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The College of LAS provides many opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research that is not only groundbreaking but also transformative in their chosen fields. These opportunities empower students to explore their creativity and drive innovation, setting the stage for their future careers or advanced studies.
Undergraduate student research
We encourage all undergraduates to dive into meaningful research or creative inquiry experiences under the guidance of faculty or graduate student mentors. Engaging in research allows students the freedom to think imaginatively and explore novel ideas that push the boundaries of knowledge.
No matter your intended destination upon graduation—employment or continued education through graduate or professional school—undergraduate research can provide the tools you need to succeed.
The undergraduate research experience will vary depending on the field and the nature of the particular project. Regardless of where you explore, LAS research opportunities for college students are designed to foster growth in your area.
Why participate in undergraduate research?
- Engage more deeply in your field of study: Research gives students the chance to immerse themselves in their disciplines, fostering a deeper understanding of the theories and practices that inform their areas of interest. This engagement encourages fresh ideas and novel solutions to existing problems.
- Build a close relationship with a mentor in your field: Collaborating with experienced faculty or graduate mentors allows you to cultivate supportive relationships that enhance your academic journey. These mentors not only guide students but also inspire them to think critically and innovatively.
- Cultivate crucial skills for graduate or professional school and your future career: Engaging in research helps students develop a wide array of skills essential for graduate or professional school, as well as their future careers. Skills such as problem-solving, data analysis, and effective communication are sharpened through this hands-on experience.
- Develop your communication and presentation skills: Presenting research findings—whether in formal settings, conferences, or classroom discussions—can boost your confidence and hone your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. This aspect of research encourages students to become inventive communicators, capable of sharing their insights with diverse audiences.
How to get started
The Illinois Office of Undergraduate Research serves as an excellent resource for students eager to embark on their research journeys. It offers tips on finding research opportunities for college students, connecting with mentors, and developing compelling presentations of your findings. This office is committed to helping students innovate and thrive in their academic pursuits.
Additionally, various summer research programs are available for students looking to dedicate their break to immersive research experiences. Visit the Paul M. Lisnek LAS Hub to discuss opportunities with peer mentors.
You also can connect to resources in your department to learn more about getting involved in research in your field:
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Senior thesis submission
A senior thesis offers students the opportunity to experience the full cycle of research—from conception of the research project to a finished written product—all completed under the guidance of a mentor in their field. Senior thesis work typically spans multiple semesters, allowing students to deeply engage with the scholarly process.
Students who wish to pursue a senior thesis should consult with their department/academic unit on how to get started and then follow the instructions below.
Please be sure to consult with your thesis advisor throughout the submission process. If you have additional questions, contact LAS Honors at lashonors@illinois.edu or 217.333.1158.
Instructions for preparation of a bachelor’s thesis
- A thesis subject/topic should be selected by the student and the instructor of the department or academic unit in which it is written.
- The credit assigned to theses differs among the departments/academic units. See appropriate departmental/unit personnel for further information.
- The thesis should be prepared using the guidelines outlined in this document and by your department/unit.
- The thesis and thesis certification form should be completed and submitted to:
- The head of the department/academic unit according to their senior thesis deadline and
- The College of LAS through the online Undergraduate Online Theses and Capstone Project Submission System.
- Please note, your thesis and certification form will be uploaded separately as PDF documents. If you need a scanner for your thesis certification form, the library has several.
Formatting guidelines
- Please use this template to help you format your introductory pages of your thesis.
- The thesis must contain both a Table of Contents and a Bibliography.
- Use one-inch margins and double-spaced text.
- Pages should be numbered at the center of the top or bottom of each page or at the upper right- hand at the beginning of the margin.
- For all other questions concerning format, particularly the form to be employed for footnotes, table of contents, or bibliography, see your instructor or a format guide.
Graduate students study and research within many units within the College of LAS. See our directory for links to each department's website, where you can find more information about research areas and specialties.
For more information about admission to the University of Illinois, please see the Graduate College's website.