The Undergraduate Research Program in the Department of Geological Sciences provide funds to enable undergraduate students to conduct meaningful field- and laboratory-based research as part of their MU education. We plan to fund ~5 undergraduate projects each year at ~ $3,000 per project.

We hope that this program will encourage and reward research starting early in our students’ careers. Our students will be more competitive and better prepared for graduate school and the work force. Integrating meaningful research into our undergraduate curriculum allows us to create a unique role relative to other state-funded universities in Missouri.

Eligibility: Any student who is majoring in Geological Sciences. Generally, the student will be in their junior or senior year and will perform the research while enrolled in Senior Thesis (Geol 4950).

Award: The student can receive up to $3000 to pay for such things as supplies, travel to field sites and analyses necessary to accomplish the proposed research.

Proposal: It is expected that the student, with faculty input, will be responsible for the framing of the proposal. The proposal should be no more than 2 pages long and include the hypothesis, background, justification for the research and references.

Budget: In conjunction with the faculty advisor, the student should put together a budget of expected expenses, including a short explanation of these expenses.

Reporting: The student will be expected to give a short oral presentation and to complete a Senior Thesis that documents the work accomplished.

Application Form: Undergraduate Research Program Proposal

Deadlines: Proposals will be accepted throughout the year. Completed applications should be submitted to the Department Chair and will be reviewed by a departmental committee.