Every student at Southwestern University engages in research and creative projects, whether it’s writing a literature review for a final sociology essay or designing a theatrical performance for a capstone course. But undergraduate research goes well beyond the classroom. Through programs such as Summer Undergraduate Research with Faculty (SURF) and the King Creativity Fund, Southwestern from all disciplines and with all sorts of interests students enjoy multiple opportunities to become independent researchers and artists, articulating significant, previously unexplored questions and making original contributions to their fields. 

Partnering with faculty and peers, our students present their research or creative works at on-campus symposia as well as at professional conferences around the world; they even coauthor scholarly publications and exhibit their work at curated exhibitions. These experiences hone our students’ problem-solving and communication skills, providing the framework for lifelong innovation and creative thinking. Moreover, Southwestern’s undergraduates develop strong bonds with their peer researchers and their faculty mentors, a key element of our commitment to supporting personal growth.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

SURF—Summer Undergraduate research with Faculty

King Creativity Fund

Research & Creative Works Symposium

Undergraduate Research and Creative WOrks Travel Awards (UTA)

Off-Campus Research Opportunities

For Faculty