Undergraduate Research

Are you a highly motivated, inquisitive, committed, and self-disciplined student with a drive to succeed?

Increase your understanding of your field, gain real-world experience, and prepare for your future career by working closely with faculty and graduate student mentors to conduct undergraduate research!

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) offers funding for students to participate in undergraduate research. These funds are part of the Undergraduate Research Program (URP) and are available to students whose primary major is within CANR.

Apply for Undergraduate Research Funding

Undergraduate Research Program Funding Request Application

Upcoming Deadlines:

Summer/Fall 2025 Funding Application Deadline: Sunday, March 30, 2025

Spring 2026 Funding Application Deadline: October 2025 (exact date TBD)

General Information on Application Cycles:

Applications for Summer and Fall Funding: Students and mentors submit the requested materials during the preceding spring semester. We notify applicants of their status for funding by the end of the spring semester (for summer applications) and in August (for fall applications). For example, a student wishing to conduct their undergraduate research during fall 2028 should submit their funding application during spring 2028.

Applications for Spring Funding: Students and mentors submit the requested materials during the preceding fall semester. We notify applicants of their status for funding by the end of the fall semester. For example, a student wishing to conduct their undergraduate research during spring 2028 should submit their funding application during fall 2027.

Eligibility & Program Details

MSU undergraduate student with a primary major in CANR
Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Any class level except students in their last semester are eligible to apply
URP applicants may be eligible for research funds of up to $2,000 per semester
Awardees are eligible to receive funding once per semester (maximum 2 awards per student)
A minimum of 80 percent of the award must be used as project salary, conference/travel expenses, and/or presentation expenses.
No more than 20 percent of the award may be applied toward lab and/or field supplies.

Benefits of Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research offers you an opportunity to explore career interests and options, enhance your resume, apply what you've learned in the classroom, and contribute to broader scientific knowledge. The experience will often strengthen your research, analytical, and communication skills. It could also result in a journal article or presentation at a professional meeting or conference.

Research projects can be carried out on campus, across the United States, and even internationally. Talk with your academic advisor or reach out to Rose Stewart (CANR URP Coordinator) at stewa684@msu.edu about potential opportunities in your field of study. Find out more about international opportunities by contacting Rhonda Crackel (CANR Education Abroad Director) at crackel@msu.edu.

Not sure where to start? MSU's Office of Undergraduate Research offers some great resources to MSU students who are interested in undergraduate research!

Travel Grants

CANR also offers grants to support CANR undergraduate students traveling to professional conferences and events. Fill out the CANR Undergraduate Travel Grant Requests Form for consideration. Travel grants normally do not exceed $500 per student.