STUDENT RESEARCH
Getting Started
Build research skills, gain valuable experience and collaborate with faculty on scholarly or creative projects that excite and inspire you. When you pursue research as a MacEwan student, you have the opportunity to dig into a topic and turn your curiosity into discovery.
Why conduct research?
When you conduct research, you build critical skills, ask in-depth questions and apply theory to practice. Everyone’s research experience is unique, shaped by individual goals and interests.
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Apply what you learnTake your ideas from the classroom and apply them to real-world projects. Gain hands-on experience, practice critical thinking and learn to work independently. |
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Develop skills that stand outBuild technical and transferable skills like data analysis, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, presentation skills and project management. You also learn to accept feedback and apply it to your project. |
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Strengthen your academic and career pathResearch experience supports applications for jobs, graduate school and professional programs. It can lead to awards, co-curricular recognition and strong references from faculty mentors. |
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Connect with mentors and opportunitiesWorking closely with professors helps you grow as a researcher and a professional. These mentorships can lead to future projects, funding opportunities and valuable networking connections. |
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Act on your curiosityExplore topics that matter to you. Whether your goal is to apply for graduate studies or to explore personal interests, research helps shape your path and contribute new ideas to your discipline. |
Choose your research path
Participate in research-based coursework, explore a topic that interests you, work closely with a mentor—at MacEwan University you can choose the research path that suits you best.
Be a research assistant
Research assistant positions are typically found through faculty members in your program. Review faculty web pages and profiles to see whose research aligns with your interests. You can also speak with professors before or after class to ask about upcoming opportunities.
Other ways to find research assistant positions include checking MacEwanLife and reviewing the Research Opportunities section of the MacEwan website. Some roles are paid and others are volunteer, depending on the project and available funding.
Plan and lead your own project
Many student-led projects follow a research lifecycle: identify your interests, refine a topic, connect with a faculty supervisor, apply for any required ethics approval or funding, conduct your research and share your findings.
Most projects require a faculty mentor to help clarify objectives, guide methodology and support funding or ethics applications. You can connect with potential supervisors by approaching a professor whose class you’ve taken or contacting your department. You can also look at the faculty mentors for past USRI project grant recipients or Student Research Day (SRD) participants. When reaching out, be clear about your goals, review their research first and come to meetings well prepared.
Conduct course-based research
Many programs offer structured ways to build research skills through capstone courses, experiential learning, independent study or honours pathways. These options allow you to complete supervised research as part of your degree requirements.
Offerings vary by discipline, so connect with your program or department to learn what is available. You can also consult the Academic Calendar for details on honours programs, independent studies and research-focused courses in your area of study.
Your path into research
Learn about student research day
MacEwan Library and the Office of Research Services can help you plan and conduct your research projects.
Frequently asked questions
No. Many students begin research with little or no experience. Curiosity, effort and a willingness to learn matter more than prior skills.
You can get involved at any stage of your academic career. Some students start in their first year; others begin later.
You can connect with potential supervisors by approaching a professor whose class you’ve taken or contacting your department. You can also look at the faculty mentors for past USRI project grant recipients or Student Research Day participants. When reaching out, be clear about your goals, review their research first and be well prepared when you meet with faculty to discuss your ideas.
Research assistant positions are typically found through faculty members in your program. Other ways to find research assistant opportunities include checking MacEwan Life for posted positions and keeping an eye on the Research Opportunities section of Campus Life on the MacEwan website.
Check MacEwanLife for positionsExplore Research Opportunities
Yes. Research experience can strengthen graduate school applications by showing your skills, independence and commitment. It can also help you build your professional network.