Research Question

[jmcfa002]

I've been talking to professors about doing research for this coming year. Do you usually get paid for them, or is it volunteer work?

 

[BelhavenMD]

Several institutions have summer research opportunities that include a stipend. If you are wanting to get paid, I would look for these.

 

[bsson]

usually it's for volunteer. professors are already on a tight budget and money goes to grad students and post docs. plus theres not much for undergrads to do except assisting grad students (unless youre a stud researcher).

 

[jyw003]

most undergrads do volunteer work...as bsson said already, they are on tight budget...but depending on your institution, you could potentially get paid minimum wage as a student lab assistant I, then II, III, etc. I would ask for pay but if they say no, volunteer...at least get your foot in the door. =]

 

[shunsistoesis]

yes, depends on the institution, on the department

they could have structured summer student programs where you could apply for a stipend and be assigned a research topic to present after 3-4 months of work

if you're considering during the school year, check if they have research courses that count as academic credit. you can build on the relationship you have with your PI while in this course if you want to work with him/her again in the future

 

[mike36]

Usually, you will get class credit but no pay. There are some scholarships, fellowships, etc, that will pay you for research, but the money usually doesn't come from your PI.

 

[jyw003]

Usually, you will get class credit but no pay. There are some scholarships, fellowships, etc, that will pay you for research, but the money usually doesn't come from your PI.

depending on the university and department, they have GPA requirements too!

 

[jmcfa002]

Thanks for the responses. It is going to start in the fall if I can get in with a professor. I assumed it would be volunteer, but I didn't know for sure. That would be cool to get credit hours though...

 

[timbutt2]

Last summer I had a research internship in a physiology department that paid 3000 for 10 weeks. The following semester it was my part time job. And the semester after that not only was it my part time job, but I was also able to earn credit while getting paid--woohoo-only an hour credit, but still that was all I needed. Oh, and I'll be published for the work I did. Double bonus. My advice, it never hurts to ask...the worst they can say is no...I had to go as far as the dean to get credit.