Undergraduate Research

Department of Economics

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Econ dept undergrad RA

Office of Undergraduate Research (WashU)

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) serves as a valuable resource for students beginning to explore the concept of undergraduate research. From helping students discern their own research paths and find a mentor, to connecting them to research funding and programs at WashU and beyond, to providing opportunities to share their work, we support all undergraduates, in all disciplines, and in all schools.

Office of Undergraduate Research

Outside WashU Econ

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Publish

There are many ways in which you can publish your undergraduate research, including undergraduate peer-reviewed journals and conferences hosting conference volumes.

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Senior Thesis

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Senior thesis & Latin Honors

Independent Study & Research

In addition to the avenues described above, students can also craft their own independent research project. While this may take the form of writing a year-long senior thesis, students may engage in an independent research project prior (or in addition) to the senior thesis. While there is no set duration for an independent study, typically students seek this opportunity over the summer or during a single semester. Students may earn up to 3 credit hours per semester, with a total of 6 credit hours overall. (These credits cannot be applied to major or minor requirements.)

Students interested in independent study and research should follow these steps:

  1. Begin by formulating a research question. Help with this can come from your academic advisors or classroom instructors. There are tips and tricks on the web, including here. Typically, your preliminary research would occur in the semester prior to your enrollment in the Independent Study class.
  2. The second step, also typically undertaken in the semester prior to enrollment, is to ask a faculty member to mentor and supervise your research during the semester. Help identifying a faculty member can again come from your academic advisors or from the department's Academic Coordinator.
  3. If a faculty member agrees to supervise your independent study, then the third step is to complete an Independent Study Agreement with the supervising faculty member.
  4. Finally, the student should register for the section of Econ 4999 corresponding to the faculty supervisor and for the number of units and grade option agreed to in the Independent Study Agreement.