Undergraduate Research
Penn State Scranton is strongly committed to promoting opportunities for students to work with faculty engaged in research and scholarly activities.
We are interested in engaging students not only in the laboratory sciences but also in scholarship and creative activity in all disciplines.
Research Opportunities for Undergraduates
Working one-on-one with a member of the Penn State faculty will give you a special academic advantage. As a researcher, you have a unique opportunity to work with faculty and join in their pursuit of new knowledge.
Penn State, a comprehensive public research university, offers an undergraduate education that is available at only a few select institutions of higher learning.
By participating in an undergraduate research project, you will be introduced to the basic principles used to make new discoveries and develop theories. This new knowledge will:
- Build your confidence in independent inquiry
- Show you the value of critical thinking
- Prepare you for the challenges of tomorrow's world.
Why Should I Get Involved?
Through research you can:
- Work with internationally known scholars
- Learn more about the newest technologies
- Develop a better understanding of current intellectual debates
- Build experience that is valuable in business, education, and government-related careers
- Get an early introduction to graduate-level study
- Share in the excitement of discovering something new
- Build a lasting relationship with a faculty member or research team
- Possibly conduct field research locally, nationally, or internationally
- Have the opportunity to present your research regionally or nationally
How can I get involved?
Think:
- Are you interested in the sciences, engineering, arts, or business?
- Do you want to work in a laboratory, library, or out in the field?
- Do your interests include computer technology, numerically intensive studies, or qualitative analysis?
- Do you have the experience, skills, intellect; and most importantly, the motivation and desire to be a contributing student researcher?
Act:
- Speak with a faculty advisor. The faculty advisor can discuss your interests and propose research opportunities for you.
- You may propose your own project ideas to your faculty advisor.
- You can also research opportunities online at https://undergradresearch.psu.edu/
Many of your professors are active scholars and may offer opportunities to join in research that takes place locally, nationally, or internationally.
The faculty advisor can tell you more about the possibility of getting credit for a course or financial support such as work study.
Research and travel support may also be available from the Penn State Office of Undergraduate Education, for which students can apply.
Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) Training
All undergraduate researchers who plan to present their research at meetings or publish their research in any form are now required to complete on-line SARI training.
This is a University requirement.
For instructions on how to access the on-line training, and for guidance for what to complete, please see "SARI instructions" below.
All students who wish to present at the Penn State Scranton Research and Scholarship Fair must complete this training and provide proof of successful completion when registering. Please talk to your faculty adviser about SARI training.
Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) Training
Research Opportunities for Undergraduates at Penn State is sponsored by participating faculty and coordinated by the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and International Programs, The Pennsylvania State University, 417 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802.
