Journals
Research journals are one of the primary ways that researchers communicate their findings, ideas, and scholarly work with others in their fields. Publishing your work can help you develop your writing skills, contribute to the scholarly conversation, and make your work available for others to discover, build upon, and cite.
As an undergraduate researcher, there are different pathways to publication. Some journals are specifically dedicated to publishing undergraduate research, while disciplinary and professional journals publish work by researchers at all career stages, including undergraduate students. The journals highlighted below are a starting point for exploring publication opportunities.
Interested in publishing your research? Remember to talk with your research mentor about whether your work is ready for publication and which journals may be a good fit. Your mentor can also help you navigate authorship, manuscript preparation, journal selection, submission requirements, and the peer-review process.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Journal information on this page is current as of Aug 2026 and is subject to change. Please consult individual journal websites for the most up-to-date information. Lists on this page are not exhaustive. Journals within each section are listed alphabetically; their inclusion or order does not indicate endorsement or recommendations.
UCSB Journals
UCSB offers opportunities for undergraduate students to gain experience with scholarly publishing. Campus-based journals can be a great place to start exploring the publication process, whether you are preparing your first manuscript or interested in learning how research moves from submission through review and publication.
| Opportunity | Description |
|---|---|
| UCSB Undergraduate Journal of History (The UGH Journal) | Biannual scholarly journal dedicated to showcasing original undergraduate research and other scholarly works of history. The journal is run by undergraduate editors, with articles peer-reviewed by faculty and graduate students, and published open access on eScholarship. |
| URCA Journal (URCAJ) | Multidisciplinary publication showcasing original research, literature reviews, and other scholarly work by UCSB undergraduate students. Submissions are peer-reviewed by the editorial board of URCAJ, which is composed of UCSB undergraduate researchers. Accepted papers are published open access on eScholarship. |
(Inter)national Undergraduate Research Journals
Journals dedicated to publishing undergraduate research offer opportunities to publish your work and gain experience with the scholarly publishing process. The examples below are some multidisciplinary journals that accept submissions from undergraduate researchers across institutions and fields of study. They are only a starting point; many additional undergraduate journals focus on particular disciplines, topics, or types of scholarship.
| Journal | Peer Review? | DOI? | Open Access? | Publishing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Journal of Undergraduate Research | Peer review by faculty | Yes | Yes | No |
| Journal of Undergraduate Research & Scholarly Excellence | Peer review by faculty, graduate, and undergraduate referees | No | Yes | No |
| Journal of Young Investigators | Double-blind | Yes | Yes | No |
| Reinvention: An International Journal of Undergraduate Research | Double-blind by academic referees | Yes | Yes | No |
Finding Journals in Your Field
The journals highlighted above focus specifically on undergraduate research, but they are not your only pathway to publication. Undergraduate researchers can also publish in disciplinary and professional journals alongside graduate students, faculty, and other researchers. If you are considering publication, talk with your research mentor about journals that may be appropriate for your work.
A good place to start is with the literature you already know: Which journals frequently publish research related to your topic? Where are the papers you cite published? You can also explore journals published by professional and disciplinary organizations in your field.
When considering a journal, look at its scope and the types of articles it publishes, who its intended audience is, how submissions are peer-reviewed, whether articles are openly accessible, and whether there are publication fees. Reading several recently published articles can also help you determine whether your research is a good fit.
Evaluate before you submit. Not every journal that invites you to submit your work is a reputable scholarly publication. Look for clear information about the journal’s editorial board, publication policies, and fees, and be cautious of unsolicited invitations that make unrealistic promises about rapid publication. Your research mentor and UCSB librarians can help you identify and evaluate potential publication venues.