Guide to Getting Into Graduate School > How To Find Research Opportunities

I've been amazed over the years by how many students do not realize that a Ph.D. is a research degree. Let me say this again...The Ph.D. is a research degree. As such, you will need to conduct research during graduate school (your own, help faculty members, etc) and the sooner you start participating in research, the better your chances for success and for even getting into graduate school.

Research experience is one of the most important qualifications for graduate school. A student with no research experience will be not be admitted to any competitive Ph.D. program. Master's and Psy.D. degrees are less concerned with research experience, so talk with your advisor about how much research you should do. For Ph.D. programs, you should typically do two-to-four semesters of undergraduate research.

There's no need to be intimidated. To get involved with research, just talk to a professor after class. They know what research their peers are doing, and can help place you with the right person.

Many colleges host a Research Night every semester, where faculty members present their research topics to a group of undergraduate students interested in research. Contact your Department to find the dates for these events.

If you can't find a professor who needs additional research assistants, contact the Department directly. There may be faculty members you have not thought to ask. If you still can't find a research position, start looking for opportunities outside of the campus, including volunteering at a counseling center.