What is Undergraduate Research?

As defined by the Council on Undergraduate Research: "Undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry is fundamentally a pedagogical approach to teaching and learning. With an emphasis on process, CUR also adds that undergraduate research is a: mentored investigation or creative inquiry by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge." The Office of Undergraduate Research embraces this definition and supports faculty and students to engage in high-quality research and creative activity in an interdisciplinary environment. MSU Texas students have many opportunities during the academic year and summer sessions to explore, inquire, create, discover, and think critically with a faculty mentor.

Benefits for Students

Enhanced student learning through faculty mentorship
Increase in retention and graduation
increase enrollment in graduate education
Provides effective career preparation
Skill development: critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and intellectual independence
Professional skills: presentation, project completion from idea to final presentation
Career-readiness competencies: public speaking, writing, and teamwork, personal confidence

Benefits for Faculty

Mentor students in creative and academic research endeavors
Increase retention and graduation through student engagement
Promote graduate education through skill-building
Promote career-readiness competencies: public speaking, writing and teamwork, personal confidence
Promote: critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and intellectual independence
Professional skills: presentation, project completion from idea to final presentation

Are you ready to begin your research journey at MSU Texas

The Office of Undergraduate Research is here to help you with your research endeavors. Click "How to Get Involved" for more information about research opportunities or to take our survey to help us better understand your needs. We look forward to hearing from you!