English Research Assistantships (RAs)
Undergraduate English Research Assistantships are designed to involve JMU English majors and minors in the research life of the JMU English Department. By enrolling in ENG 294: Internships in English, you can earn academic credit for your work supporting a JMU English faculty member’s research, teaching, or service project. In the process, you will deepen your knowledge and skills in your area of interest, while experiencing what it means to be part of an intellectual community engaged in research and professional development. You can earn 1-3 academic credits in exchange for 3-10 hours of work per week.
As a Research Assistant (RA), you will forge valuable connections with your JMU English faculty mentor as you learn a wide range of skills, which may include: curriculum design and pedagogy; program or grant research, development, and writing; web and poster design, social media, and event management; primary, secondary, and archival research; transcription of archival material and metadata; compilation of annotated bibliographies; textual analysis; database entry, digitizing, and digital analysis; oral histories and interviews; and editorial work. These positions offer you the chance to build professional skills and/or prepare for graduate school. They also give you a competitive edge in applying for prestigious national scholarships or fellowships such as the Fulbright program, which often provide the opportunity for international travel and study.
Upcoming Research Assistantships will be announced via email to all declared English majors and minors before enrollment begins for the following semester. Interested students should contact faculty members directly to apply and interview for available positions, which will be filled at the faculty member’s discretion. View a list of past Research Assistantship positions. Contact the Director of Internships and Undergraduate Research for more information.
Undergraduate Conferences
JMU offers many opportunities for students to present their own research projects—developed in upper level classes or independent studies—to fellow students and faculty. Undergraduate research conferences also offer you the chance to showcase exemplary work, meet peers and faculty, learn about research and scholarship in your field and others, prepare for graduate school and employment opportunities, and develop your presentation skills. Please consider submitting your work to one of the following conferences:
- Madrush Conference
- African, African American, and Diaspora Studies Conference
- General Education Student Conference
- National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)
- National Undergraduate Literature Conference
Undergraduate Journals and Publications
Students who have conducted exemplary writing and research are strongly encouraged to share this work with a wider audience by taking advantage of one of the many publication opportunities available at JMU. Undergraduate publications offer you the opportunity to refine your work through the editing process and strengthen your portfolio or resume for employment or graduate school opportunities. Please consider submitting your work to one of the following journals or publications:
- James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal
- Proceedings of the MadRush Conference
- The Keezell Review
- Gardy Loo
- Sister Speak
Undergraduate Scholarships
The Honors College coordinates applications from JMU students for nationally competitive scholarships. You do not have to be an Honors student to apply for these awards. Many awards require JMU nomination or coordination. Please note that their list of scholarships is not comprehensive of all awards you might want to consider.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, you should schedule an appointment to meet with Meredith Malburne-Wade, JMU's Director of Fellowships Advising. Meredith will help you learn about national scholarship opportunities and guide them through the application process. It is a good idea to begin the process as early as possible.
