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Timelines for Conducting Independent Research

There are multiple opportunities to conduct advanced, independent research projects at Rutgers. For example, psychology students have participated in the Aresty Research Grants, Dorothy and David Cooper Summer Research Fellowship, and Psychology Honors Thesis. We include some information about these programs and past students’ testimonials about their experiences below.

Additional resources for completing advanced, independent research while at Rutgers include:

 

General Timelines for Independent Research Projects
  • Aresty Research Grants may be completed at any stage of a students’ undergraduate journey. It is recommended that students consider applying for an Aresty Research Grant after they have worked for at least one full academic year in a research lab.
    • Spring Semester: At the end of the spring semester, students should express their interest in completing an Aresty Research project for the upcoming academic year with the faculty member or graduate student they work closely with.
    • Mid-October: Project proposals for Aresty Research Grants are due in mid-October.
    • April: Students present their Aresty Research Projects at a poster symposium in April.
  • The Cooper Summer Research Fellowship is often completed the summer before a student’s senior year. This experience is often a helpful funnel into the Psychology Honors Program.
    • Early Spring Semester: At the beginning of the spring semester, students should express their interest in completing a Cooper Summer Research Fellowship with the faculty member or graduate student they work closely with.
    • April: Project proposals for the Cooper Summer Research Fellowship are due in April.
    • May – July: Students participate in 10-weeks of advanced, independent research.
    • August: Students submit their final paper with the results of their project in August.
  • The Psychology Honors Thesis is completed during a student’s senior year.
    • Early Spring Semester: At the beginning of the spring semester, students should express their interest in completing a Psychology Honors Thesis with the faculty member or graduate student they work closely with.
    • Summer: Students will work with their faculty member or graduate student to prepare the honors thesis proposal.
    • September: Honors thesis proposals are due in the first week of September.
    • Fall Semester: Honors students participate in a 3-credit, writing-intensive seminar to prepare for the completion of the honors thesis. During this time, they are also completing the research project.
    • Spring Semester: Honors students use the spring semester to complete their honors thesis research.
    • March: Students submit their final honors thesis paper with the results of their project in March. They also present their results at a poster symposium in March.