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

Request approval for honors research

How the process works

  1. College of Engineering juniors who have an accumulated QPA of at least 3.5 receive an invitation to participate in the program in the spring semester.
  2. The list of Honors Research topics for the coming year is posted by department to the below.
  3. Honors Research participants review the topics to decide which project best suits their interests and skills. Students should contact the Faculty Advisor associated with the project to discuss the research and the position. Confirm with the Faculty Advisor that you will be working on the project.
  4. Fill out the honors research approval form. This form gets emailed directly to Kourtney Bandish in the Office of Undergraduate Studies, who will register you for the desired number of units (9-24) of 39-500 for the fall semester. There is no set deadline for submitting the form, although during fall registration week in April is preferred.
  5. 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 the College of Engineering Honors at commencement, you must have a minimum of 18 units on the same research topic.
  6. Write and submit a 1-page executive summary of your research thus far in April.
  7. Present your research findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, "Meeting of the Minds" in May. Although “Meeting of the Minds” is open to any undergraduate research initiatives occurring on campus, it is a requirement for College of Engineering Honors Research students.

If you have any other questions, discuss them with your project’s faculty advisor or contact the assistant dean for undergraduate studies.

Current available projects

Biomedical Engineering

Civil & Environmental Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Materials Science & Engineering

Interdisciplinary opportunities