There are opportunities across campus and within the Sociology Department for students who wish to participate in research. We are extremely lucky to have faculty members who actively recruit and encourage students to engage with and support their research, and offer multiple ways for students to get credit for their research work. Visit the website of the Office of Undergraduate Research to learn more.
Senior Capstone Experience SOC 450 & 495
Junior, Dale Robbennolt, completing a dual degree in Civil Engineering and Sociology, completed a personal research project in SOC 495 Senior Honors Seminar: Faculty Perceptions of Gender in Engineering Education and Group Work. Watch Dale's presentation at the UIUC 2021 Undergraduate Research Symposium here.
Independent Study
Some students are interested in special topics in sociology for which no course is currently taught. One way to focus on a special topic is to take an independent study. To take an independent study, you must make arrangements with a professor who will supervise and grade your work for the semester. A good way to do this is to put together a brief proposal, and then stop by a professor's office hours. If you have an idea for a project, but don't know who would be a good professor to work with, stop in and talk to the advisors. The two independent study courses are SOC 390, Individual Study, and SOC 490, Honors Individual Study. To qualify for SOC 490, you must be eligible for graduation with departmental distinction. Once a professor agrees to supervise you, you will be given his or her CRN so that you can enroll on Enterprise.
Brief Description: Current Sociology Senior, Ava Schumock, presents her experiences on conducting research as an undergraduate student. Learn about ways to get involved in undergraduate research, what it is like to be a research assistant, and how to apply your research skills in the classroom!
Topics include:
* Sociology classes to build your research skills
* Other classes to enhance your research abilities
* An overview of SOC 490/495
* Research Certification
* How to get involved in Research & become a research assistant
Watch NOW
There are many opportunities available to conduct research alongside faculty, graduate students, and research staff at the University of Illinois. Check your department and college website for research programs and other undergraduate research opportunities. Opportunities may also be included in newsletters sent out by your advisors and major program.
Upcoming:
Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) - In a few months, we will begin accepting applications to the Spring 2022 URAP cohort. Through URAP, students with little or no research experience will have the opportunity to assist advanced graduate students with their research projects. Stay tuned and check out the URAP page for more info!
It's not too early to start thinking about summer 2022 plans, you can make participating in undergraduate research a meaningful part of yours! There are many things that you can participate in, but very few are more rewarding and beneficial than taking part in a formal research program. The Office of Undergraduate Research has curated a brief list of spring and summer research opportunities for undergraduate students.
Research is worth investing in. It can make you grow and feel accomplished as an individual, or help you take the next step in your career. Take a few minutes and look through the list below for any research opportunities that might catch your eye. For a more detailed list of opportunities for Fall 2021 and beyond, search our Research Opportunity Database
Don't take these opportunities for granted, the more experience you gain, the farther you'll go!
1. Johns Hopkins Summer Internship Program (SIP) — The Johns Hopkins SIP provides a summer research experience in biomedical and public health research. There are 11 different programs under the SIP umbrella ranging in topics from nanotechnology and genomics to health disparities among communities. Application opens November 1, 2021.
2. Congressional Internship Program — CIP provides Latino undergraduates of all majors with paid placement in congressional offices for a period of 10 weeks. Interns will learn how the legislative system works, respond to constituent inquiries, write policy briefs, gain work experience, and participate in community service. Spring 2022 Internship deadline is October 1, 2021.
3. Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) Internship Program — This program provides undergraduate students with a summer research experience in a cutting-edge stem cell science laboratory. Students will conduct research, explore career pathways, and research findings at a symposium at the end of the program. Application opens December 2021.
4. AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship — This program strengthens connections between scientists and journalists by placing undergraduate scientists, engineers, and mathematicians at media organizations (National Public Radio, Los Angeles Times, WIRED, etc.). Students sharpen their abilities to communicate complex scientific issues and enhance coverage of science-related issues in media. Application opens October 2021.
5. Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) Program — ASLO provides students underrepresented in aquatic sciences (oceanography, limnology, stream ecology, marine biology, fisheries, etc.) the opportunity to conduct research. Students will also attend annual meetings of ASLO in Honolulu, Hawaii, and present findings at a student symposium. Deadline: August 20, 2021.
The Value of Undergraduate Research Workshop (VURW)
During this workshop, we will discuss the importance (i.e. the personal and professional benefits) of conducting research as an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois. Students will leave the workshop with (1) knowledge of the skills that can be developed through research, (2) a better understanding of how undergraduate research can benefit them both personally and in their future careers, and (3) how they can showcase this experience to future employers and professional schools.
Participation is by advanced registration only; there are limited spots available. We have several date offerings available; students only should register for one date. We will be offering both in-person and virtual workshops throughout Fall 2021.
Details and registration link can be found at: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/programs/workshops.html
Getting Started in Research Workshop (GSIRW)
During this workshop, we will discuss the various forms of undergraduate research that take place on campus, guide students to develop a plan of action to locate research opportunities on campus, and discuss ways to contact faculty research mentors. Students will leave the workshop with (1) a better understanding of undergraduate research and how it takes place on our campus, (2) increased confidence to contact faculty research mentors, and (3) a list of faculty mentors to contact.
Participation is by advanced registration only; there are limited spots available. Several dates are available; students should only register for one date. We will be offering both in-person and virtual workshops throughout Fall 2021.
Details and registration link can be found at: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/programs/workshops.html
Follow this link to more undergraduate research workshops: Undergraduate Research Workshops
This grant provides students from all disciplines with the funds necessary to conduct research or creative projects during the academic year both on and off-campus (including summer terms). Awards will be up to $2,000 and are meant to cover research travel costs, living expenses incurred during academic breaks (i.e., winter break and summer terms, NOT regular semester living expenses), and materials or other ancillary costs. We hope that this competition will both broaden and deepen the types of research being conducted by undergraduate students on campus, and that the recipients are able to use this opportunity as a way of engaging with their fields.
For details, eligibility requirements, and link to the application please visit: http://go.illinois.edu/OUR_RSG
Travel and on-campus research during COVID-19 pandemic must be in accordance with University and State of Illinois guidelines. Applications for the RSG will be accepted August 23 - October 15, 2021.
This grant provides awards of up to $350 for undergraduate students to travel to professional conferences to present their research posters, papers, or creative works. Please note, the Office of Undergraduate Research does not provide funds for conference travel for attendance only; grants are meant for students who will present their work.
For details, eligibility requirements, and link to the application please visit: http://go.illinois.edu/OUR_CTG
Travel during COVID-19 pandemic must be in accordance with University and State of Illinois guidelines. Applications for the CTG will be accepted August 23 - September 30, 2021.
Undergraduate Research Certificate Program
The Undergraduate Research Certificate provides an added and prestigious credential to present to employers and graduate schools. The certificate requires you to satisfy specific criteria across your research experience(s) here at Illinois.
Haven't started your certificate application yet? Start today! Students are encouraged to start the application early in their research journey; the application can be saved and re-opened, allowing students to continue the application where they left off.
For more information, please visit: http://go.illinois.edu/UGRCertificate
Our Undergraduate Research Ambassadors are currently enjoying their summer vacations and are not accepting meetings. However, staff from the Office of Undergraduate Research are available for one-on-one virtual meetings to answer any questions you have about undergraduate research at Illinois.