Ways to Engage in Research

Explore the Many Ways to Participate

Undergraduate research can take many forms. You might assist a faculty member with an existing project, investigate a question of your own, participate in a structured research program, or incorporate research into a course. Research also extends beyond laboratories—it includes scholarly, creative, community-based, entrepreneurial, and interdisciplinary inquiry across every academic field.

Explore the pathways below to identify an approach that matches your interests, experience, and academic goals.

Work alongside a faculty member on an existing research, scholarly, or creative project. Depending on the discipline, you might collect or analyze data, review literature, conduct experiments, develop computer code, examine archival materials, contribute to a performance, or help solve a community problem.

Best for: Students seeking individualized guidance and hands-on experience.  Learn How to Find a Faculty Research Mentor

Structured programs provide a guided introduction to research through workshops, mentoring, skill development, and hands-on experiences. Morgan’s Research Rookies, Research Apprentices, and Research Ambassadors programs allow students to develop progressively—from exploring research to conducting and communicating it.

Best for: Students who want training, support, and a clearly defined pathway. Explore OUR Programs

Research may be incorporated into laboratory courses, seminars, capstone courses, honors projects, independent studies, or senior theses. Ask your academic advisor or faculty members whether your program offers courses that include research or creative inquiry.

Best for: Students who want to earn academic credit while developing research skills. Learn More About Research Courses 

Students with a specific question or idea may develop an original project with the guidance of a faculty mentor. Projects may involve scientific investigation, humanistic scholarship, artistic or creative work, entrepreneurship, design, or community-based inquiry.

Best for: Students who have a focused interest and are ready to take greater ownership of a project. Learn About CreativeEdge Mini-Grants or Find a Faculty Research Mentor

Summer research programs provide concentrated experiences at Morgan State University or another institution. Many programs offer a stipend and may also provide housing, travel support, professional development, and opportunities to present your work.

Best for: Students seeking an immersive research experience and preparation for graduate school or a research-oriented career. Find Research Opportunities

Community-based research brings students, faculty, and community partners together to investigate issues that matter to local communities. Projects may address health, education, environmental sustainability, public policy, economic development, social justice, or other community priorities.

Best for: Students who want to connect research with service and real-world impact. Learn More About Community-Based Research at MSU.

Presenting your work is an important part of the research process. Students can communicate their findings through posters, oral presentations, performances, exhibitions, publications, competitions, and Morgan’s annual research events.

Best for: Students who are currently conducting research or have completed a project. Explore Events & Presentations