Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations

Your first year is a great time for academic exploration. Here's what first-year students can do to learn more about undergraduate research and creative projects and prepare for opportunities sophomore year and beyond.

• Read the FAQs on Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations (URCC).
• Register for a Research 101 session, which the URCC holds monthly during the academic year. Check the URCC calendar for upcoming dates.
• Take a class in a subject new to you; it may lead you toward new intellectual and creative paths. Some departments have research methods courses to introduce students to research tools and techniques. Peruse the list of social sciences research methods courses to see examples of such courses.
• Sign up for the URCC mailing list to receive updates on funding, events, and opportunities, including Brandeis' 2023 all-disciplines Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations Symposium.
• Review the URCC funding opportunities page to review application requirements and deadlines so that you're prepared when you are ready to start research. There's not a single time to start, while some undergraduates begin independent research as rising sophomores, others begin during their sophomore or junior years.

As a sophomore, you've had a year to develop your academic interests, articulate your personal values, and identify potential majors and minors.

Here's what sophomores can do to get involved in undergraduate research and creative projects and prepare for opportunities sophomore year and beyond.

• Read the FAQs on Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations (URCC).
• If you haven't yet attended, register for a Research 101 session, which the URCC holds monthly during the academic year. Check the URCC calendar for upcoming dates.
• Identify and enroll in research methods course, lab course, or arts course where you can acquire and hone skills used by researchers or creative practitioners in your academic discipline of interest. Some departments have research methods courses to introduce students to research tools and techniques. Peruse the list of social sciences research methods courses and the search the Registrar's list of courses for Introduction to Research (91g courses) in the Sciences.
• Sign up for the URCC mailing list to receive updates on funding, events, and opportunities, including Brandeis' 2023 all-disciplines Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations Symposium.
•  Review the URCC funding opportunities page to review application requirements and deadlines so that you're prepared when you are ready to start research. There's not a single time to start, while some undergraduates begin independent research as rising sophomores, others begin during their sophomore or junior years.

As a junior, you've committed to major(s) and minor(s). Engaging in an independent or collaborative research or creative project is a high-impact educational experience that can help you maximize the value of your Brandeis experience.

Here's what juniors can do to get involved in undergraduate research and creative projects and prepare for opportunities sophomore year and beyond.

• Review the FAQs on Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations (URCC).
• If you haven't yet attended or need a refresher, register for a Research 101 session, which the URCC holds monthly during the academic year. Check the URCC calendar for upcoming dates.
• Identify and enroll in research methods course, lab course, or arts course where you can acquire and hone skills used by researchers or creative practitioners in your academic discipline of interest. Some departments have research methods courses to introduce students to research tools and techniques. Peruse the list of social sciences research methods courses and the search the Registrar's list of courses for Introduction to Research (91g courses) in the Sciences.
• Sign up for the URCC mailing list to receive updates on funding, events, and opportunities, including Brandeis' 2023 all-disciplines Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations Symposium.
• Review the URCC funding opportunities page to review application requirements and deadlines so that you're prepared when you are ready to start research. If you are interested in getting involved, aim to get directly involved before or during your junior year.

Seniors involved in research or creative scholarship typically immerse themselves in a capstone experience such as a senior thesis, senior essay, senior studio or senior festival.

Here's what Seniors can do to maximize their undergraduate research or creative capstone project.

• Participate in a Write-In and Writing Workshop co-taught by the Writing Center and Brandeis Library.
• Sign up for the URCC mailing list to receive updates on funding, events, and opportunities, including Brandeis' 2023 all-disciplines Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations Symposium.
• Review the URCC funding opportunities page for fellowship and grant opportunities