Texas A&M University Office of Undergraduate Research

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The application for the 2026-2027 cohort of Undergraduate Research Scholars is open now!

Application Instructions Program Schedule

About the Program

The Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) Thesis Program offers motivated undergraduates the opportunity to engage in independent research, scholarly inquiry, and creative work under the mentorship of faculty.

The URS Thesis Program is the only stand-alone, university-level, honors distinction for undergraduate research at Texas A&M University. Designed to support students through the development of a thesis for publication in the Texas A&M OAKTrust Digital Repository, the URS program provides a structured pathway to contribute meaningfully to their field while gaining valuable experience in communication, critical thinking, and project management. Participants join a university-wide community of scholars committed to research excellence.

Essentially, the program:

  • Supplements Existing Research Experiences
  • Provides Thesis and Publication Support
  • Provides Presentation Experience
  • Grows the Aggie Network
  • Recognizes Honors- and Graduate-level Work

Note: Use of the term "Undergraduate Research Scholar" or "URS Thesis" is restricted to students formally admitted to the URS program through the established application process.

Program Details

Benefits
  • University-Level Honors Distinction
  • Transcript Designation
  • Graduation Regalia
  • Recognition in Commencement Program
  • Eligibility for Outstanding Thesis Award
  • Priority Registration for the Spring Semester
  • Possible Eligibility for Travel Awards or Free Poster Printing
  • Eligibility to Register for UGST 405: Thesis Writing Class
  • Publication of Thesis in Permanent Library Collection
Eligibility

Applicants can:

  • Be in any major
  • Work on an existing or new research project
  • Team up with up to 4 additional students 

Applicants must:

  • Commit to both the fall and spring semesters of the program
  • Have taken a minimum of 12+ credit hours total of classes at Texas A&M (i.e., have been enrolled at Texas A&M for at least one full-time semester)
  • Have at least 90 credit hours from college-level classes in total OR have at least 60 credit hours plus an eligibility waiver from their URS Faculty Advisor
  • Have at least a 3.0 GPA (cumulative) OR at least a 2.75 GPA plus an eligibility waiver from their URS Faculty Advisor

Applicants cannot:

  • Participate in only the fall semester of the program
  • Have Honor Code or Student Conduct Code Violations

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions from students, faculty, and advisors.

Browse the FAQs

Upcoming Informational Sessions

Planning for the future? Learn about how to apply for the 2026-2027 cohort at one of our informational sessions! Our next session will take place on July 22, 2026, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM via Zoom. Registration is required.

Register on ERS