In CEOAS, undergraduate research refers to a wide range of research activities that take place in classrooms, computers, fields, labs and libraries. Undergraduate research establishes mentoring relationships between faculty and undergraduates in their academic programs at OSU. Engaging in undergraduate research helps students build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and establish relationships with faculty members. In addition, it augments an undergraduate student’s coursework and can help solidify career plans and graduate school admissions.
There are many benefits to doing Undergraduate Research. Here are our top 5:
Connecting and engaging with faculty members in your area of interest early is key. Here are our top tips to get you started:
Get engaged and involved in research early. Start by learning more about it. From professors, teaching assistants, and other undergraduate student researchers. In classes, lectures, seminars and at faculty-student research mixers. Continue by volunteering or working in a research lab, in the field, or on a research project. Take it to the next level by developing a research proposal of your own with a faculty mentor.
Advance approval is required and cannot be granted for research already completed.
To be approved you must demonstrate that your research project is independent and original and that you have a qualified faculty mentor to guide you.
NOTE: If you are otherwise engaged in research activities through work, volunteer, or someone else’s project, etc.) see the Internships page.
You can choose either academic credit or non-credit, depending whether you need credit to graduate, for financial aid enrollment level, or other reason.
Academic Credit | Non-Credit |
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*"Successful Completion" or "Non-successful Completion"
Thesis and research both represent independent research. However, thesis credit is typically granted for writing a thesis, after you have completed or are close to completing your research. Thesis credits also culminate in a thesis report and a public presentation of the thesis work.
While funding support for research can provide resources for materials and compensation for your time, funding is NOT required to begin engaging in research. In fact, the most successful pathway to finding research support is by first engaging in research without funding. This helps you gather the experience and knowledge necessary to then be successful finding support. So, do not let a lack of funding deter you from pursuing research opportunities.
Potential Funding Resources:
Transcript notation is OSU’s recognition of significant engagement and accomplishment in undergraduate research and the arts with the honor distinction on your transcript “Research Fellow.” Learn more on the Transcript Notation page