The College of Engineering Honors Program was started in 1980 to give talented undergraduates an opportunity to work closely with faculty on research projects much like graduate level research.   

Each spring, faculty members are asked to identify research topics for honor student participation. These topics are posted on the CIT website at Honors Research Topics. Juniors who have an accumulated QPA of at least 3.5 receive an invitation to participate in the program.   

Honors students will work on their projects during their senior year, earning the equivalent of 18-24 units. Student are required to register for CIT Honor Research Project 39-500. With approval from their faculty advisor, students can also opt to work full time on their projects during the summer between their junior and senior years. These students can apply for course credit in 39-500, OR be paid a stipend comparable to a first year graduate student. However, to receive CIT College Honors, a student must complete at least 18 units in 39-500 on the same research topic.

The program culminates with a poster competition at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, “Meeting of the Minds,” a university-wide celebration of undergraduate research. 

The goal of the program is to recognize the research initiatives of our honor students, as well as create a forum for students to present their research and findings to their peers and faculty. 

How the Process Works

1. Qualified juniors receive a letter of invitation in the spring semester.

2. The list of Honors Research topics for the coming year is posted on the CIT website.

3. Honors Research participants review the topics to decide which project best suits their interest and skills. Students should contact the Faculty Advisor associated with the project to discuss the research and the position.

4. Confirm with the Faculty Advisor that you will be working on the project.

5. By the Monday of Spring Registration week, you must contact the Dean’s Office of Undergraduate Studies to notify them of your participation in the Honors Research Program.

6. Notify the Dean’s Office of Undergraduate Studies to be registered for (nominally) 9 units of 39-500 for the fall semester. 

7. Work on your project over the course of your senior year, completing a minimum of 18 units, maximum 24 units under 39-500.  Remember to receive CIT College Honors at commencement, you must have a minimum of 18 units on the same research topic.

8. Present your research findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, “Meeting of the Minds” in late spring.  Though "Meeting of the Minds" is open to any undergraduate research initiatives occurring on campus, it is a requirement for CIT Honors Research students.

9. During commencement week, CIT Honors Students are recognized in a special ceremony to receive their Honors cords.

If you have any other questions, discuss them with your project's faculty advisor or contact the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies.