Research

WATCH THIS presentation to learn about Research Experience:

Video transcript: Transcribed Research Video

Research experience is needed if you’re planning on applying to PhD or PsyD programs (or Industrial/Organizational programs) as well as clinical or other applied experiences.

Psychology Department 

The faculty in the Psychology Department are very active in research. To apply to a research lab, go to RA Match and click on the lab(s) you wish to apply to. Next, be sure to make an appointment to meet the professor to talk about graduate school and the availability of a research position within their lab. Their contact information will be posted on their lab webpage or you can get it from the UCF Psych webpage. Most labs prefer that you have earned a “B” or better in  PSY3204C Statistical Methods in Psychology at minimum.  If you can’t get into the research lab relevant to your preferred field, don’t worry! All research experience is good research experience! Learning how to work with participants, read, collect, and input or code data, and work on research papers will be necessary to apply for graduate programs in any field. Most graduate programs like to see at least 1 year of research experience or more on your resume or CV.

If you have been approved to volunteer for a Psychology lab the faculty member will complete a volunteer registration form for you.

Other Research Lab opportunities

Other undergraduate research opportunities may be found through the UCF Institute for Simulation Training (www.ist.ucf.edu) or the UCF Marriage and Family Research Institute (www.mfri.ucf.edu ) .

IF YOU ARE AN ONLINE STUDENT: It can be a big challenge to get research experience with our professors virtually since they usually prefer to work with you for a semester or 2 to make sure you can handle working effectively on your own. Sometimes, rarely, there will be opportunities with helping our professors conduct research online.

You can also connect with local schools near you to see if they are willing to let you work with their lab even though you’re a UCF student. Find the contact for faculty at other campuses and look at their lab and research information. Contact them for an appointment to sit down with them to talk about graduate school, the research they are doing and how it relates to your interests, and ask them if they are in need of a research assistant.

Office of Undergraduate Research

The University of Central Florida offers numerous opportunities for undergraduates to pursue research in various disciplines under the direction of a faculty member. This intensive research opportunity enhances the academic experience and challenges students to strengthen their critical, analytical, and writing skills. You can find out more at the UCF Office of Undergraduate Research www.our.ucf.edu

Honors Undergraduate Thesis (HUT) formally Honors in the Major (HIM) Program

The Honors in the Major (HIM) Program, is designed to encourage the best juniors and seniors to undertake original and independent work in their major field.

Visit the HIM Website for more information

Contact
Dr. Chrysalis Wright
Chrysalis.Wright@ucf.edu

McNair Scholars Program 

McNair prepares undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Participants are either first-generation college students and low-income as defined by federal guidelines or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate school. mcnair.ucf.edu

Research and Mentoring Program (RAMP)

RAMP offers paid research experiences to students in their junior and senior years with the potential to continue in graduate school. Faculty members mentor students, and participants engage in research throughout the academic year. www.ramp.ucf.edu

Burnett Research Scholars 

The Burnett Honors College hosts the SMART program, which offers research experiences to all UCF undergraduate students who have completed at least one semester and have at least two semesters left before graduation.  SMART offers grants to students and faculty every spring, summer, and fall. research.honors.ucf.edu/burnett-research-scholars

IDS 3913 with Office of Undergraduate Research

our.ucf.edu/prospective/sra/ <- go here to apply

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) supports UCF undergraduate students, across all majors, who are interested and participating in research and creative scholarship. The Introduction to Research course is designed for students who want to take a deep-dive into exploring and beginning their undergraduate research journey.
Whether your interests lie in the humanities, physical and applied sciences, engineering, social sciences, or business, the 1-credit, Introduction to Research course will greatly benefit you!

One Course, with Two Ways to Participate!

You have two options for applying in the Introduction to Research (IDS 3913) course. Both options teach the same information, but in different ways.

  1. Summer Research Academy (SRA) – a fast-paced, 3-day event in July; ideal for students who want to begin research in the fall.
  2. Introduction to Research & Creative Scholarship Opportunities (I.N.T.R.O.) Mentoring Program– a semester long (fall or spring semester), immersive, classroom experience.

In both programs/courses, students will:

    • Learn about the nature of university research and how it can expand your undergraduate experience
    • Meet with research faculty and other students active in research
    • Explore research opportunities available to undergraduate students at UCF
    • Prepare professionally for future research, internships/careers, and advanced degrees
    • Earn 1-credit hour for completing the Introduction to Research (IDS 3913) course

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