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Great Undergraduate Research and Specialized Colleges in the South

If you're looking for specialized career training or a plethora of research opportunities during undergrad, look no further than these schools in the South.

Some career paths require highly specialized training before you can land a job in the field. If this is what you’re looking for in your college search, the schools on this list offer just that! Whether it’s scientific research or learning how to build planes, these colleges and universities will help you reach your professional goals. All the schools on this short but distinguished list can be found in the Southern US, and the best part is you can request more information and get recruited by clicking the green “Connect me” button underneath each one. Happy researching!

Duke University

Duke University logoDuke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina. Granting undergraduate degrees through the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and the Pratt School of Engineering, Duke offers 53 majors, 52, minors, and 23 certificate programs to a student body of 6,600 undergraduates—80% of whom graduate with more than one major. Students can get involved with more than 400 clubs and organizations as well as Division I athletic teams with national championships dating back to 1986.

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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Daytona Beach

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University logoEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private institution specializing in Aviation and Aerospace Engineering in Daytona Beach, Florida—with another campus in Prescott, Arizona. While ERAU specializes in undergraduate and graduate Aerospace and Aviation Engineering programs, students can also major in things like Applied Biology, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Business Administration, Communication, Computer Science, and much more. The University also offers more than 100 student clubs and organizations as well as 19 NCAA Division II athletic teams.

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Florida Institute of Technology

FL TechFlorida Institute of Technology is a private research university in Melbourne, Florida—only an hour from downtown Orlando. More than 3,200 undergraduates are enrolled in 60+ bachelor’s programs that offer a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 21. In addition to numerous opportunities for cooperative education, research, capstones, and internships with major corporations, the University’s flagship Senior Design Program allows students to develop valuable skills and showcase their engineering designs at an end-of–the-year showcase.

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Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University logoKennesaw State University is a public comprehensive research university with two campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia—just north of metro Atlanta. One of the 50 largest public institutions in America, KSU offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide array of fields, including architecture, business, construction, education, nursing, STEM, and the arts. More than 38,000 undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in experiences such as internships, undergraduate research, and service learning.

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Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University logoMississippi State University is a public land-grant research university in Starkville, Mississippi—24 miles west of Columbus. The University offers 170+ bachelor’s programs through the Colleges of Agriculture & Life Sciences; Arts & Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering; Forest Resources; Veterinary Medicine; and Architecture, Art & Design to 22,000 students from 80+ countries. MSU students also enjoy campus life with 340+ organizations to join and 20+ dining options to choose from.

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Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University logoTexas Christian University is a private church-affiliated university in Fort Worth, Texas—only three miles from downtown. With an enrollment of 11,000+ and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students can choose from 115 undergraduate areas of study, 53 master’s programs, and 28 doctoral programs. With 200+ in-person and 1,000+ virtual career events and employer meetups each year, 81% of TCU undergrads land internships, leading to 84% of students being employed, enrolled in graduate school, or in military service within six months of graduation.

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Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University logoTexas Tech University is a public comprehensive research university in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees to 40,000+ students, including 3,000+ who travel internationally to learn on campus. Whether floating the lazy river or joining one of 550+ student organizations, there are plenty of opportunities and adventures for getting involved in life as a Red Raider.

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University of Georgia

University of Georgia logoThe University of Georgia is a public land-grant research university in Athens, Georgia—70 miles northeast of Atlanta. UGA offers 125 undergraduate degrees concentrated in 98 major programs through 16 colleges and schools as well as the UGA/GRU Medical Partnership. From conducting research through the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) to serving the community through the UGA Campus Kitchen, experiential learning is one of many opportunities for students to pursue their passions on campus.

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Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University logoVanderbilt University is a private research university just a mile and a half from downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The University is home to 7,000 undergrads who come from more than 90 countries and study in 70+ major programs through colleges and schools of the Arts & Sciences, Music, Education & Human Development, and Engineering. Over 56% of Vanderbilt undergraduates participate in academic research, and when they’re not studying, they can partake in more than 475 student organizations, numerous study abroad opportunities, 32 club sports, 40+ intramural sports leagues, and NCAA Division I athletic teams.

Connect me with Vanderbilt!

There are a lot more schools to explore where this came from! Check out all our CX featured college lists to find awesome colleges and universities with the majors and locations you’re looking for.

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Ohio Northern University

Ada, OH


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