Transform your educational experience by getting involved in academic research!
Social Sciences Undergraduate Research Initiative (SSURI)
Work with a Social Sciences faculty member on their research! The Social Sciences Undergraduate Research Initiative (SSURI) is designed to engage sophomore and junior SSU students in the "research life" of the university. The program offers financial support for students and faculty to work together on a shared research project. Learn more about current SSURI research projects and the SSURI Application Process.
National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2022 @home
Held virtually on April 4-8, 2022, this prestigious conference offers a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate research student achievement; provides models of exemplary research, scholarship, and creative activity; and offers undergraduate students valuable tools for career readiness development. If you're interested in this wonderful opportunity, please go to the Council on Undergraduate Research website for important upcoming deadlines (including abstract submissions), conference registration information, and more!
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP)
The Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) is the hub for research, scholarship, and creative activity (RSCA) opportunities at Sonoma State and provides support to students seeking to get involved in research.
Research Opportunities for Students at SSU
ORSP supports student research via:
- Koret Scholars Awards, which support four undergraduate students and their faculty mentors in research and creative projects across all academic disciplines.
- Student Research Awards, which support both graduate and undergraduate student research, scholarship, and creative activities across all academic disciplines at SSU with up to $750 in funding for supplies and/or travel related to the funded research or creative project. 2021-22 Student Research Award proposals will be accepted through Friday, October 22nd, 2021, and applicant notifications will be made by Friday, November 5th, 2021. For more information about the Student Research Award, please see the attached guidelines. To apply, please visit ORSP’s InfoReady portal. Questions about the 2021-22 Student Research Award should be directed to Pam Rivas (rivasp@sonoma.edu) or Stacey Pelton (pelton@sonoma.edu)
Research Opportunities for Students Beyond SSU
Social Sciences majors are eligible to apply for research experience outside SSU. These opportunities include:
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates in Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences: The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its 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. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel.
- The Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute seeks out high-potential undergraduate students from universities across the country to participate in an intensive seven-week Junior Summer Institute (JSI) before their senior year. During their program, fellows are equipped with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in graduate school and ultimately, in influential roles serving the public good.
Presenting Your Project
Once you've completed your research, you can get support from ORSP in preparing to Present Your Project:
- At SSU, students can present their research at SSU's Week of Research and Creativity
- Presentation Opportunities Beyond SSU include the CSU Student Research Competition, the CSU Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology (CSUPERB), the CSU Sally Cassanova Pre-Doctoral Program, and even those beyond the CSU.
McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars Program prepares undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. At SSU, the program helps 27 undergraduate students per year prepare for and get accepted into graduate school. McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and have demonstrated strong academic potential. The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to place more historically underrepresented students in Masters and Ph.D. programs.