URT Program

Undergrads have the opportunity to gain invaluable research experience through the College of Education’s Undergraduate Research Training Program (URT). Qualified students at the sophomore, junior or senior level in any academic discipline who are interested in research on teaching and learning are eligible for this program. Generally, a cumulative index of 3.00 is expected for admission to the program.

The program consists of two interrelated parts:

1. Research Experience

Each trainee works with a professor in education for a period of two semesters in much the same manner as a graduate assistant. In assigning trainees to professors, consideration is given to the student’s background and interests as well as to the professor’s needs. The cooperating professors are encouraged to involve their trainees in as many of the tasks related to doing research as possible. These tasks include defining a research problem, creating research materials, collecting data, analyzing data and writing research reports.

Typically, the amount of time that the trainee will spend on the research tasks will average approximately six hours per week. The stipend for each trainee is $1,500 for the academic year.

Due to the extensive time demands that are typical for those students who are student teaching, it is recommended that students who plan to student teach should not plan to participate in the URT program during the academic year in which they plan to student teach.

2. Course on Methods of Studying Human Behavior

Each trainee participates in a weekly course for which he or she receives three credits per semester (EDPS 533 in the fall and EDPS 534 in the spring semester). Due to the variety of disciplines represented by students in the program, the course takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach in considering the various ways of investigating human behavior.

Selection for the program is based on academic credentials, interest in the program and in some cases faculty recommendations.

For more information, contact Youli Mantzicopoulos or call (765) 494-2345.