Undergraduate Students - College of Nursing - Michigan State University

Interested in Making Research an Integral Part of Undergraduate Education at MSU?

Michigan State University considers inclusion of undergraduate students in research a high-priority. Through MSU’s Undergraduate Research program students have increased opportunities to engage in scholarship with expert faculty and partners in a variety of academic disciplines.

The College of Nursing offers opportunities for undergraduate students to become involved in nursing research through coursework and mentored research experiences.

To learn more, participate in an upcoming workshop by visiting urca.msu.edu.

Introduction to Nursing Research Course:

This 2 credit course is offered during fall and spring semester each year. This course will assist you to:

• Develop an appreciation for the importance of research

• Understand basic steps of the research process

• Learn critical appraisal skills to evaluate research findings

• Be introduced to research methods essential to providing evidenced-based care

There are no pre-requisites for enrollment in this course. Contact the Nursing Student Services office for assistance enrolling in this course.

Students who complete NUR 491 are encouraged to sign up to receive advance notification of open positions on faculty and PhD student research projects.

Undergraduate Research Program:
The Undergraduate Research Program provides students who are interested in research with an opportunity to become involved in various aspects of the research process.  Research experiences facilitate students’ understanding of how science influences what is done in nursing practice.  For undergraduate student considering graduate study, the program offers an opportunity to gain knowledge, skills and values required for successful graduate study.

Goals of this program are for students to:
1) Gain an understanding of the research process,
2) Develop their own research interest, and to
3) Disseminate findings via poster presentation at a regional conference or publication

Benefit to Students
1) Receive a scholarship
2) Meet and interact with leaders in the nursing research profession
3) Engage with faculty in small group settings
4) Work with faculty to complete meaningful research

To participate in this program:
Step 1: Students should have completed one of the following Nursing courses or similar coursework.

• NUR110 (honors section) during the 2009-10 academic year
• NUR340
• NUR 491

Step 2: Identify a Nursing faculty member or PhD student who you would like to work with and meet with that person to explore opportunities. See Research Faculty page for directory.

Step 3: The faculty or PhD student should submit a Request for Student Support Form to request funding to support the work you will be doing.  Support is available for:

• Monthly  scholarship, or
• Travel support to present a poster or paper at a regional conference

Step 4: Faculty or PhD student receives approval for student support

Step 5: Prior to beginning work on the project:

• The student must complete the University human subjects training, if they have not already done so,
• The student must complete the University HIPPA training module, if the student will have access to human subjects and/or their identifiable data, and
• A job description, signed by the student, must be provided to the Coordinator for the Nursing Research Center. 

Step 6: Once the above activities have been completed, the student may begin work on the project.

If support is for a monthly scholarship, an Hours Worked Report should be completed by the student, signed by the mentor and submitted to the Coordinator of the Nursing Research Center on the 1st of each month. The scholarship amount will be forwarded to the Financial Aid office and funds will be disbursed to the student’s account.

If support is for travel, student must submit receipts to the Research Secretary for reimbursement upon completion of the trip. (Note: A University Travel Authorization form must be completed prior to the trip in order to receive reimbursement. See the Research Secretary for assistance with this form.)