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Undergraduate 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.

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

About the DSci Undergraduate Fellowship Program

DSci Fellows enroll in three academic credits each semester through DATASCI 499: Directed Research. The fellowship runs for one semester beginning in the Fall, with the option to continue into the Spring.

How the Fellowship Differs from a Traditional Course

The DSci Fellowship is designed for students who are highly self-motivated, able to work independently, and eager to take ownership of their learning. Unlike a standard class, there are:

  • No lectures
  • No classmates
  • No teaching assistant
  • No step-by-step instruction

Fellows are expected to develop new knowledge and skills through guided exploration, practice, and self-directed learning.

What Fellows Gain

This experience provides meaningful preparation for a wide range of careers and advanced academic paths, including:

  • Research
  • Business
  • Law
  • Public service

DSci Fellows leave the program with strengthened analytical skills, enhanced independence, and real-world research experience that sets them apart professionally and academically.

  • Open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors only
  • Good Academic Standing
  • 8-10 hours of independent research per week
  • Completed DATASCI 150 and 151 or equivalent
  • Priority is given to senior DSci major and minor students (Data Science, AMS, PPA, and BBA + Data Science students)

Admission to the DSci fellowship program is highly selective.

Students who would like to apply for a DSci fellowship and already have a faculty advisor from any department across Emory’s campus who has committed to serve as your research advisor for the semester, fill out this application.

Important Note: The DSci program does not run a faculty matching process at this time.

Applicants who already have a committed research advisor should submit their application no less than 3 days before the end of the add/drop/swap period in the semester.  Applications submitted after this time will be rejected and you will not be enrolled in DATASCI 499R. This application requires a signed and dated letter from the faculty advisor stating that they are willing to serve in this capacity for the semester.  Applications that do not include this letter will not be reviewed, and you will not be allowed to enroll in the research course for credit. The Director of Undergraduate Research will then choose whether or not to approve enrollment in DATASCI 499R.  Students will be informed of the status of their applications as soon as possible.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Up to three credits can count towards the general credit hour requirements for the DSci 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 DSci, 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 DSci'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 an 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 DSci's Undergraduate Fellowship Director. Fellows will be asked to complete a self-evaluation and discuss their progress in their respective research projects.