The McMaster Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs) support research partnerships between undergraduate students and faculty members in the Faculty of Social Sciences. USRA projects normally take place over approximately 12 -16 weeks under the supervision of a faculty member, with students expected to devote approximately 10-20 hours per week to research activities. The outcome of the USRA will be a research poster presented by the student at the annual USRA poster symposium.

USRAs are valued at $7,500, and there are up to 18 awarded annually. Application deadlines are March 31st and October 31st each year (or the following Monday, if these dates fall on a weekend). In consultation with your supervisor, USRAs can be taken up in the Fall, Winter, or Spring/Summer terms.*

USRA applications are submitted to the Arts Research Board (ARB) review committee by the faculty supervisor after completing the application form with the student. Applications will be evaluated based on clear articulation of:

1. Overall project description.
2. Potential significance of the research.
3. Fit of the project within the supervisor’s larger research program.
4. Feasibility of executing the project within the proposed timeline.

Interested students are encouraged to contact a faculty member about the prospects of their being involved in their research well in advance of USRA application deadlines. Students from equity-deserving groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

The McMaster Undergraduate Research Awards (USRAs) are supported by the Office of the Vice-President, Research, and the Faculty of Social Sciences.

* If a faculty member and/or student are successful in their Fall USRA application and wish to apply for the Spring competition, the proposal must be for a different project.