The Undergraduate Degree with the Research Option

Research Option offers students the opportunity for a substantial, in-depth research experience.  It offers students a taste for what long-term research can be like and provides extensive experience not found within a typical course setting.  One-on-one student and faculty mentoring is also a highlight of the experience.  Students are strongly encouraged at the end of their experience to work with their faculty mentor to develop a journal publication or conference presentation on the research in addition to the actual thesis.

The exact requirements for research option vary by academic unit, however, students typically:

• Complete at least 9 units of undergraduate research (over at least two, preferably three terms)
• Research may be for either pay or credit*
• Write an undergraduate thesis/report of research on their findings
• Take the class LCC 4700 "Writing an Undergraduate Thesis" (taken during the thesis-writing semester)

At least six of the nine required hours of research should be on the same topic.  A research proposal must be approved by a faculty advisor and one other faculty member. This proposal and at least 6 hours of research are required for admission to the LCC 4700 undergraduate thesis course. Completion of Research Option is noted on the student's transcript. 

For additional information on the Research Option, contact your program advisor.