Undergraduate Research
At the heart of undergraduate research and experiential learning
As an undergraduate student, you can choose to create a research question and design a study that seeks to better understand the world. This rigorous independent research should lead to a scholarly or creative end product that you can publish or present on or off campus.
Study Abroad
With more than 175 programs in 60+ countries, students at UNC Asheville have the ability to open doors to exciting global adventures that go beyond textbooks. International experiences from Italy to Ecuador, Japan to Australia, and worldwide equip students with global perspective, preparing them to succeed in an interconnected world.
STEAM Studio
Located in the River Arts District, the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Studio is an educational makerspace equipped with the latest design fabrication tools. This interdisciplinary hub connects our students and faculty to the creative community of Asheville and beyond. In 2018, the STEAM Studio assembled Mel Chin's Wake, the largest art installation ever built in New York City's Time Square.
Visual and Performing Arts
Owen Hall offers cutting-edge classrooms, galleries and studios, providing an innovative environment for art and new media majors. Musicians will find countless performance opportunities, on campus or across local music venues.
What is Undergraduate Research?
UNC Asheville is a hub for undergraduate research excellence: 49 students and alumni have been awarded prestigious Fulbright Scholarships, we pioneered the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and our Undergraduate Research Program is recognized as a “program of distinction” by the U.S. News and World Report. And while your research will be independent, we don’t expect you to do it alone: our faculty are eager and dedicated research mentors in a wide variety of fields.
Over 65% of students participate in our nationally recognized Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Program, leveraging faculty mentorship to conduct original, independent research. Students can secure year-long grant funding or seek out generous departmental opportunities like the McCullough Fellowship. Our campus upholds the tradition of hosting semesterly symposia to showcase student-led projects.
Imagination Meets Impact – Undergraduate Student Research Projects
The Original Minds Series
Witness how UNC Asheville students think critically with curiosity, approach challenges with courage and create impact with imagination through their academic work, creative projects, and our undergraduate research program.
The Journal of Undergraduate Research
One of the most important aspects of research is putting it to the test in the public sphere; publishing it for others to evaluate, critique and build upon. Our Journal of Undergraduate Research exhibits academic excellence and rigorous inquiry in broad topics, from the pitch of bird songs to Hopi prophecy to urban renewal to nanowire synthesis.
Intrigued? Read the latest issue to get a firsthand look at research on campus!
Learn More about the Journal of Undergraduate Research
How Can You Get Involved?
Gain hands-on field experience pursuing a question and path of study that you design. Join more than 65 percent of UNCA’s undergraduates conducting research in labs, forests, theaters, and more, both in North Carolina and around the world. Produce a presentation for our annual symposia on UNCA Undergraduate Research, Creativity, and Community Engagement.
UNC Asheville also provides ample grant opportunities to support your creative activities and research! Learn more about how to apply for undergraduate research grants.
Learn More about How You Can Participate
Room for Every Voice – The Benefits of Undergraduate Research
Engaging with salient questions as an undergraduate sets you up for long-term success, both as a researcher and as a lifelong learner. At UNC Asheville, undergraduate research involves close mentoring relationships between faculty and students—relationships that can form the basis of your academic and professional networks.
Beyond how you’ll personally benefit from research, though, is the impact you’ll have on fellow students, our community, and even the world. New research is invigorating and inspiring: it drives those who engage with it to ask more questions and make more discoveries. We can’t wait to see where you start.
Your Curiosity and Imagination are Valued at UNC Asheville
Pair creativity with persistence in your quest to uncover truths and share insights in a community that is constantly learning and growing. At UNC Asheville, you’ll find new understandings of the world, rich collaborative partnerships, and lifelong mentors who are invested in your flourishing.