Before You Apply

Students are encouraged to begin preparing their application several weeks (at a minimum) before the deadline. This allows sufficient time to identify a faculty mentor, develop a project proposal, and obtain the required mentor recommendation.

The URP offers three funding cycles each year (spring, summer, and fall). Be sure to review the current application deadlines and select the funding cycle that best aligns with your project timeline.

Step 1: Identify a Faculty Research Mentor

You may work with any MSU faculty member, either within or outside of CANR. Ways to identify a research mentor include:

Contacting a faculty member directly to discuss their current research or a research idea that interests you.
Asking your academic advisor for recommendations.
Seeking suggestions from instructors, mentors, or peers.
Exploring resources available through the MSU Office of Undergraduate Research

Step 2: Develop your Research Project

Work with your faculty mentor to develop a research project and budget. Review the Application Guidelines page for detailed instructions regarding:

Project Description
Statement of Benefits
Presentation Plan
Budget and Budget Justification

Step 3: Submit your Application

Complete and submit the Undergraduate Research Program Funding Application.

Before submitting your application:

Make sure you have carefully reviewed the Application Guidelines and Evaluation Rubric.
Confirm that all required application materials are complete.
Discuss the Mentor Guidelines with your faculty mentor, including the mentor recommendation requirement.

After you submit your application, your faculty mentor will automatically receive a request to complete a recommendation form. All mentor materials must be submitted by the published mentor deadline.