Research Opportunities
Undergraduate research helps students apply classroom learning to new situations and gain a variety of disciplinary skills. It offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in inquiry in their chosen field of study and develop practical hands-on knowledge. Faculty and PhD students in the Department of Economics occasionally have the need to hire undergraduate research assistants (URAs). Projects can include gathering and analysis of economic data, creating charts and graphs, coding, and checking mathematical calculations. Having experience with economic modeling software is helpful, but not always required.
Our majors have conducted undergraduate research within our department, with faculty from other academic departments, and at off-campus internships. In addition, economics students also have the opportunity to write an honors thesis or complete an independent study project. Please read below to learn more about recommended skills (and where to get them), available department research projects, and other undergraduate research opportunities at Cornell.
Recommended skills: Stata, SAS, Excel, MATLab . . . where can you get these skills?
Hatfield Undergraduate Research Assistant Program
The Economics Department's URA Program is supported by the Robert S. Hatfield Fund for Economic Education. The Hatfield Fund is used to enhance undergraduates' understanding of applied economics in general and the benefits and problems of the free market system.
Available Hatfield Projects
Opportunities will be emailed to the Economics majors listserv as they arise.
Other Research Opportunity Resources
Economics URA positions will be limited in number and competitive, so consider looking elsewhere as well. The campus has many avenues for pursuing research.
- If you are just starting to look for a research opportunity, you might consider starting with the College of Arts & Sciences. You may also speak with your Advising Dean to help narrow down your interests. This page also details the Einhorn Grant and Undergraduate Research Fund.
- The Labor Dynamics Institute regularly hires undergraduate research assistants in August, January, and May.
- Consider off-campus opportunities such as a summer program or an internship with Cornell In Washington.
- Check out Cornell's Undergraduate Research Page to find opportunities across campus.
- Visit the Student Employment Database to view available research opportunities on and off-campus.
- View the listing of Cornell’s 150 centers, institutes, laboratories and programs that may have URA opportunities.