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Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program

Research Fellowships

Emory is both an excellent liberal arts college and a tier-one research university. We take advantage of these strengths—and promote the fruitful interaction of undergraduate education and scholarly research—by hosting a select group of undergraduate fellows who actively participate in the university's vibrant research environment. 

QTM fellows gain valuable research experience in a field of interest and get academic credit for their work.

About the QTM Undergraduate Fellowship Program

Students are enrolled in three academic credits per semester (QTM 499: Directed Research)

Fellowships take place over one semester beginning in the Fall with the option to extend to the following Spring semester.

The research assistant position entails an average of 8-10 hours per week

QTM Fellows are highly self-motivated and can work independently. The program differs from taking a normal class:

  • there is no lecture
  • no classmates
  • no TA
  • no from A to Z guidance

Fellows have the ability to acquire new knowledge and skills through their own efforts without formal instruction.

Fellows will gain invaluable educational experiences that will give them an advantage in a variety of careers, including:

  • research
  • business
  • law
  • public service
Access to research support: QTM fellows can apply for up to $500 to support their research projects*
*These funds must directly enable the student to execute a task within his/her/their research role. Can be used for networking, professional development, and to present at conferences.

  • Open to rising juniors and seniors only
  • An overall and major GPA of at least 3.5 is required
  • 8-10 hours of independent research per week
  • Knowledge on at least one computing software (R, Python, Java, Matlab, STATA, etc)
  • Have taken QTM 220 or equivalent (ECON 320) recommended but not required
  • Priority is given to QTM major and minor students (QSS, AMS, PPA, and BBA + QSS students)

  • You may not participate in any Honors program
  • You may not participate in any research program outside of the QTM Fellowship
  • You may not participate in any QTM Capstone program

Please note: Research conducted as a QTM undergraduate fellow or research assistant cannot be used for or related to a student's undergraduate honors thesis work

Admission to the QTM fellowship program is highly selective.

Applications for the 2023 - 2024 QTM fellowship program will be posted near the beginning of the Fall semester.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can the academic credits I receive through the QTM fellowship count towards my major?

    Up to three credits can count towards the general credit hour requirements for the QSS major. You cannot substitute for any of the required core courses or electives, but up to three credit hours can count towards the overall 50+ credits you need for the QSS, PPA, or AMS major.

  • Can the research I'm involved in as a part of this fellowship be related to my honors thesis?

    If you meet the criteria for QTM's Undergraduate Fellowship program, we will seek a match between you and a faculty member and/or PhD student based on your research interests and academic background. If we successfully match you, you will then meet with the faculty member and/or PhD student, establish expectations and responsibilities, and sign a contract.

  • What am I expected to do as a QTM Undergraduate Fellow? Do I just act as a research assistant for 8-10 hrs/week?

    In addition to acting as a research assistant, you must attend two brief check-in meetings during each semester with QTM's Undergraduate Fellowship Director. Fellows will be asked to complete a self-evaluation and discuss their progress in their respective research projects.

  • How do I apply for funding to support my research project? What kinds of things can I apply for?

    Contact Ms. Sadie Hannans at sadie.marie.hannans@emory.edu if you are interested in applying for funding to support your research project. The funds must go towards executing your research project.

  • What are sample projects of previous Fellows?

    Current Fellows Past Fellows