VT Advantage and the Office of Undergraduate Research
Creating opportunities for students through research
Why is research important for undergraduate students?
Research is a valuable piece of any degree program and part of Virgina Tech Advantage, a university initiative to offer the full educational experience to all students regardless of demonstrated financial need.
The process of doing research, the faculty-directed exploration of a real-world problem, can add depth to the coursework in any major. It can lead to an advanced or professional degree or help refine a student’s academic goals.
It can also help land a job after graduation. Many employers like to see research experience on resumes, even if the field or profession doesn’t require it. A recent survey by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, found that 40 percent of employers said they were more likely to hire a college graduate that had done research with faculty.
What is undergraduate research?
While the term “undergraduate research” has no single defined meaning, Virginia Tech takes a broad view of what counts as research, aligning with the definition provided by the national Council on Undergraduate Research.
“Undergraduate Research is a mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge.”
What separates research in an academic setting from research in a traditional classroom is the creation of new knowledge (theoretical, technical, or artistic), communicated in the form of an artifact (ex. paper, presentation, installation, or technical product). Most undergraduate research is faculty led, with students working with faculty on existing projects to further their work.
Where is research happening on the Blacksburg campus?
Undergraduate research is happening in every college on campus. The university’s STEM labs are globally recognized, but they’re not the only fields engaged in this work. Students will find ample opportunities to do research in the humanities, social sciences, design fields, and business.