Is Research Necessary?
Students often ask, “Do I have to do research to get into medical, dental, veterinary, etc. school?” In most cases, research is not an admissions requirement, although it demonstrates intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and team work. However, if a student is planning to pursue a dual health and PHD degree, having research experience is highly recommended and in some cases a requirement for admission. Often doing research leads to a paper, abstract, or poster which demonstrates communication skills.
Even if you do not intend to pursue research in your career, most health professionals are life-long consumers of research. Therefore, developing an appreciation for it will be useful in the future. Research does not have to be science based but can be within your non-science major interests. You should pursue research with consistency and commitment, not just as a way to “look good.” How do I find a research project? Many students are unsure of where to find research. Whatever approach you take, BE PERSISTENT.
Opportunities
There are plenty of research positions on campus, but it may take asking quite a few people before you find one that’s available. Do I have to do research for credit? No. Doing research for credit is fine, but it’s not necessary. Having the experience and learning from it are the important things. There will be space to list your research experiences on your application to professional school.
Research Opportunities at NMSU:
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- Biology Department
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC)
- Building Research Achievement in Neuroscience (BRAiN) Scholars program
- Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS)
- Summer Community College Opportunity for Research Experience (SCCORE) (Current community college students only)
