Current Student Resources

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Students in the Bellisario College of Communications studying in person at University Park may apply for an Undergraduate Research Assistant (UGRA) position.

Undergraduate research opportunities allow students to gain experience in their specified field of study while being paid or earning course credit.

Working with faculty, students are able to customize their academic pursuits while gaining practical research skills and experiencing cutting-edge research methods.

Should I Become a UGRA

Working as an undergraduate research assistant can enrich your educational experience in a challenging and supportive space. Engaging in undergraduate research can allow you to:

  • Receive mentorship from experts such as professors and graduate assistants
  • Enhance your professional goals
  • Develop the essential skills employers are looking for
  • Make a meaningful contribution to scholarly knowledge

How are Undergraduate Research Assistants (UGRAs) Compensated

Students can either be paid or earn credit. Only one option is available.

For students in paid positions, the hourly rate is $12.00. The number of available hours is between 1-5 hours per week. If you’re selected for a paid position, a link to the Penn State job application will be sent to your Penn State email account.

Students earning credit will be enrolled in at least one and no more than three credits for the semester in which the research assistantship will occur.

  • 1 credit = 40 hours per semester (2.5 hours per week)
  • 2 credits = 80 hours per semester (5 hours per week)
  • 3 credits = 120 hours per semester (8 hours per week)

What Does Undergraduate Research Involve

Assisting on a research project, you’ll work closely with graduate students or faculty members on an existing project to gain valuable training in how to conduct research; the tasks you are assigned can vary in degree of difficulty or repetitiveness, but there is always something you can learn from the research experience.

How Do I Become a UGRA

1. Fulfill the Bellisario College requirements

  • Applicants must be Bellisario College students with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Applicants must be highly motivated, have a high potential to contribute to research activities, and have basic computer skills
  • Experience in research or creative activities is beneficial, but not essential

2. Apply for the position HERE.

What are the Requirements

  1. Applicants must be Bellisario students with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
  2. Applicants must be highly motivated, have a high potential to contribute to research activities, and have basic computer skills
  3. Experience in research or creative activities is beneficial, but not essential

Additional Requirements

UGRAs are required to meet the Penn State Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) training requirements by completing the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) course, offered asynchronously (approx. 3-4 hours). This course requires a one-time completion.

UGRAs are also required to complete the Research Readiness Workshop. This is a series of seven Zoom workshops and a Library Open House, designed to equip undergraduate students with essential skills and knowledge to effectively engage in a variety of research opportunities. Students must attend at least five sessions to receive a certificate of completion. This workshop requires a one-time completion.

What are the Start and End Dates

For students earning credit, start and end dates may follow the semester schedule, however, students may work with instructors online prior to the start of the semester. Confirm end dates with your faculty supervisor before making end-of-semester travel plans.

For students in paid positions, the start and end dates may follow the semester schedule or may be negotiated between you and your faculty supervisor. Confirm end dates with your faculty supervisor before making end-of-semester travel plans.

What are the benefits of being a UGRA?

One of the greatest benefits of becoming a Research assistant is that you can work on campus and build your resume for your chosen field while enrolled as a student.

You can demonstrate to future employers or graduate programs your work ethic, ability to communicate effectively, and ability to manage time appropriately.

Furthermore, becoming a UGRA can help you foster a strong relationship with the professor who may act as a mentor and be a helpful bridge into a career or graduate school.

Further Questions

Questions about the program or application process should be directed to the Program Coordinator at CommUGA@psu.edu