Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) Thesis Program?

The URS program is a two-semester experience in which undergraduates complete independent research, scholarly, or creative work under the guidance of a Texas A&M faculty advisor. Students produce a formal thesis documenting their work and earn the distinction of Undergraduate Research Scholar at graduation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any undergraduate student in good academic standing who will have at least two semesters remaining before graduation may apply. You do not need to be in an Honors program to participate.

Is the URS program a course or a co-curricular experience?

The URS program itself is not a formal course. However, some students may register for a research credit course (e.g., 491) alongside URS, depending on their department and advisor’s guidance.

Does the program count for course credit?

URS does not automatically grant course credit. If you want academic credit, you will need to enroll in a research course through your department in addition to the URS program.

Does participation count toward Honors requirements or Capstone experiences?

Yes. Students in University Honors may use the URS program as their required Capstone experience. Other college- or department-level honors programs may also accept URS as a capstone — check with your advisor.

What is the URS distinction, and how is it recognized at graduation?

Students who successfully complete the program and submit their thesis receive the distinction of Undergraduate Research Scholar. This recognition is noted on your transcript and in graduation ceremonies, and you are awarded special regalia to wear at commencement. 

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When should I apply?

Applications typically open each summer for participation in the following academic year. We recommend applying as soon as you know you will have a committed faculty advisor and a clear project plan.

 

Can I apply if I am graduating in December or August?

Students graduating in December or August can apply, provided they participate in the preceding fall-to-spring cohort.

Can I apply if I am studying abroad during the program year?

Possibly. Students must be enrolled at least part time at Texas A&M during both semesters of the program, and must also stay in contact with program staff and faculty advisors throughout the program. Program requirements do not change for students studying abroad. 

Can I apply as part of a research team?

Yes. Teams of up to five students may apply to URS together. Each student must submit an individual application, and the team must designate one primary contact.

Can I apply if I already have a completed research project but want to write a thesis?

Yes. If you have prior research, you may use it as the basis for your thesis, provided your faculty advisor supports the project and you can meet all program requirements.

Can I participate more than once?

Yes. Students may complete the URS program twice if they have the time and advisor support. However, theses written during the course of one program must be complete and able to stand alone. Students can participate in another cohort with work from the same project, but must write an new thesis document. You cannot reapply to continue work on the same document if you do not finish your project the previous year. 

 

Do I need to be a full-time student?

No. Part-time students may apply as long as they remain enrolled and can meet all program deadlines.

Do I need to be in an Honors program to apply?

No. The URS program is open to all undergraduates, regardless of Honors status.

Can students from Galveston, McAllen, or Qatar apply?

Yes. Students from branch campuses and programs are eligible to apply. Some program logistics may vary depending on location.

If I’m already doing research, can I apply with my current project?

Yes. Many students participate in URS with ongoing projects. Discuss with your faculty advisor how your work can be shaped into a thesis that meets program requirements.

Can the URS thesis substitute for my senior design course?

It depends. Senior design courses often have separate requirements and cannot be fully replaced by URS without the approval of your academic, honors, and faculty advisors. However, you may be able to use your senior design project as the basis for a URS thesis, with your advisor’s approval. You may also be required to register for certain courses during your time in URS if you are using the program as a replacement experience. 

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Am I paid to participate in URS?

No. URS is not a paid program. Some students receive funding through scholarships, grants, employment, or departmental opportunities, but URS participation itself does not provide compensation.

Can I participate for only one semester?

No. URS is designed as a two-semester experience. Students must complete the full program to earn the URS distinction.

Can I participate in both URS and other programs at the same time?

Yes. URS complements many other structured research programs and experiences offered at Texas A&M. Just be aware of each program's unique requirements and expectations.

Do I receive priority registration as a URS participant?

Yes, URS students receive priority course registration for the spring semester of the program (i.e., you get the early registration slot in the fall semester when you are selecting spring classes). Priority registration is important for URS students to maximize the time you have available for research, writing, and review. 

What happens after I apply?

Applications are first reviewed for eligibility and faculty advisor approval. Then, you may receive feedback from a volunteer proposal reviewer who has been trained to give advice on URS proposals. You will receive confirmation of acceptance and be added to the program's Canvas Community when the entire proposal review process is complete. 

 

What are the key deadlines and program milestones?

Students are responsible for meeting program expectations, which include proposal approval, progress reports, incremental thesis drafts, attendance at mandatory check-in meetings, a public presentation and presentation report, and the final thesis submission. 

What support is available if I need help with writing or research skills?

Our office offers writing workshops, research skill sessions, and one-on-one consultations. You are also encouraged to use resources like the University Writing Center, the University Libraries, and departmental resources.

What happens if I cannot complete the program?

If you are unable to complete URS, notify our office as soon as possible. Withdrawal will not affect your academic record, though you will not receive the URS distinction. If you were using URS to substitute another program's requirement or enrolled in a class contingent upon your completion of URS, contact whoever is responsible for those programs and/or classes immediately to discuss the impact of leaving URS. 

Does URS provide opportunities to present or publish my work?

Yes. URS participants are invited to present at the Undergraduate Research Scholars Symposium and other campus events. Completed theses are archived in the Texas A&M institutional repository.

Can my thesis be archived or made publicly available?

Yes. All completed theses are deposited in Texas A&M’s OAKTrust Digital Repository, where they are accessible to the public and preserved for long-term access.

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What is the role of a faculty advisor in the URS program?

Faculty advisors mentor undergraduate students as they complete an independent research project. Advisors are the primary source of disciplinary expertise for their students, providing guidance on project design, upholding research compliance and ethical standards, ensuring research and writing quality, and support the student in completing and submitting their thesis.

Who can serve as a faculty advisor?

Texas A&M faculty members who hold tenure-track appointments as well as academic and professional-track and clinical faculty who have the support of their department head. Lecturers, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and other staff may assist in supervision but cannot serve as the official primary faculty advisor.

How much time should I expect to commit as a primary faculty advisor?

Time commitments vary by project, student, and mentoring plan. Our staff recommend meeting with their student(s) at least monthly, but we find that most students require biweekly check ins. Primary faculty advisors are expected to provide feedback on research techniques and thesis content, reviewing thesis drafts multiple times throughout the program.

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Are faculty advisors matched with students?

Most students apply to the program already working with a faculty mentor. In some cases, students may seek out a new faculty advisor prior to applying. Our office does not assign advisors but can help students identify potential faculty mentors.

Can I advise more than one student or team?

Yes. Faculty may advise multiple students or teams, as long as they can provide adequate support and feedback for each.

Can co-advising be arranged?

Yes. Students may be co-advised by more than one faculty member. However, one advisor must serve as the official primary faculty advisor. 

Are there opportunities to showcase my student’s work?

Yes. Faculty advisors are invited to attend the Undergraduate Research Scholars Symposium and other events where students present their work. Advisors are also credited in the archived thesis publication in our collection within Texas A&M’s OAKTrust Digital Repository.

What if a student applies with a project that is not feasible?

Faculty advisors are responsible for ensuring that projects are realistic, ethical, and methodologically sound. If a project is not feasible within the scope of the two-semester program, the advisor should help the student refine or revise the project before approval.

What happens if my student cannot complete the program?

If a student withdraws or does not complete the program, no penalty is applied to the faculty advisor from our office. Advisors should notify the URS office if they anticipate a student will not finish.

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What are my responsibilities as a faculty advisor?

Advisors are expected to:

• Meet regularly with their student(s)

• Approve and sign off on the student’s project proposal

• Provide ongoing feedback on research progress and thesis drafts

• Ensure compliance with research ethics and safety standards

• Review and approve the student’s final thesis before submission

Do I need to grade assignments or submit evaluations?

No. Faculty advisors do not assign grades in the URS program. Advisors will be asked to verify student progress and provide approvals at key program checkpoints. However, many faculty advisors require their students to register for 491 courses over the course of the program. In this case, it is up to the faculty member to determine the credit hours of enrollment and grading scheme in accordance with departmental policies. 

What support is available to faculty advisors?

Faculty advisors are always encouraged to reach out for a consultation with our staff if they have questions, comments, or are experiencing challenges with a student during the program. 

Does serving as a faculty advisor “count” for service or mentoring credit?

Many departments and colleges recognize URS advising as part of faculty teaching, mentoring, or service contributions. Faculty are encouraged to include URS mentorship in annual reviews, promotion, and tenure documentation. Please reach out to our staff if you require a letter from our Director verifying your role in the program.

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Is URS a course?

URS is not a traditional course. It is a co-curricular program administered through the Office of Undergraduate Research. Students may enroll in a research credit course (such as 491) at the discretion of their department and faculty advisor, but program participation does not require it.

Does URS count toward degree requirements?

Not automatically. Some departments allow research credit courses connected with URS to count toward electives, major requirements, or Honors distinctions. Academic advisors should confirm degree applicability within their college or department.

How should I advise students about timing and workload?

URS requires two consecutive semesters of active enrollment at Texas A&M. Students should apply only if they have sufficient time remaining before graduation. Advisors should help students balance URS alongside other academic and co-curricular commitments.

How can I support students interested in URS?

Academic advisors can:

• Inform students about eligibility and deadlines

• Clarify how research credit courses may apply to degree plans

• Encourage students to plan ahead for the two-semester timeline

• Direct students to the Office of Undergraduate Research for program details

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Can graduate students, postdocs, or staff serve as URS mentors?

Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and professional staff often play an important role in mentoring undergraduates. However, only a Texas A&M faculty member may serve as the official faculty advisor. Other mentors provide day-to-day guidance and support.

 

What is the difference between a faculty advisor and an “other mentor”?

The faculty advisor is formally responsible for project approval, oversight, and thesis sign-off. Other mentors provide direct, hands-on guidance in research methods, project management, and skill development.

What responsibilities do other mentors have?

Other mentors are not responsible for administrative approvals but are encouraged to:

• Meet regularly with the student for project guidance

• Provide training in methods, analysis, or equipment

• Offer feedback on thesis drafts or presentations

• Help ensure the student’s project stays on track

How should responsibilities be coordinated between the faculty advisor and other mentors?

The faculty advisor and mentor should establish clear expectations at the start of the project. Typically, the mentor handles day-to-day guidance, while the faculty advisor oversees research and writing quality and approves milestones.

How does mentoring benefit graduate students and postdocs?

Mentoring undergraduates helps graduate students and postdocs develop supervisory, teaching, and leadership skills. It also contributes to the overall research productivity and training environment of their team.