School of Economics

The School of Economics participates in the Research Option offered in conjunction with the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. The 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 School of Economics requirements for research option include:

• 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 a 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 the findings
• Take the class LCC 4700 “Writing an Undergraduate Thesis” (taken during the thesis-writing semester). For more information on LCC 4700 course registration, click here.

The research 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.

Research Option Brochure
Intent Form
Proposal Content and Requirements

*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!