Research FAQs

Individualized, faculty-led, undergraduate research is an integral part of James Madison College. These initiatives give students proficiency in research design, quantitative and qualitative analysis, critical thinking and analytical writing.

Below you'll find answers to commonly asked questions about undergraduate research opportunities for JMC students. Have more questions? Contact Assoc. Dean Linda Racioppi.

JMC offers three distinct pathways for undergraduate research:

Independent Study courses for specialized topic exploration,
the Senior Honors Thesis program for substantial research projects,
Madison Academic Research Tutorials (MARTs) for collaborative small-group research experiences.

Meeting with your academic advisor to discuss how these opportunities could fit within your academic plan is a good place to start.

You're also encouraged to familiarize yourself with JMC faculty research expertise, which you can explore on JMC's faculty and staff directory. You can reach out to see whether they are open to discussing their research and whether there are opportunities for students to assist. JMC's academic advising team may also be able to connect you with a faculty member whose research aligns with your interests.

Handshake, MSU's career development website, is another good resource for exploring undergraduate research opportunities at MSU.

According to MSU's Undergraduate Research Office, students that engage in undergraduate research:

Develop enhanced analytical skills
Improve their oral and written communication abilities
Have increased self-confidence
Identify a career focus
Are more likely to graduate
Enjoy a more fulfilling undergraduate experience

Funding one's research involves planning. There are funds available to offset costs for research expenses such as travel, conference fees, speakers, supplies, meals and more. There are several ways to tap available resources.

Faculty mentors can assist with project development and help students apply for funding.
To apply for funding, read the policy and then download the application.
Another resource available is the MSU Honors College.
Also, James Madison College has an endowment honoring Professor M. Richard Zinman. This endowment fund is designed to support students undertaking individual or small group projects of excellence under the guidance of a JMC faculty member. Download the application via PDF.

Contact Assist. Dean Jeff Judge (judgej@msu.edu) for further information.

Opportunities to publish your research are vast! The Council on Undergraduate Research maintains a helpful online list of journals that publish undergraduate research.

JMC's Research Showcase, held annually late in the spring semester, is a great opportunity for Madisonians to present their original research. During the Research Showcase, students are arranged in panels and provide a presentation (15 minutes or longer) that highlights the research they've conducted. Participants will gain experience in presenting their research and answer questions about their work from audience members and guests. Information on registering for the showcase is shared with students by email in the spring semester.

The annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) is Michigan State's premier showcase for undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity. Through involvement in the forum, students have the opportunity to present their work in the form of a poster or oral presentation, or to showcase their creations. The annual Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences (MidSURE) takes place over the summer and provides opportunity for students involved in research and creative activities at Michigan State and other institutions in Michigan to share their work.

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