The King Undergraduate Research (KUR) program supports students as they ask questions about our world and explore ways to answer them. KUR encourages students to investigate the fields that spark their curiosity, including astronomy, economics, history, literature, mathematics, psychology, security and intelligence studies, toxicology, and much more.
What is undergraduate research?
According to the Council on Undergraduate Research, undergraduate research is “A mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge.”
Engaging in undergraduate research brings with it a number of benefits, including:
- Increased expertise in your field of exploration
- Strengthened graduate school and/or job applications
- Expanded connections in your area of study or employment
- Improved public speaking skills
Funding Opportunities
King University Undergraduate Research Travel Grants
King University provides limited travel assistance to students attending and/or presenting at academic conferences. Students may apply for travel assistance from the Undergraduate Research Committee, the Snider Honors Program, or other grant-funded programs at King. All applications must be submitted using the Undergraduate Research Travel Funding Request Form.
The criteria for awards depend upon the source of funding. For funds from the Undergraduate Research Committee, please review the criteria and application deadline information outlined here.
UNITED Internship and Professional Development Grant Program
The UNITED Internship and Professional Development Grant Program, made possible by a generous grant from the United Company Foundation, gives King students the ability to apply for funding to assist with professional development opportunities. Applications will be accepted and funding allocated on a rolling basis. Last applications will be accepted on Friday, April 23, 2027.
With this grant, students can apply for:
- A gas card to cover the cost of travel to and from an internship.
- Funding to cover conference registration fees, travel to and from a conference, and lodging for the duration of the event.
- Funding to cover the purchase of professional clothing for internships, interviews, student teaching, job shadowing opportunities, and more.
- Any other professional development opportunities that students might need financial assistance to cover.
UNITED Internship and Professional Development Grant Program Application
Questions can be directed to careerservices@king.edu.
Appalachian College Association (ACA) Ledford Scholars Program
The ACA’s Ledford Scholars Program offers financial assistance for intensive research projects to undergraduate students enrolled at ACA member institutions. Undergraduate students from Appalachian or contiguous counties, from any disciplines, are eligible, and a variety of fields of study, research approaches, and methodologies are supported each year. Scholars may select to complete their project in either summer or fall term.
For more information, click here.
UGR Conferences and Showcases
King’s Undergraduate Research Poster Session
Hosted by the E.W. King Library, this annual event highlights students’ research each spring during the Dogwood Alumni Weekend. Participation is free and open to any undergraduate student at King in any discipline. For more information, click here.
The Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference (BRURC)
Originally called the Southeastern Undergraduate Research Conference, the Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference has attracted widespread regional interest and is committed to providing a forum for southern Appalachian students to present the results of their research in a convenient and interesting setting. This conference is hosted by colleges and universities in southeastern Appalachia on a two-year rotating basis. The 2026 BRURC will be hosted at Ferrum College on April 3, 2026. Click here for information about proposal submissions, registration, and travel accommodations. For more information, please contact Dr. Kevin Deford.
National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)
“The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of student scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines.” For more information, click here.
Interested in learning more about undergraduate research at King?
Contact Emily Krug, Director of Undergraduate Research
Scholarly Engagement Librarian and Director of Undergraduate Research