This degree option offers STAC students on all degree tracks the opportunity for a substantial, in-depth research experience. Students who pursue this degree option will learn how to design and complete advanced, multi-semester research projects through a combination of independent research, group writing instruction, and one-to-one work with a faculty mentor. 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. All students who successfully complete the research thesis option will receive the “research option” designation on their transcripts.

To fulfill the requirements of the STAC Research Option, students must:

Complete 6 hours of LCC 2699/4699: Undergraduate Research*
Complete 2 hours of LCC 4700: Writing the Undergraduate Thesis
Complete 3 hours of LCC 4102: Senior Thesis.

Students will meet these requirements without adding additional hours to their schedules by

Dedicating 6 hours of undefined LCC elective and/or free elective hours to undergraduate research
Dedicating two more hours of free elective credit to LCC 4700
Dedicating 3 hours of capstone coursework in the STAC major to LCC 4102: Senior Thesis.

* Students may substitute audit hours of 2698/4698 for equivalent hours of 2699/4699. If they elect this option, they must add corresponding hours of an elective, for-credit class.

While all four of the STAC degree options provide students with 9 credit hours of free electives, different options provide students with different numbers of free LCC elective hours. Students should contact the STAC coordinator to learn about options for particular degree tracks.