Research opportunities at Penn State?

Hello! I'm a junior in high school who's taking a closer look at Penn State as a possible option for college. Is Penn State considered a research university, and what kind of research opportunities can undergraduate students expect, particularly in the area of civil engineering? Your thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated!

Hello! Penn State is indeed considered a research university and offers undergraduate students many opportunities to engage in research projects, including in the area of civil engineering.

One way to get involved in research as an undergraduate is by participating in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Connection (UROC). This program pairs students with faculty mentors so that they can get hands-on experience in various fields, such as civil engineering. Some of the research areas within civil engineering that Penn State professors explore are structural engineering, transportation systems, water resources, and environmental engineering.

Aside from UROC, students can also directly approach faculty members and express interest in their research. Many faculty members are open to involving undergraduate students in their projects.

Finally, Penn State participates in annual events like the Undergraduate Exhibition that showcase undergraduate research, which is a great way to see the variety of projects your peers are involved with, as well as give you a clearer sense of the opportunities you yourself might have to get involved. And don't forget about summer research programs, as they can be a way for you to dive much more deeply into your interests, as you aren't also juggling your coursework.

I hope this information helps you with your college search!