Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

Few academic pursuits bring learning to life as powerfully as conducting research one-on-one with a faculty mentor, and few colleges offer undergraduates as much opportunity to become involved in research as Gettysburg.

Each year about 350 students across all majors take part in undergraduate research or some other kind of independent project. In recent years students have sequenced DNA, investigated immigration policies, and analyzed the best ways to manage an investment portfolio. They have looked for new meaning in Latin prose, measured the light in exploding stars, and explored the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine. They have researched reptiles in Ecuador, landscapes in Bali, and acid mine drainage in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Many students co-author research papers that are published in leading scholarly journals, or present their work at national conferences.

Experiences like these immerse you in a topic in ways that aren't possible in a typical classroom or laboratory setting, giving you hands-on involvement with sophisticated research using the same tools and methods that professionals use. Research also gives you a competitive advantage when you apply to graduate school, and builds a strong foundation for any career that values insightful analysis and original thinking.

Related Links