The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) is an avenue for students to get “hands on” experience in conducting research. As a UROP student, you can develop your own research or you may decide to partner on research projects conducted by faculty in the Wilder School. This partnership may lead to the development of governmental reports, conference presentations, or publications in journals. It is our goal to stimulate your mind through this direct research experience. We envision the program as a springboard to advance your educational goals and provide direction towards areas of specialization within your discipline.

Research opportunities exist or have been conducted in examining the political evolution in Russia, evaluating the impact of the “Achieving the Dream” project, investigating the challenges of businesses owners in rural locations, understanding evidenced-based practices within the correctional system, and assisting with a historic assessment of women in Virginia politics, to name a few. Let me stress that these few projects are the tip of the iceberg; opportunities to conduct research exist for all disciplines within the Wilder School, and it is my job and delight to assist you in finding the right faculty to match your interests.

Students in any undergraduate major in the Wilder School who have a 3.00 or higher cumulative overall GPA, or a 3.00 GPA in their major, are eligible to participate in the UROP. Students also must have completed the ENGL 200 and research methods courses, with a minimum grade of “B” in each course, to be eligible to participate in the program. Students must enroll in GVPA 495 Directed Study, a three-credit course, which can be counted one time toward any of the Wilder School’s undergraduate majors.