Undergraduate Research
Research isn’t reserved for graduate school – it’s a signature part of the psychology major. Join a faculty lab, earn credit and build the skills graduate programs and employers seek.
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Research Opportunities
Work alongside faculty in active labs, earn course credit and build the skills that graduate programs and employers seek. We’re committed to an inclusive lab experience for all undergraduates, and students from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Why do research as an undergraduate?
Master real skills. In the lab you’ll practice critical thinking, clear writing and speaking, time management, teamwork and technology — the same skills that drive success in college and beyond.
Stand out for graduate school. The best predictor of research success in graduate school is completed research experience — and the most selective doctoral programs, especially clinical psychology PhDs, rarely admit students without it.
Impress employers. Research experience builds the interpersonal, information, systems and technical skills employers consistently rank highest.
How to Get Involved
Many faculty welcome undergraduate research assistants on a credit, volunteer or paid basis. Here’s where to start:
Find an opening Browse the Faculty Lab Directory and email faculty a semester ahead. Have your resume, transcript and relevant skills ready; many labs ask for a two-semester commitment.
Research for credit (PSYC 491 / PSYC 492-CUE) Arrange one to three credit hours of lab research with a faculty mentor. For 492-CUE, you’ll complete related readings and present a poster; prerequisites apply (PSYC 302 and 90+ credit hours, including 24 in psychology).
Psychology Honors Program (PSYC 495, 496-WR/CUE) Design and complete an original research project under close faculty mentorship — intensive preparation for graduate school and beyond.
Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) A 10-week, paid summer experience ($3,500 stipend) with a faculty mentor, ending in a poster presentation at Research Day. Applications typically run January 10–March 15.
To enroll: Complete the independent study form with your mentor. Once approved, you’ll be enrolled automatically.
Transform Lives Through Scientific Understanding
Ready to turn your curiosity about behavior, cognition and mental health into professional impact? Explore Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville — where rigorous scientific training, active research labs and direct pathways into clinical, research and applied psychology prepare you for careers that change lives.