TIGURS

Towson University offers the Towson Inquiry Grants for Undergraduate Research in the Summer (TIGURS) program in the summer for rising sophomores and transfer students new to TU.

TIGURS is open to students in any major who have completed their first year at TU, transfer students who have completed their first semester at TU, and incoming transfer students enrolling at TU in the fall following the TIGURS program. The program, which runs for five weeks from June 14 to July 16, 2027, provides summer housing on campus, a food stipend, several meals during group workshops, and a $1,500 stipend to each participant. Students will spend about 20 hours/week conducting research and 6-9 hours/week in group workshops.

  • No prior research experience is required.
  • The application is due March 7, 2027 and will open at the beginning of the Spring Semester.
  • Information sessions will be held in February (details to come).
  • For any questions please email . 

When students complete the application, you will be asked to rank your interest in research topics proposed by faculty from across TU (detailed information for each topic is included on the application). Matches will be made in March by the program directors based on complementary research interests and not necessarily within departments. 

First Year Grants FAQ

Faculty from a variety of disciplines at TU — not just STEM fields — will lead students through the research process. You can work with faculty in your major or learn a new skill. You will also participate in group workshops three days a week to learn more about conducting research, prepare you to give a final oral presentation on the last day of the program, and help you develop as a student researcher. You will attend a TIGURS student orientation in May and meet with your faculty mentor before the program starts in June. The five weeks are organized by general topic: 1) The Big Picture of Your Research, 2) Background, 3) Methods, 4) Next Steps, 5) Presentations.

Students must be able to live on campus (housing provided) and attend 90% of the workshops (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings) in person. Students should not have other commitments including courses, internships, or employment during the five weeks that exceed 10 hours per week. Please reach out to if you have specific questions.

When students complete the application, you will be asked to rank your interest in the provided topics. Program directors will try to match you with a professor who shares your interests.

Participating in TIGURS is a great way to learn about undergraduate research at TU and to help push the boundaries of knowledge that will improve our world. No prior research experience is required to participate.

Students who participate in undergraduate research are more successful academically. The benefits include:

  • building mentoring relationships with faculty

  • preparing for advanced undergraduate or graduate research opportunities

  • applying for internships, competitive scholarships and fellowships

  • developing the critical thinking and reasoning skills needed for future educational and career opportunities (undergraduate research is a high impact practice that will make you stand out in a competitive market; learn more at TU's Degree Boost webpage)

The faculty application is available in November and due in early December each year. Faculty must provide a one paragraph description of a research project appropriate for a student new to research to conduct in five weeks in the summer. Faculty must also commit to attending a faculty orientation in May, being available during the five weeks for in person meetings with the student, and attending the student presentations on the final day of TIGURS in July. More information can be found in the application linked here. 

Towson Inquiry Grants for Undergraduate Research in the Summer ( TIGURS ) is supported by : 

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