Students

How to Find

Research Opportunities

Searching for a research opportunity at a university

  • Contact your department for updates on upcoming opportunities.
  • Many department web pages, like the psychology department, on CSUN’s website have links for student research opportunities.
  • Even if your own professors are not conducting research, they may know of other professors outside the university who are looking for student help.
  • The CSU system offers summer research opportunities. Information can be found at:
    http://www.calstate.edu/PreDoc/summer_research.shtml
  • Check the research opportunities link for a listing of research opportunities by subject.

Searching for a research opportunity outside the university

  • Major libraries and museums typically offer research grants. Look at specific websites of interest for contact information.
  • Research public services websites and federal websites for possible opportunities.
  • One website where you can search for federal grants is:
    www.grants.gov/
  • Check the research opportunities link for a listing of opportunities by subject.

Deciding on research opportunities

Identify your motivation and goals.

  • Ask yourself, what interests me most? Do I want to improve my presentation skills? Do I have a thesis that I want to build on with the help of others? Do I want to shadow a professional working on new research? Do I want to work with others on a collaborative project?
  • Decide on how long you want to work. Some opportunities are for the summer, others can be a year long. If you want to study abroad, search for summer abroad opportunities. The Study Abroad office may be able to help you with your search.

General eligibilities

  • A strong GPA.
  • Pursuit of research that will contribute to your field and other members.
  • A desire to learn and expand research skills.
  • Strong writing skills.
  • Awareness of current field research, technology, and information.
  • U.S. Citizenship (unless otherwise noted).