Research at Rutgers

Research Opportunities at Rutgers

One wonderful thing about Rutgers is that we are a public R1 university, which means we are one of the top schools for research in the United States. As you will see below, there are many formal opportunities to get involved with research at Rutgers. Click on each title for a link to more information, and always check the timelines listed on the linked websites in case typical timelines listed here change! If you've already applied to these programs, you can also always send some emails to professors (check out this resource page for more guidance on "cold" emailing). Scroll to the bottom of this page for additional resources beyond large formal research programs.

Aresty Research Assistant Program (through the Aresty Research Center):

"For first-years, sophomores, and juniors who are new to research, the Research Assistant Program pairs students with faculty mentors to conduct a year-long academic project."

Students matched with faculty mentors
Expected to: Conduct research work for at least five hours/week, attend five biweekly peer discussion group meetings per semester, present a poster based on their research in the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Through this program, you will receive 3 general credits (P/NC) for the year
No previous research experience necessary and no minimum GPA requirement (however professors are permitted to set GPA or course work requirements for specific projects)
Students who are already in research groups or have participated in the Summer Science Program (see below) are not eligible for this program
Applications typically open in March and typically include a single-spaced, one-to-two-page essay, a resume, and a transcript
Participating faculty typically arrange interviews with top candidates in late April

Aresty Summer Science Program (through the Aresty Research Center):

"For rising sophomores who are new to research, the Summer Science Program pairs students with faculty mentors to conduct a research project over the summer."

Students matched with faculty mentors
Includes: research with mentors, library workshops, seminars, trips to local research laboratories, and social events
Often leads to involvement in research during the subsequent academic year
No previous research experience necessary and no minimum GPA requirement
To be eligible, students must be full-time and in good academic standing at Rutgers–New Brunswick.
Typically, potential faculty mentors conduct interviews in February and finalists are notified by early March
Participants are not permitted to take any summer classes or hold employment during the program period

SUPER (Science for Undergraduates – a Program for Excellence in Research):

"The SUPER Research Experience is a non-residential research program for Douglass STEM students, regardless of sex. SUPER (Science for Undergraduates – a Program for Excellence in Research) provides an opportunity to engage in research early on in education. The program offers motivated STEM students guided research, multi-layered mentorship, and stipend. SUPER has four components and runs from January to September."

Hosted through the Douglass WiSE (Women in Science and Engineering) Program
Applications become available in early fall; priority is given to students who have no college level research experience
The program includes a course on scientific research, 10 weeks of funded summer research experience, mentoring opportunities, and a research symposium event
To participate in this program you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible to work in the U.S.; and you must have recent C’s or better in STEM courses

McNair Scholars Program:

"The McNair Scholars Program offers services, events, and programs for <first generation and low income> undergraduate students interested in attending graduate school. These services hope to cultivate interest, engage exploration, and encourage pursuit of graduate school for students from diverse backgrounds."

Includes social and cultural experiences, courses and workshops, mentoship and tutoring, academic guidance, professional development resources, and opportunities to conduct and present research
To participate in this program you must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, have completed least 54 credits, intend to pursue a PhD after graduation, come from a low income household and be a first-generation college student

Physics & Astronomy Departmental Honors Program:

"The chairperson of the department will invite physics and astrophysics majors who have shown considerable ability by the end of their junior year to participate in the departmental honors program."

Required to take a 2-semester honors research course and complete an honors project, which includes writing a thesis and performing a defense
Can register for 1-4 research credits during the academic year
Honors officially awarded based on success of the honors project, general performance in physics and astronomy courses, and recommendations from faculty

Below are some additional tools related to research at Rutgers.

Aresty Rutgers Undergraduate Research Journal (RURJ):

"The Aresty Rutgers Undergraduate Research Journal (RURJ), in affiliation with the Aresty Research Center, is an undergraduate-run, interdisciplinary journal designed to showcase the cutting-edge undergraduate research conducted at Rutgers University."

Rutgers Undergraduate Research System:

Query for Rutgers formal research opportunities by program, department, and subject.