Frequently Asked Questions: Research Opportunities
What are the requirements for being an undergraduate researcher?
For most lab jobs, you must know the professor managing the lab and have generally already taken a class with that professor. Each professor may require certain courses or grades or other work experience as prerequisites; talk to the professor to learn if there are other requirements.
Where can I find out about summer research opportunities?
The Summer Research Programs page has a list of links for research programs in the Pittsburgh area and across the United States. Note that this set of links is not intended to be complete, but to help you start to search for research programs and opportunities.
How can I find a mentor for undergraduate research?
If you know what you would like to research, check the University of Pittsburgh Faculty Areas of Expertise database. If you don't know what you would like to research, talk to one of your professors to learn more about research opportunities in your department.
Can humanities researchers submit papers or internship reports?
Absolutely! We want to hear from undergraduate researchers in all disciplines.
I do not know who to contact if I want to work in a lab, could you please tell me how to begin my search for this summer if it is not too late? I realize that the deadline for your internship has passed, but I was hoping to get involved in some medically related field. How can I get a job in your labs?
If you are a Pitt student, talk to your advisor or to one of your professors about possible lab opportunities. You can apply for a summer REU position. Applications for these positions are due in the winter or spring.
If you are not a Pitt student, you can still apply for a summer REU position. Applications for these positions are due in the winter or spring.
Should I send my résumé to the Office of Experiential Learning if I am interested in doing research with a faculty member?
We do not currently have a matching service, so sending a résumé will not help you find a research position at this time.
What are the differences between research and internships?
Undergraduate internship and research experiences can look alike, particularly for science students. There are several basic differences:
- Research involves searching and testing for new knowledge.
- Research is almost always campus-based.
- Research involves working closely with the professor who leads the research lab.
- Interns generally work off-campus.
- Interns may perform research but that is not usually the focus of their jobs.
- Interns work at sites outside of the university meeting regularly with the site supervisors during their internships and meet with their professors only periodically during the internship.
For more information on internships, visit our Internships page. For more information on research opportunities, visit our Research Opportunities page.
I'm a graduate student. Can you help me find an internship or a research position?
The Office of Experiential Learning provides services to Arts and Sciences undergraduate students only. Most departments have information on internships, research and teaching opportunities for graduate students. Consult your advisor for more information.
I'm an undergraduate student in the Swanson School of Engineering; can you help me find a research position?
Other schools at the University of Pittsburgh (Engineering, Social Work, Nursing, General Studies, etc.) have staff available to assist you with finding research opportunities more suited to your academic goals. As a result, students within the other schools should consult with their advisor or faculty members about research.
