Frequently Asked Questions

UROP is a year-long academic program that engages U-M undergraduate students in research, scholarship, and creative inquiry.

• Conduct research on average 6-12 hours per week during the 2025-2026 academic year. 
  
• Engage with a community of student researchers participating in mandatory research seminars held on Tuesday evenings from 4:00-5:30 p.m. with the following exceptions:
  • Engineering seminars will be held on North Campus on Tuesday's 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Community Engaged Research (CER) seminars will be held on Tuesday's 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
  • Students in marching band enrolled in an upper-division course, or have athletic practice should contact Charmise L Knox, Academic Program Manager, cknoxl@umich.edu to request an alternate seminar time.
• Attend monthly meetings with a UROP peer facilitator. The meetings are an opportunity for you to discuss your project and any questions or concerns you may have.

The seminars are crafted to enhance your UROP research experience, support your growth as emerging scholars and researchers, and help you maximize the benefits of your research activities. They cover a variety of topics, including resume and cover letter workshops, foundational research concepts, and the broader impact of research on our communities and the world.

For humanities and social sciences research, sections usually have at most 20 students, while physical sciences and health science sections typically have at most 25 - 30 students.

This small seminar format enables you to connect with your peers and your Peer Facilitator. The Peer Facilitator supports the intellectual and personal development of U-M students. They will get to know you personally, meet with you one-on-one on a monthly basis (or more frequently, if needed), and serve as a resource throughout the academic year.

UROP is a year-long academic program spanning both the fall and winter terms.

UROP offers students the chance to collaborate on research and creative projects with U-M researchers and community partners across all academic disciplines, including the humanities and creative arts, social sciences, natural and biomedical sciences, environmental sciences,

and physical sciences and engineering.Explore previous research projects through the links below:

UROP | Sample Projects

Research is the process of creative and systematic investigation aimed at expanding knowledge in a particular subject area. It involves collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to make observations about a specific problem, phenomenon, or idea. A research project can build on previous work in the field, replicate findings from another study, or explore an entirely new concept.

If you are a curious student with a passion for learning and a love for collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving, research might be an ideal path for you. Engaging in research as an undergraduate is an excellent way to explore potential fields of interest or study. It is often a great fit for scholars who enjoy hands-on or applied experiences, as well as those motivated by the potential societal or public benefits of their work.

Students gain access to a UROP-exclusive database containing hundreds of approved research projects. Each entry includes details about the research topic, expected time commitment, and recommended skills, if applicable. The first two UROP seminars focus on crafting research resumes and cover letters, while also introducing interview techniques and etiquette. Your Peer Facilitator, a UROP alumnus, will guide you through the application process, and the UROP Senior Staff offer workshop sessions and one-on-one resume assistance.

Although acceptance into UROP does not guarantee placement in a research project, the majority of students are successfully matched with a project. Those who do not secure a project in their first semester may choose to enroll in UROP for 1 credit in the Fall and continue their project search in the Winter semester.

Additionally, UROP offers an academic course called Entering Research for students who may feel overwhelmed or hesitant about navigating research through the traditional UROP program. In this course, students spend the Fall semester in a smaller, supportive classroom environment where they learn the process of systematic inquiry, develop professional and leadership skills, build relationships with research mentors, gain hands-on experiences to boost self-confidence, and explore academic and career pathways. These students will then have the opportunity to participate in the project search process in the Winter semester.

Yes, with prior approval from the mentor. The mentor must "apply" to UROP by submitting a project proposal. Once the project is approved by UROP, the mentor can begin the hiring process.

Mentors can submit a project proposal here:

UROP | Project Proposals

If your UROP project is located outside the standard UM Blue Bus routes (e.g., at the Rachel Upjohn Building, Dominos Farms, near Wolverine Tower, Ypsilanti, or Detroit), UROP has you covered! UROP provides access to a leased UM vehicle that students can drive, provided they have a valid driver's license and complete a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check.

For more information visit:

UROP | Transportation

Absolutely. UROP is available to all undergraduates from all schools and colleges.

Previous research experience is not required.

UROP offers FREE skill-building workshops that are either required or recommended by UROP mentors as part of their research projects. These workshops aim to enhance students' proficiency and confidence in various skill sets, including but not limited to citation management, data management, programming, communicating research, data visualization, video editing/creation, and laboratory skills. Students are welcome to attend any of these skill-building workshops, even if their research mentor does not specifically require or recommend them

Changing Gears (CG) is a UROP program primarily designed for community college transfer students who will be attending the University of Michigan. It also serves students transferring from 4-year institutions.

UROP application deadlines vary by program.

Fall 2025 - Winter 2026 Academic Year Application

Changing Gears is designed primarily for community college transfer students who will be attending the University of Michigan, but also serves students transferring from 4-year institutions. 

Application Opens: January 15, 2025, rolling admissions

Traditional UROP (Current U-M students)

Application Opens: January 15, 2025, rolling admissions

Traditional UROP (Incoming Undergraduates and Transfer Students Fall 2025)

Application Opens: May 1, 2025, rolling admissions

Research Scholars: is designed for students who want to expand on their first year UROP experience and participate in UROP for a second year at an advanced level.

Application Opens: February 6, 2025

Application Close: June 11, 2025

*Application links can be found on the UROP homepage.

Students participating for academic credit will receive 2-4 general elective credits per term. 

Work-study students who have applied for and accepted their Financial Aid work-study package will earn 1 academic credit per term and will be paid $15 per hour. Students who have work-study as part of their Financial Aid Award may still choose to participate for academic credit and are not required to use their work-study funds for UROP participation.

Federal Work-Study is a financial aid program for students with financial need, funding part-time jobs for undergraduates to help cover educational expenses. Under the Work-Study program, a portion of students’ earnings is covered by federal funds, with the remainder paid by UROP.

UROP provides grants to currently enrolled U-M UROP students who do not have work-study as part of their financial aid package but who have demonstrated financial need. More information about the grant and how to apply can be found here:

UROP Student Grants

Each student enrolled in UROP can earn 1-4 credits by attending the mandatory research seminar and completing all associated assignments.

Students taking the course for credit may register for 2-4 credits, depending on the time commitment required for their research project. The number of credit hours is based on the weekly hours dedicated to conducting research, ranging from 6 to 12 hours per week.

Work-study and grant students earn 1 credit for their participation in seminars and related activities, which are not compensated.

Yes, credit students, regardless of their research hours, may choose to take UROP for 1 credit with approval from Dr. Michelle Ferrez, Director of UROP (email: mdferrez@umich.edu). These students must still complete the agreed-upon hours as outlined in their Mentor/Mentee agreement and fulfill all components of both the seminar and research aspects of UROP. Failure to meet these requirements will result in dismissal from the program.

If you have any questions about your credit load or whether you have the space and time for UROP, please schedule an appointment with your academic advisor!