Undergraduate Research

Are you a highly motivated, inquisitive, committed, and self-disciplined student with a drive to succeed? Increase your understanding of your field, gain real-world experience, and prepare for your future career by working closely with a faculty mentor to conduct undergraduate research!

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) provides funding for CANR students to conduct undergraduate research through its Undergraduate Research Program (URP). This program is made possible by the MSU Provost's Undergraduate Research Grant Program and the CANR Office of Academic and Student Affairs.

Apply for Undergraduate Research Funding

CANR URP Application

Spring 2026 Funding Application Deadlines & Notification Dates:

Student Application Deadline: Monday, November 3, 2025

Research Mentor Reference Deadline: Monday, November 10, 2025

Applicant Notification of Funding: by Monday, December 15, 2025

Funds will be disbursed early in the Spring 2026 semester

Summer 2026 Funding Application Deadlines & Notification Dates:

Student Application Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026

Research Mentor Reference Deadline: Monday, March 9, 2026

Applicant Notification of Funding: by Monday, April 13, 2026

Funds will be disbursed early in the Summer 2026 semester

Fall 2026 Funding Application Deadlines & Notification Dates:

Student Application Deadline: Monday, April 13, 2026

Research Mentor Reference Deadline: Monday, April 20, 2026

Applicant Notification of Funding: by Monday, August 17, 2026

Funds will be disbursed early in the Fall 2026 semester

General Information About Application Cycles:

Applications for Summer and Fall Funding: Students and mentors submit the requested materials during the preceding spring semester. We notify applicants of their status for funding by mid-April (for summer applications) and mid-August (for fall applications). For example, a student wishing to conduct their undergraduate research during fall 2028 should submit their funding application during spring 2028.

Applications for Spring Funding: Students and mentors submit the requested materials during the preceding fall semester. We notify applicants of their status for funding by mid-December. For example, a student wishing to conduct their undergraduate research during spring 2028 should submit their funding application during fall 2027.

Eligibility & Program Details

Applicant must be an MSU undergraduate student with a primary major in CANR
Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Applicant is not eligible to apply for funding disbursed in the last semester of their degree program
A maximum of $2,000 in research support per semester can be requested
A minimum of 80 percent of any award must be used as project salary, conference/travel expenses, and/or presentation expenses.
No more than 20 percent of the award may be applied toward lab and/or field supplies.
Awardees are eligible to receive URP funding once per semester (maximum 2 URP awards per student)
Awardees must present their work at UURAF and one additional professional event within 12 months of completing their project.

Benefits of Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research offers you an opportunity to explore career interests and options, enhance your resume, apply what you've learned in the classroom, and contribute to broader scientific knowledge. The experience will often strengthen your research, analytical, and communication skills. It could also result in a journal article or presentation at a professional meeting or conference.

Research projects can be carried out on campus, across the United States, and even internationally. Talk with your academic advisor or reach out to Rose Stewart (CANR URP Coordinator) at stewa684@msu.edu about potential opportunities in your field of study. Find out more about international opportunities by contacting Rhonda Crackel (CANR Education Abroad Director) at crackel@msu.edu.

Not sure where to start? MSU's Office of Undergraduate Research offers some great resources to MSU students who are interested in undergraduate research!

Travel Grants

CANR also offers grants to support CANR undergraduate students traveling to professional conferences and events. Fill out the CANR Undergraduate Travel Grant Requests Form for consideration. Travel grants normally do not exceed $500 per student.