their aim is to advance cultural and interdisciplinary studies of the region and foster environmental justice.