How To Become A Research Scholar: What It Is and Career Path

What is a research scholar and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Friedbert Ninow Ph.D.,

Daniel Patten Ph.D.

Research scholar can be a very good position for students in college or graduate programs looking to build their resume. A research scholar is typically a college or graduate student who works under an advisor works on projects in a specific field of study, seeking to analyze and uncover new information that can be presented in academic or trade journals. Depending on department, a research scholar's duties may include, but are not limited to, data gathering, statistical analysis, laboratory experiments, and authoring research papers.

Research scholars should possess strong analytical, written, verbal, and problem-solving skills, as well as be able to work with other team members. Working as a research scholar can help a student develop further knowledge and experience in their area of study, and these skills can help in future vocations as teachers or analysts. Typically, research scholars conduct their work in addition to attending classes, and are usually paid a stipend for a set duration of time. They may also receive a tuition waiver, and some may work for organizations outside of a university as part of their research assignments.

Depending on whether or not the researcher is a college student, graduate student, or post-graduate, some research scholars can make up to $58,000 a year, and job growth for this field is projected at 8% by 2028.

What general advice would you give to a research scholar?

Friedbert Ninow Ph.D.

Dean, La Sierra University

A degree in theological and ministerial studies (or more generally in Religious Studies) does not necessarily have to lead into pastoral ministry. There are many opportunities where a Religion degree is a good foundation: Chaplaincy (e.g., Hospital, Army, Jail, etc.), Politics & Society, Journalism, Health Sciences, Arts, etc.

General advice: Let your heart speak first, not possible career chances or salary perspectives, etc. (I understand that this is important, too).

ScoreResearch ScholarUS Average

Salary

4.5

Avg. Salary $58,047

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.5

Growth rate 17%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.03%

Asian 16.81%

Black or African American 8.59%

Hispanic or Latino 15.32%

Unknown 6.02%

White 52.22%

Gender

female 48.20%

male 51.80%

Age - 35

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 35

Stress level

4.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a research scholar

Explore research scholar education requirements

Most common research scholar degrees

Bachelor's

55.4 %

Master's

24.4 %

Doctorate

16.1 %

Start to develop specific research scholar skills

Skills	Percentages
Analyze Data	7.04%
C++	6.67%
Original Research	6.31%
PCR	6.06%
Molecular Biology	5.06%

Complete relevant research scholar training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New research scholars learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a research scholar based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real research scholar resumes.

Research research scholar duties and responsibilities

Process and manage GIS databases to contribute towards research in human transportation behavior.
Map DNA markers in the rice genome.
Develop a sensitive assay for evaluating replication stress and DNA damage with imaging cytometry.
Study the moisture absorption micro-mechanisms in glass-fiber/polymer composite materials using simulation and experimental methodologies (NSF research grant).

Prepare your research scholar resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your research scholar resume.

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