Mentored Research Opportunities
Mentored Research
Mentored research experiences with nationally known scholars advance our knowledge of human behavior and help our students develop research and analysis skills. Every year many of our undergraduate students work with faculty mentors on research projects. Most present their work at research conferences here at UMKC, and some have even presented their findings at national or international conferences.
Students in PSYCH 490/491 work independently under the supervision of a research mentor and participate as research assistants on research projects. These courses can be taken for one to three credit hours during the 16-week semester. Generally, students are expected to work three hours per week for each credit in which they are enrolled.
- PSYCH 490 students work with a faculty mentor in one of the research laboratories or on a field-based project.
- PSYCH 491 students work on research projects at one of our community partner sites such as Children’s Mercy Hospital and KU Medical Center. They are directly supervised by Ph.D- or M.D.-level researchers at those locations.
Students who participate in a faculty research project may have the opportunity to present the outcome of their work at local, regional or national conferences. All PSYCH 490/491 students are encouraged to present their projects at the annual UMKC Symposium of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship held each spring.
How to Apply
- Review our faculty research profiles and identify a faculty member with whom you would like to work. Directly email that faculty member and explain that you are interested in their research and wish to know if they will be considering applicants for a PSYCH 490 research position during the upcoming semester.
- If the faculty member says they are accepting applicants to be a PSYCH 490 student on their team, they may ask you to provide them with a resume/vita, an essay outlining your interests and experiences, and an interview. Each faculty member will let you know their specific requirements for applying.
- If the faculty member approves you as a PSYCH 490 student in their class, we can help you get enrolled in the course in Pathway. Please email our office (psychology&counseling@umkc.edu) for permission to add the class and copy your faculty mentor.