Undergraduate Research

As a comprehensive research university, OSU can offer undergraduate students an exciting and rewarding academic experience outside the traditional classroom. No other experience leads to greater student success than mentor-guided research, and OSU leads the way with several top programs. Research experience is invaluable in helping students choose a career path, improve their likelihood of success in the workforce, and deciding to enter graduate school.

The Freshman Research Scholars Program grants fifty scholarships to entering freshmen. Students in the program take an orientation to research class and then participate in a mentor-guided research project.

Several undergraduate research programs provide opportunities for sophomores, juniors and seniors, including the nationally recognized Wentz Research Project awards program, which annually awards fifty $4,000 project grants to OSU's most accomplished students. Students in several science-related areas compete for the Niblack Scholars Program, which pairs scholars in specific disciplinary areas with a faculty sponsor and a graduate student mentor who provide professional guidance, encouragement, and direction.

The National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects designed especially for the purpose.

OSU students may participate in REU programs at OSU and other institutions throughout the US. Information on available programs is available at the REU program directory.