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. Completion of Research Option is noted on the student's transcript.
The exact requirements for research option vary by academic unit, however, students typically:
- Complete at least 9 units of undergraduate research
- Courses should span at least two, preferably three terms
- Research may be for either pay or credit*
- At least 6 of the 9 required hours should be on the same topic
- Complete a research proposal outlining their research topic and project for the thesis (for additional information on the contents of this proposal, click here)
- Write an undergraduate thesis/report of research on their findings
- Take the sequence of two 1-hour courses:
- LCC 4701 (Undergraduate Research Proposal Writing), and
- LCC 4702 (Undergraduate Research Thesis Writing)
- For more information on LCC 4701/2 course registration, click here
NOTE: Students graduating in Fall 2009 or Spring 2010 are still eligible to complete the option under the prior requirements (one thesis writing course, the 2-hour LCC 4700 Writing an Undergraduate Research Thesis)
Resources
Students Interested in Participating in the Research Option, Click Here
Information about LCC 4701 & LCC 4701
Archived Research Option Theses
Requirements for Research Proposal
Faculty Mentor Tips and Suggestions
Information for Colleges and Schools Developing Plans
*NOTE: Students MUST sign up for the free, audit course (xx4698) within their major for the research for pay to count toward the option. If research for pay is chosen, an equivalent number of hours of electives in your major must be taken in order to meet general degree requirements. For example, if you take 3 hours of the 4698 course in your major, then you would need to substitute 3 hours of a typical elective course within your major in order to graduate. Please discuss this with your advisor!
For additional information, please contact the UROP office at UROP@gatech.edu.