Research Careers

Careers in applied research include User Experience, Clinical Research, and Policy Analysis.

In the fields of applied research, you will utilize your knowledge of research methods to help shape the products and policies our society deals with every day. 

Research Career Resources

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Learn about the paths of successful alumni by clicking the links below.

Kirsten Rutherford

UX Researcher, ATOM Innovation

How she became a UX Researcher

Nicole Turcotte

Clinical Research Manager, Barrow Neurological Institute

How she became a Research Manager

Sarah Johns

Program Evaluations Specialist, First Things First

How she got involved in Research

Gbolahan Olanubi

UX Researcher, Facebook

How he became a UX Researcher

Jessica Bodford

Research Manager, Facebook

How she became a UX Researcher

Samantha Neufeld

Senior Design Researcher, Microsoft

How she became a Senior Design Researcher

Interested in a career in research? Check out the resources below.

User Experience (UX) Research

As a UX researcher, you would focus on understanding what users need, what they value and how well they can use your company’s technology. The goal of UX researchers is to ensure that users find value in the products your company is providing.

Recommended classes:

Typical salary: $57,000 to $125,000 per year

Job outlook: Expected to increase by 19% by 2029

Requirements:

Clinical Research

As a clinical researcher, you will help develop and implement research studies for various topics affecting people’s health and well-being.

Recommended classes:

  • PSY 290 - Research Methods
  • HCR 350 - Introduction to Clinical Research 
  • PSY 462 - Health Psychology

Typical salary: $82,000 per year

Job outlook: Expected to increase by 13% by 2026

Requirements:

  • Requirements vary per employer and field of work. Most positions as a researcher or research manager only require a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Policy Analyst

As a policy researcher, you will help organize and conduct studies that will influence policy for businesses, government institutions, and other organizations.

Recommended classes:

Typical salary: $40,000 to $80,000 per year

Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a research-based major
  • Further requirements will vary per position. Some positions may require a master’s degree.

Interested in an internship in research? Fill out the form below.

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