Apply for Funding

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify and secure a faculty research mentor

You may work with any faculty member at MSU. Find a faculty member by:

Contacting a faculty member directly to ask about current research or discuss working on a research idea that interests you
Asking your academic advisor if they know of faculty who are looking for student assistant for their projects
Asking peers, instructors, and mentors for suggestions on who to work with
Using the tools available from the MSU Office of Undergraduate Research

Step 2: Outline your proposed project

Write a project outline with guidance from your faculty research mentor. This outline needs to clearly and concisely introduce the proposed research and will serve as the basis for your project description. Be sure to include:

A problem statement: Provide background information that establishes why your objectives are unique and relevant.
Objectives: Explain what hypothesis you will test or what questions you will address.
Approach: Provide a brief summary of the primary methods you will use to conduct your research.
Anticipated outcomes: Summarize what you expect to accomplish through your proposed research project.

Step 3: Submit your application for funding

After securing a faculty research mentor and outlining your proposed research project, fill out and submit the Undergraduate Research Program Funding Application available HERE.

Review the Evaluation Rubric and Hints for Applicants pages FIRST to see how the CANR URP Selection Committee will score your application.
When your application is submitted, an automated email will be sent your research mentor to upload a letter of recommendation for you. Let your research mentor know they are required to provide a letter of reference as part of your application packet.