Research/Project Support Program

Fall 24 Application

Application Period:

Student Due Date: TBD
Research Support Program Faculty Mentor Approval Due Date: TDB

The Research/Project Support Program was developed to provide funding to students working on a project unrelated to their culminating experience (i.e., thesis, graduate project (creative activity), or dissertation). Selection criteria includes a statement regarding the importance of the project and how it will impact your field. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis.

PLEASE READ ALL OF THE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY.

Things You Should Know Before Submitting Your Application

Application must be submitted by TBD
Your faculty mentor must approve your application by TBD
You must have a 3.3 GPA or higher.
You must provide a written abstract (no more than 2400 character count).
Students must submit a budget justification for the following categories: Supplies, Minor Equipment, Travel (conference travel is not allowed), Library Searches, Performance Expenses (e.g. Music).
If your research/project involves Human Subjects, you must have an APPROVED IRB protocol to apply for funding this semester. If your research/project involves Animal Subjects, you will need an approved protocol number; please check with your faculty advisor for the number. Projects will not be funded that do not have an approved IRB or IACUC.

Types of Research We Will Fund

Field work (such as interviews, travel to field trip sites, surveys)
Experiential (lab work, experiments)
Theoretical (research into methodologies and exploration, engineering design)
Performance/arts (composing of music, choreography, screenwriting)

If your research or project involves human or animal subjects, your application will not be funded unless your IRB/IACUC protocol is approved.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility is restricted to CSUN graduate students in a master’s or doctoral program, with a GPA of 3.3 or above. Student awards of up to $600 may be provided to individual students and up to $2,000 per student group based on a review of an application that outlines the research and anticipated costs.

Please note: International Students may have up to 30% withheld for Federal Income Tax.

Not Eligible

Individuals who previously received support from this program.
CSUN staff receiving a university fee waiver.
Students who have received funding for research associated with the Thesis support program.
This funding is not for students working on a Thesis/Project or dissertation; we encourage you to apply for the Thesis Support Program: https://www.csun.edu/graduate-studies/thesisprojectdissertation-support-program.

Budget Categories

Supplies
Minor Equipment
Travel (conference travel is not allowed)
Library Searches
Performance Expenses (e.g. Music)

Not allowed:

Food, laptop, computers, tablets, transcription services, statistical consultants and creating/printing of posters.
Conference travel to present research. If presenting at a conference, please visit the following websites to apply for a Graduate Student Conference Travel Award: https://www.csun.edu/research-graduate-studies/graduate-studies/graduate-student-travel-funding. STAR Funding from Associated Students is also available for students who are interested in presenting at a conference and need additional funding: https://www.csun.edu/as/finance/star.

How to Apply

Application

Application Due Dates:

Student Due Date: TBD
Research Support Program Faculty Mentor Approval Due Date: TBD

Faculty Mentor Approval

Once you submit your application, the faculty member you select as your mentor will receive an email notification with your application.
Your faculty mentor must electronically approve your application.
A completed application consists of your application submission and your faculty mentor electronic approval. Only complete applications will be considered.

Requirements if Funding is Awarded

Submit an itemized list of all expenditures by June 30, 2025
Participate in the CSUNposium scheduled in Spring 2025. Recipients of this award will receive an email notification about the event in December.

If awarded, note the following:

The CSUN Financial Aid Office will create and disburse the award. If you are receiving financial aid this award may adjust or reduce other forms of aid in your financial package. If you have questions about how the award will be posted or might affect your aid, please contact the Financial Aid office at (818) 677-4085.
University Cash Services will post the award to your student account and will be applied to any outstanding fees on your account. Any remaining balance will be remitted to you.

Division of Academic Affairs

Graduate Studies

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