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Undergraduate Research at Vanderbilt

Finding Opportunities

In addition to courses and course sequences in various departments and programs, students at Vanderbilt often participate in research informally or through independent study or summer work.  Department and laboratory websites,  discussions with academic advisers, with directors of Undergraduate Studies, and with other faculty, attendance at research colloquia and poster sessions, and consultation with returning students may give students insights into avenues they might pursue.

  • Office of Honors Scholarships (OHS)
    • The Office of Honors Scholarships provides information, outreach, and support to Vanderbilt students who have the potential to become candidates for nationally-competitive fellowships.
    • Programs that support undergraduate research can be found here.
  • The School of Engineering provides guidelines for undergraduates seeking research opportunities in its programs.
  • Through the Blair School of Music, undergraduate students have annual opportunities to audition for the Blair School of Music Student Showcase and for the Vanderbilt University Concerto Competition; the final round of the Concerto Competition is open to the public.
  • At Peabody College, undergraduates frequently work on research projects with faculty through VUSRP projects, research classes, and on a voluntary basis.  The Peabody Library provides an overview of library services for students.
  • The College of Arts and Science describes its academic resources for research opportunities.
  • Undergraduate students with research projects at the Kennedy Center can compete for recognition through the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Science Day.