Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research is a great way to prepare for graduate school or explore career options while collaborating with others in your field and enhancing your communication skills.
Students in the Department of Communication can earn academic credit for research experience through COMM 4982: Research Practicum. Tasks vary by project and may include coding, literature reviews, sample collection, and data analysis. This course also fulfills the immersion course requirement for the Communication major.
Finding Research Opportunities
While students are responsible for finding their own research positions, the department provides resources that help COMM 4982 students find opportunities:
- Students enrolled in the course attend a meeting at the start of the semester that introduces available studies and research opportunities.
- Instructors or the course supervisor may share additional opportunities with enrolled students.
Students must confirm their research position with the course supervisor. We do not assign students to studies.
Earning Course Credit for Your Research
Students can earn academic credit for their research experience by enrolling in COMM 4982: Research Practicum. It is one of several options that satisfy the immersion course requirement for the communication major.
To enroll, you must:
- Have junior standing or higher.
- Complete at least 12 credits of 2000-level or higher COMM courses, including COMM 2000Q (formerly 3000Q)/2010Q (Research Methods in Communication/Applied Communication Research Methods) or PSYC 2100WQ (Principles of Research in Psychology).
- Submit the COMM 4981 Enrollment Request Form.
Once your request is approved, you will receive an email with details about enrollment and will have to complete the required training.
Required Documents
For each research project, complete the following (NetID login required):
- A signed contract outlining duties and hours.
- A mid-semester evaluation form.
- A work log documenting hours and tasks.
Grades are based on performance and the credits earned (1 credit = 25 hours).
Contact Us
Honors Program Coordinator
For questions about research opportunities and general course requirements.
Academic Advisor and Research Coordinator
For inquiries about enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
This course is ideal for students considering graduate school and wanting hands-on research experience. It deepens understanding of the research process and builds problem-solving and technical skills.
All students conducting human subjects research must complete IRB-approved CITI training. Certification lasts three years, after which a refresher course is required. The link to this will be emailed to you in your enrollment letter.
Students can earn up to three (3) credits based on hours worked:
- 1 credit = 25 hours.
- 2 credits = 50 hours.
- 3 credits = 75 hours.
Tasks must vary for every 25-hour segment.
Yes. The course will meet only once, at the beginning of the semester. The time and date will be included in your approval email.
Grading is based on the number of hours completed, satisfactorily. This course is graded on an S/U grading scale.
Yes, if you meet the prerequisites, you can enroll in COMM 4982.