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  • Undergraduate Research
  • Home
  • UG Research Funding
  • Ways to do UGR
  • How to get started
  • Events & UGR Opportunities
Undergraduate Research

TAMUG Undergraduate Research Program FAQ    


Were is TAMUG UGR located?

Jack K. Williams Library
Building 310, Suite 108G
200 Seawolf Parkway
Galveston, TX 77553

Map & Directions

Does TAMUG UGR offer funding for research?

Yes. Students interested in participating in research through a 491, or the Undergraduate Research Scholars program are eligible to apply for scholarship funding through several scholarship programs available to students. Please visit: Programs, Scholarships & Grants for more information.

If you are currently a LAUNCH Undergraduate Research Scholar, you have exclusive access to apply for a travel award or poster voucher to fulfill the presentation requirement for the program. Please visit: Travel Awards & Poster Vouchers
Students can use the Research Opportunities Database to search for internal and external funding.
Students are also encouraged to talk to members in their colleges and departments for additional opportunities.

What does “undergraduate research” mean?

There is substantial room for flexibility with research. At TAMUG, research opportunities are open to all undergraduates, and you do not have to be an honors student. Research is often a collaborative effort between undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty using an inquiry-based approach to generate new knowledge. As such, undergraduate research qualifies as a “high-impact practice,” providing students an opportunity to integrate, apply, and reflect on their knowledge. Research allows students to take learning beyond the classroom.

What are the benefits of undergraduate research?

Students who participate in undergraduate research gain many skills that they might not otherwise acquire from classroom instruction:

  • Writing, data collection, and analysis
  • Teamwork, problem solving, time management, and effective communication

Undergraduate researchers gain a deeper understanding of their chosen field not only by actively participating in it, but through mentoring relationships with faculty and graduate students. 

Undergraduate research helps students clarify career goals by identifying passions and a better perspective on what it means to be a professional the field.

As a result, student researchers are more likely to be satisfied with their undergraduate education and continue on to graduate or professional school.  Research experience strengthens applications for graduate and professional schools, business, or industrial positions by expanding technical skills and professional knowledge, improving resumes/CVs, and providing opportunities for strong letters of recommendation. 

Finally, it can be a lot of fun. You generate new knowledge, meet interesting people, and undergraduate researchers generate new knowledge, meet interesting people, and they might even get paid for doing it.

Do I have to do research in my department?

Undergraduate research exists in every department at TAMUG in variable capacities. Students are not necessarily required to conduct research in their major department. Check with departmental advisors to verify degree requirements for undergraduate research. Students are encouraged to follow their passion and contact several faculty in their area of interest to explore opportunities.

What training do I need to do undergraduate research?
There are many reasons why an undergraduate researcher might need training. You should have a conversation with your faculty advisor very early on in the design of your project to determine whether or not your project may require approval from the office of Research Compliance & Biosafety (RCB). Additional trainings may be required depending on the nature of your project.
What is the office of Research Compliance & Biosafety

The office of Research Compliance and Biosafety (RCB) is responsible for providing training and support to faculty, students, and staff in regulatory requirements for research. RCB provides administrative and operational support for Texas A&M’s research compliance review committees as well as other research compliance programs designated at the university.

Projects may require approval through Research Compliance and Biosafety committees if they involve:

  1. Human Subjects: Institutional Review Board (IRB)
  2. Vertebrate Animals: Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
  3. Biohazards: Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

Note: Please be aware that if you are using social media and/or online content, you may be subject to review by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Is Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) Thesis the same as an Honors Thesis

There is no “honors thesis,” however, students participating in an honors program can use their Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) thesis as their capstone experience. The URS thesis is open to any undergraduate student regardless of whether s/he participates in the University Honors Program, or departmental or college honors programs.

How do I earn honors credit for undergraduate research?

It is be possible to earn honors credit for undergraduate research. Please contact the TAMUG Honors Program for more information.

Is undergraduate research the same thing as a capstone?

A capstone is defined as a year-long integrative experience that allows students to combine their career goals, majors, and interests in faculty-mentored independent projects that focus on leadership, research, community service, or teaching. Students in honors programs can use the LAUNCH Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) thesis program to fulfill their capstone requirement, or apply for a departmental capstone. Students should consult with their departmental and honors advisors to determine additional requirements and/or eligibility for capstone experiences.

How do I register for a research course (491)?

Students need to speak to their home departments and/or faculty advisors to open a research section for a 491 course. 491 courses can be 0 credit or variable credit, and may carry either a letter grade or S/U designation. Students should consult the Office of Financial Aid to determine if registration in a research course affects financial aid packages or any scholarships.

How do I earn LAUNCH Undergraduate Research (UGR) Scholars Distinction at Graduation?

To be eligible, the student must:

  • Apply to the UGR Scholars Program through LAUNCH
  • Be actively involved in an independent undergraduate research project throughout both the fall and spring semesters under the mentorship of a TAMUG Faculty member throughout the academic year
  • Have completed at least 60 credit hours (junior status) of undergraduate course work
  • Have at least 24 credit hours at TAMUG
  • Have and maintain a cumulative GPR of at least 3.0
  • Be expecting to graduate in May of the current academic year, or later

Upon acceptance to the UGR Scholars program students will be expected to:

  • Register for a 491 course (0-4 credit hours)
  • Produce a written undergraduate thesis to be published in the Undergraduate Research Scholars Capstone Collection in the Texas A&M OAKTrust Repository, or in a peer-reviewed journal
  • Attend the Orientation and Thesis Workshop in October
  • Adhere to all thesis deadlines throughout the academic year as set by LAUNCH
  • Make a public presentation at the TAMUG Student Research Symposium or other local or national conference or symposium by the end of the Spring semester
How do I serve as a LAUNCH Undergraduate Research Ambassador (UGA)?

To be eligible, the student must:

  • Apply through LAUNCH
  • Have at least one semester of faculty-mentored undergraduate research experience
  • Have at least 60 credit hours (24 hours at TAMUG)
  • Have and maintain a GPR of 3.0 or higher
  • Possess outstanding oral communication skills
  • Be able to enthusiastically describe your undergraduate research to a general audience
  • Be willing to serve as a source of information on how to get involved in undergraduate research
  • Be expecting to graduate in May of the current academic year, or later
  • Provide a letter of support from a Texas A&M faculty mentor

Upon acceptance to program UGR students will be expected to:

  • Participate in an all-day orientation and training in August
  • Attend Ambassador meetings
  • Participate in at least 10 hours of activities per semester, including:
    • LAUNCH-sponsored events
    • Workshops
    • Student consultations
    • Presentations to classes, student organizations, prospective students, parents, and administrators
  • Review, interview, and train the incoming class of Ambassadors
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200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX 77554
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