Getting Started/Jobs

Undergraduate research is an evolving experience students may participate throughout their years at MU. Students are not required to begin during their freshman year, but they are encouraged to begin exploring the possibilities.

Students who participate in an undergraduate research program usually work as either as a student assistant or an intern.

A student assistant is an office or lab worker who:

• volunteers or receives work study or hourly pay by mentor.
• works 8 to 20 hours a week during the fall and winter semesters and 8 to 40 hours a week during the summer semester. (Note: Work study funds are not available in the summer.)
• performs support duties such as washing dishes, making copies, caring for animals or filing.
• receives no academic credit.

Please read our tip sheet on what faculty expect from student workers.

An intern is a student researcher who:

• is usually a junior or senior.
• works 12 to 15 hours a week during the fall or winter semesters and 30 to 40 hours a week during the summer semester.
• volunteers or is paid through a program.
• conducts an independent research project.
• may receive academic credit, but it is not a requirement.