School-Year Research

Do you really WANT to do research?

Before seeking research opportunities through the school year, make sure you really are invested in doing research. Why are you thinking about getting experience during the year? Balancing research with classwork is really difficult because of how unpredictable research can be. There are so many opportunities to find research through the summer; if you are doing research as a checklist, you should strongly consider getting that experience when you aren’t in class. You can also spend your time during the year doing other meaningful opportunities like gaining leadership experience or other professional experiences that may be more time-limited and easier to fit into a busy schedule. But, if you are truly invested in research, then getting research during the school year can be meaningful, especially if you are continuing a project from the summer.

Some ways to get research through the school year

Many Belmont CSM majors require research to graduate. In addition to taking some of the upper-level research classes, you can also consider some other ways to get research experience during the school year.

• Register for a research class. Most CSM majors have upper-level research classes while some of them have research classes for lower years. Talk to your advisor about what is available to you.
• If you are already connected with a faculty member who you would like to do research with, you may be able to take an “Independent Study” research class. The faculty member would need to approve of this and it is best for you to already have a strong relationship with the faculty member before pursuing this option. As a word of caution, Belmont faculty are busy–asking faculty to do this research is adding more responsibility for them because they must be willing and able to go above and beyond to make it a positive experience for you. This doesn’t mean that you can’t ask, but keep this in mind when reaching out.
  • One key to note about doing research as Independent Study. If you are already taking 16 credit hours, you can take the 17th hour as research for free. Students who are currently enrolled in 16 credit hours are eligible to complete an additional hour in research. The accepted student will receive a scholarship that covers the cost of this additional credit hour.
• You might finally consider volunteering time to a research group. If you are not able to take research for credit, you may still find faculty who are willing to work with you in a more flexible capacity.

As you can tell, it can take some thought about why you are seeking research during the school year and work to get this experience, but please remember this isn’t your only option! Apply to summer research programs, both at Belmont, like SURFS and Summer Scholars, and to programs at other institutions.