Research in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Why Research at CEBS?
At the heart of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is a commitment to impactful research. Here, curiosity thrives as students and faculty work side-by-side, using diverse methods to tackle critical questions in counseling, education, leadership, and psychology. Our work extends beyond the lab and classroom to create positive change in our communities.

Find Your Place in Research
Whether you're an undergraduate student eager for hands-on experience or a faculty member driving the next wave of innovation, CEBS is a community built on discovery. Explore the pathways below to see how you can contribute to groundbreaking work and make a lasting impact.
For Students
Step beyond the classroom and make your mark. As a student researcher, you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience and build a professional portfolio. You will:
- Help design and plan research studies
- Collect data from participants
- Analyze data and test hypotheses
- Present findings at conferences
- Publish in academic journals
For Faculty
Advance your research agenda with our comprehensive support system. We're dedicated to helping you secure funding, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and effectively mentor the next generation of scholars.
Fuel Your Discovery
Bringing a research project to fruition requires resources. We provide a robust portfolio of funding opportunities and dedicated grant support to ensure our students and faculty have what they need to drive their discoveries forward.
Student Funding Opportunities
FUSE Grants
The Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement (FUSE) grant provides $3,000 for students to conduct research projects with a faculty mentor.
Conference Travel Funding
CEBS has travel funding available for students presenting their research or scholarship at regional, national, or international conferences.
Additional Funding
Explore more opportunities through the Office of Research, Mahurin Honors College, Office of Scholar Development, and The Graduate School.
Faculty Funding Opportunities
RCAP Grants
The Research and Creative Activities Program (RCAP) is an internal funding mechanism with awards of $8,000 and $16,000 available.
QTAG & Microgrants
Secure up to $3,000 for critical, time-sensitive research needs through a Quick Turn Around Grant (QTAG), or access a Microgrant for smaller project-related expenses.
External Funding Support
Leverage the expertise of our dedicated CEBS Grants Specialist to identify external funding opportunities, develop compelling proposals, and prepare white papers. We're here to help you succeed.
Our Commitment to Excellence
We are dedicated to fostering an ethical, supportive, and rigorous research environment. Our commitment to integrity and best practices in mentorship ensures that all scholarship is conducted to the highest standard.
These resources can guide faculty in their mentorship of undergraduate researchers:
- How to Engage Undergraduates in Research
- Salient Practices of Undergraduate Resources
- Engaging Undergraduates in Publishable Research: Best Practices
- Undergraduate Research Teams that Build Bridges, Produce Publishable Research, and Strengthen Grant Proposals
- Authorship Guidelines for Collaborative Scholarly Products with Students
Additional resources to support undergraduate research are available through the WKU Office of Research and Creative Activity.
Let's Collaborate
Ready to start your research journey, find funding, or explore a new collaboration? Our team is here to help you take the next step.
Grant Development
Molly Swietek, Asst. Director, Grant Development & Educational Innovation
Send a General Inquiry
Have a general question? Fill out the form below, and we'll make sure your message gets to the right person on our team.
Office of the Dean
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
Additional Information
Make A Gift
By making a gift to support The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Fund for Excellence, a donor shares in the proud tradition that allows the University to achieve greater distinction and serve more people each year. There are a variety of ways you can make a gift to Western Kentucky University. Such gifts make a significant impact upon the University's mission to transform the lives of our students, our Hill, our community and beyond while allowing you the personal satisfaction of supporting WKU.
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