Three-Semester Research Sequence (URAP)
The Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) introduces students to the world of research in the Liberal Arts while providing a clear, supported pathway to become actively involved in hands‑on research. The program is designed to help you build a strong foundation, connect with faculty and research teams, and deepen your understanding of how research is conducted across disciplines.
Through our three‑semester research sequence, URAP not only introduces you to research methods and practices but also guides you step‑by‑step as you join projects, contribute meaningfully, and continue developing as a researcher throughout your undergraduate years. Along the way, you’ll receive structured mentorship, consistent support, and opportunities to develop transferable skills which will enhance your academic success and prepare you for future endeavors, whether that looks like grad school or professional pathways.
In addition to hands‑on experience, students may earn credit and/or pay, making URAP a rewarding way to build both your research skills and your academic trajectory.
“I would absolutely recommend URAP to others, particularly students who are curious, motivated, and interested in applying academic ideas to real-world problems.”
—URAP Fall ’25 Alum
Sequence Overview
- Pathways to Research
- Cohort URAP: Faculty-Led Group Research
- Individual URAP: 1:1 Faculty-Student Research
- Tab Option 4
- Tab Option 5
Curious about getting started in undergraduate research but not sure where to begin? Pathways to Research is a one‑credit introductory course offered every Fall and Spring that helps COLA students explore what research looks like in the Liberal Arts. You’ll learn core research skills, discover the wide range of projects happening across COLA, and get a clear sense of how to begin your own research journey. Completing this course gives you a strong foundation—and a stronger candidacy—for programs like Cohort URAP and other research opportunities at UT. While not required, Pathways is highly recommended for students hoping to take the next step into undergraduate research.
Learn more about the Pathways to Research experience.
Interested in working with faculty on a Liberal Arts research project? Want to be part of a vibrant and collaborative research community? Check out Cohort URAP—an interdisciplinary research experience for COLA undergraduates to dive into a real research project with the direct support of a faculty lead, graduate student mentors, and program scaffolding designed to support your growth and confidence as a researcher. You’ll learn through both collaborative and independent work, and you’ll showcase your findings at our end‑of‑semester celebratory URAP Symposium!
Learn more about the Cohort URAP experience.
Applications for Spring 2026 Cohort URAP are closed. Applicaitons for Fall 2026 will open in March.
Ready to take your research experience to the next level? Individual URAP offers a one‑on‑one, faculty‑mentored research opportunity where you work directly with a professor on a faculty‑led project that aligns with your interests and goals. Whether you're continuing work begun in Cohort URAP or joining a new project, this personalized apprenticeship deepens your skills, builds independence, and strengthens your understanding of the research process. Students apply as apprentice-faculty pairs and, upon acceptance, earn three credit hours and a stipend while contributing meaningfully to active Liberal Arts research.
Learn more about the Individual URAP experience.
Applications for Spring 2026 Individual URAP are closed. Applicaitons for Fall 2026 will open in March.