Science Research Distinction, Certificate

Program Description

The certificate will provide an incentive for students to write a thesis based on an independent research project. Students may be entered into the certificate program upon identification of a research mentor. Members of the graduate faculty are eligible to be mentors. Emeritus faculty or non-tenure track faculty members may serve as mentors, subject to approval by the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education. Students must engage in research activities over the course of at least 3 semesters or 2 semesters and a summer. Theses must be approved by the research mentor, a reader who is a faculty member eligible to serve as a research mentor, and the Department Head or Director of Undergraduate Studies of a unit within ECoS unless the department has a specific alternative policy in place for thesis approval. The schedule for submission of theses will be the same as Schreyer Honors Theses. Honors students cannot use a single thesis to earn both the distinction of honors and a Research Distinction Certificate but may earn both distinctions by production of independent theses.

What is Science Research Distinction?

The Science Research Distinction program is available to students who are interested in working on an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor, and documenting the results of their work in a research thesis.

You Might Like This Program If...

• You are passionate about research in your field of study.
• You want to design your own research project with the help of a faculty mentor.
• You plan to go to graduate school.
• Your career path requires you to develop strong lab/field skills.
• You want to write a thesis as a summary of your research accomplishments.

Program Requirements

To earn an undergraduate certificate in Science Research Distinction, a minimum of 7 credits is required.

Certificate Learning Objectives

• Identify, read, and summarize relevant scientific concepts from the peer-reviewed literature and other relevant sources that underlie the research question in their thesis.
• Complete and communicate the methods used in their study.
• Describe the analysis that was performed as part of their study.
• Communicate the evidence-based conclusion that was reached in their study.
• Produce a written thesis that summarizes the entire study at a level that is determined to be appropriate by their thesis adviser and reader.
• Describe how their work contributes in a broad way to their field of study.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Tomalei Vess
Director, Office of Science Engagement
111 Ritenour Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-5000
tjv4@psu.edu

Career Paths

Completion of this program enhances career and graduate school opportunities for students in all disciplines. Students will be able to build a strong resume, and be better prepared for graduate school.

Contact

University Park

OFFICE OF SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT
124 Ritenour Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-5000
tjv4@psu.edu

https://science.psu.edu/current-students/undergraduate-research/scires-certificate-program