Close search
Academics

Research

Research is an exciting part of the BW experience. In addition to being dedicated teachers, our professors are passionate scholars and researchers who are more than willing to involve you in their latest project or activity.

BW's Undergraduate Research and Creative Studies (URCS) supports the partnership of student and professor in a creative, hands-on approach to learning. Regardless of your interest, you'll have the chance to pursue research or a creative project in almost every field. And you won't do it alone. You'll be guided by an involved and conscientious mentor. URCS lists some of these research opportunities, but you and your professor might come up with a new idea of your own.

Our students take advantage of our funded on-campus Summer Scholars Program as well as off-campus "summer experiments" such as working in Cleveland medical institutions, parks and zoos. You may also do research in places such as Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico. These types of research opportunities are invaluable as you launch your career or apply to graduate or professional schools.

Undergraduate Research and Creative Studies

Pair up with a professor...two heads are better than one! Undergraduate Research and Creative Studies (URCS) at BW provides student/faculty teams with the resources necessary to conduct research and in-depth projects in all fields.

What is Undergraduate Research ?
Students collaborate with faculty on actual research projects or other creative endeavors, learning about both a particular topic in a field and the research process in general.

Why do research?
Students develop core skills in critical thinking, writing, oral communication, quantitative methods and teamwork while building a professional connection and rapport with their mentor. What results is more than the production of research papers, books, art or websites - it is a chance for accelerated personal growth and an experience not often gained prior to graduate school.

What will I learn?
You will learn how to approach unstructured problems and how to make sense of and evaluate information. You will learn how to apply what you are learning in the classroom to real-world questions. These are valuable qualities that future employers look for.

Summer Scholars Program
The Summer Scholars Program is a funded 10-week intensive session that provides an opportunity for BW students to pursue research or creative projects of their own design under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Summer Scholars live together on campus during those weeks and have extensive opportunities to engage in collaborative activities within an intellectual community. This program is open to students pursuing any major offered at BW and who are in good academic standing.

Summer Scholars are awarded a $3,500 stipend, free summer housing and up to $500 to pay for supplies, services and/or travel in direct support of their research projects. Faculty mentors receive a $1,200 stipend and are expected to work closely to challenge, guide and support student researchers during the summer session. This "high impact" practice is a meaningful and fun way for students and faculty to spend part of the summer.

Three Campus Libraries Fuel Your Discovery

Get to know the incredible resources available through BW's three libraries. Rich databases, a vast interlibrary loan program, and an extensive collection of periodicals will make it easy for you to find material for your next big research paper or project, or just to satisfy your own curiosity.

Don't hesitate to ask one of our friendly staff members for assistance. They're here to help you be the best student you can be.

Ritter Library is BW's main library and conveniently located on North Campus. It offers extensive research resources, study rooms, a quiet study floor and the BW Archives.

Jones Music Library, is located in Merner-Pfeiffer Hall, holds nearly 40,000 items, most of which circulate to BW and OhioLINK patrons.

The Riemenschneider Bach Institute, housed in the Boesel Musical Arts Center, is a renowned research center dedicated to J.S. Bach.

Responsible Research

Baldwin Wallace University is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of both human and animal subjects involved in the conduct of research by BW faculty, students and staff. Baldwin Wallace supports responsible research which promises to increase knowledge and understanding, and encourages the highest ethical standards among BW researchers. To ensure these safeguards and standards are met, the Office of Responsible Research houses an Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the protection of human subjects and an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) for the protection of animal subjects.