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Undergraduate Research at Drew

Photo: Professor working with a studentThe College's curriculum offers many opportunities for independent work. Departments and programs offer students various levels of -- and involvement in -- independent study via several established paths

An undergraduate research project can provide a capstone experience for a particular field of study and prepare a student for additional research in future graduate or professional schools.

  • Several departments offer courses in research methods, and most offer an Independent Study/Research course for individual students to pursue a project with a faculty mentor. Students doing independent work in departments without such an offering register for a college-wide course, Independent Study 150.
  • Some Drew seniors participate in a specialized honors program in which they complete an independent research project with a faculty mentor, write a substantial thesis on their work, and defend the thesis before a faculty committee.
  • Students may design a special major or minor course of study that includes study in several departments or programs. Such plans often include independent study or research components that assist in integrating the desired material.
  • Science students may work with fellows of the Charles A. Dana Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti (RISE). The RISE program provides distinguished, recently retired, industrial scientists with facilities to continue their research programs in exchange for mentoring Drew undergraduates. Fellows work with students on projects in biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and physics.
  • The Drew Summer Science Institute (DSSI) affords students the opportunity to work with a faculty mentor at Drew during the summer on a research project of mutual interest. Campus housing and a summer stipend are provided.
  • Science students regularly apply for and are accepted to nationally competitive summer research internships at large research institutions and government laboratories. Information is available through individual departments.