Students who graduate with the Research Option will have opportunities to extend their communication and writing skills, increase their knowledge in a specific area of emphasis and, depending on the research project, learn either independent research or teamwork skills. Students will be exposed to how research projects are created and sustained and what research within their field of study really entails.

While the option appears on the student’s transcript as a special designation, the true benefit of the program comes from the immersion in a specific independent research topic, interaction with peers from other disciplines also completing research, and special instruction in small classes on research-related skills and tools. 

The Research Option is open to all students; however, it is specifically tailored for students who are considering graduate school or planning a career in research and development.

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

• Create an independent research project and written proposal for the work planned,
• Complete at least 9 units of undergraduate research (over at least two, preferably three terms),
• Take a sequence of two 1-hour writing courses in support of various aspects of the option, and
• Write an undergraduate thesis/report of research on their findings.

Click here for additional information on the Research Option, a list of participating schools, and a current version of the Research Option brochure.