Sung Hee (Sonny) Kim Faculty Teaching in LaboratoryWould you like to get involved in undergraduate research?

Undergraduate research provides students with an excellent opportunity to apply engineering theory learned in the classroom to real-world cutting edge problems and projects. Through becoming part of a research team, UGA engineering students are able to gain valuable experience and career insight into what it means to be an engineer and do engineering research.

UGA Engineering Undergraduate Researchers are mentored by faculty and work on teams that may include faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, Industry and government sponsors. Participating in undergraduate research is recommended to students interested in adding engineering experience to their résumé for the future pursuit of an internship, co-op, full-time position and/or graduate school.


Ways to Participate in Research

There are several ways that you can go about participating in undergraduate research. Please review the information below to see what would be the best fit for you.

Research for Credit

The Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) and the College of Engineering provides the opportunity for students to receive course credit for participating in faculty supervised research.

Once a student has secured a research position and faculty mentor, students can begin the process of registering for research course credit.

Students must submit a completed and approved Engineering Research Course Application in order to receive academic credit for their research experience.

  • This application is for undergraduate engineering students looking to receive course credit for research under a UGA faculty member. This application can only be used for courses with an engineering-related prefix (AENG, BCHE, BIOE, CSEE, CVLE, ELEE, ENVE, MCHE). Students looking to enroll in HONS, or other departmental prefix courses should consult with CURO or other departments directly.
  • Application Instructions: Students should complete the questions in this form in collaboration with their faculty mentor. Following your submission of the application, requests for approvals will be sent to your academic advisor, faculty mentor and school chair.
  • Deadline to submit application and required approvals: 3rd day of drop/add for the semester when you intend to be enrolled in the course. Please plan to complete the application with enough time to receive approvals before this deadline. We recommend submitting at least 2-3 business days before the deadline.

All students enrolled in research credit are strongly encouraged to participate in the CURO Symposium.

Research Support

A limited number of research awards may be available each year through CURO.

The University of Georgia’s employment site provides postings of temporary laboratory helper and research assistant positions which are typically paid by the hour. To review these postings go to ugajobsearch.com and select Search Temporary Postings.

Research Without Credit

Some students are not interested in receiving course credit and do not receive funding for research. In this case, students are still able to participate in undergraduate research. This experience will not only provide valuable skill development but will also be an excellent addition to a résumé.


How to Find Research Opportunities

Learn how to find research opportunities.

Visit the CURO website

Visit the CURO Research Opportunities page, where you will find opportunities to engage in undergraduate research and connect with those who have similar academic interests.

Reach out to faculty

Reach out to our faculty. If you do not see opportunities that you are interested in on the research site, then review engineering faculty areas of research expertise. Once you have identified a faculty member you would like to reach out to, find their e-mail address and review this advice from the UGA Career Center for connecting with faculty.


Summer Research Opportunities

Explore summer research opportunities.

CURO Fellowships

Each year, the UGA Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) awards thirty Summer Research Fellowships to support University of Georgia undergraduates interested in pursuing intensive, immersive, faculty-mentored research during the summer. Check here for details.

National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates

NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. The UGA College of Engineering is proud to host an REU in Nanotechnology and Biomedicine as well as a Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates (REEU), Modern Tools and Technologies for Food  and Agriculture Production. You can find additional details here.

Pathways to Science

Pathways to Science provides a comprehensive list of summer research opportunities nation-wide that you can apply for. Check here for details.


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