Faculty-Directed Research and Creative Projects

Faculty-Directed Research

An undergraduate research project may count as an Honors Experience if it is:

  • A learning experience that contributes to your understanding of how knowledge is created through the application of theories and investigative methods in any discipline or field. The research project may be of your own design, or it may be a faculty-initiated project in which you have substantial responsibility for carrying out the work and interpreting and reporting the results, commensurate with your experience and level of expertise; and
  • Supervised by a University of Minnesota faculty mentor holding any type of appointment (including clinical, emeritus, adjunct, research associate, assistant or associate professor, etc.), or by the leader of a government, industry, or academic or non-profit research group; and
  • One semester in duration (or equivalent), representing a minimum time commitment of 45 hours over the course of the semester; and
  • Paid or unpaid; for-credit or non-credit; completed under the auspices of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) or not; and
  • Not a term paper or other regular requirement for a lecture course or seminar.
  • Directed Study and Directed Research at the 2xxx to 5xxx level can fulfill an Honors Experience requirement but not an Honors course requirement.

Research Resources

Office of Undergraduate Research

The number one resource for students trying to get involved in research on campus. Includes information on the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP).

Undergraduate Symposium

A University-wide undergraduate poster presentation offering you the chance to exhibit your research and learn about the research of your peers.

Summer Research Opportunities

Funded research experiences from a consortium of institutions, including the U of MN. These opportunities are open to undergraduate students throughout the United States. They provide excellent summer learning opportunities in the U.S. and abroad, for students in various fields of study who have a serious interest in research.

Creative Expression Projects

A creative expression project may count as an Honors Experience if it is:

  • A learning experience that contributes to your understanding of how ideas and concepts can be communicated through various forms of creative expression. The project may be of your own design, or it may be a faculty/mentor-initiated project in which you have substantial responsibility for carrying out the project and its resulting work, commensurate with your experience and level of expertise; and
  • Supervised by a University of Minnesota faculty mentor holding any type of appointment (including clinical, emeritus, adjunct, research associate, assistant or associate professor, etc.), or by a mentor from an approved arts organization; and
  • One semester in duration (or equivalent), representing a minimum time commitment of 45 hours over the course of the semester; and
  • Paid or unpaid; for-credit or non-credit; completed under the auspices of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) or not; and
  • Not a part of regular requirements for a course or seminar; and
  • Designed to include a final performance or creation.