Participation Modes
Once you have found the UROP project that is right for you, you need to decide what form of compensation you hope to receive.
Your choices are:
- Academic credit: UROP credit is general elective credit
- Supervisor funding: If you want to receive pay for your UROP research, discuss funding options with your faculty supervisor. The majority of paid UROPs receive Supervisor funding.
- Direct UROP funding: If you are a MIT or CME student and your faculty supervisor lacks the funds to offer you a paid UROP position, you may request funds directly from UROP. NOTE: If you need to request Direct UROP Funding, be sure to heed the applicable deadline each term. Also be sure to consult the Awards and Funds page for details on Direct Funding awards and special funds that may relate to your research
- Volunteering: an option that generally requires less of a time commitment, which can be a good introduction to UROP for first-time researchers. Consider UROP as a volunteer if you aren't yet sure whether you have the time to commit to UROP.
Be sure to discuss your options with your faculty supervisor, as s/he may have a preference for one mode or another. Then, since UROP is an academic program, you must complete UROP application, so that we can evaluate the content and scope of your planned research. See the Applying for UROPs section for complete details.
Some Things to Consider
- During any given term or summer, you may not receive pay and credit for the same UROP project. Moreover, while it is not uncommon for UROP research to eventually become thesis work, you may not earn UROP pay or credit for your research project during the semester(s) in which you are registered for thesis credit. Any questions regarding thesis credit policies should be directed to the academic department awarding your credit.
- If you participate in a fall or spring UROP for pay or as a volunteer, you are eligible to receive transcript recognition (URN credit). This notation will be added to your transcript if UROP proposals have been submitted and approved, provided that your faculty supervisor deems the semester's work satisfactory.
If you have questions or concerns about your options, please contact UROP staff in the Office of Undergraduate Advising and Academic Programming (UAAP) for advice and assistance.
