North Dakota State University

Why Participate in Research?

Participation in research as an undergraduate student provides you with valuable experience that will continue to benefit you long after you graduate.

Some benefits:

1) Opportunity to work directly with and get to know a faculty member. 
2) Exposure to different ways of thinking about issues related to children and
families.
3) Enhanced organizational, planning, and critical thinking skills. These will benefit you both in your career and during graduate school.
4) Chance to learn the ropes if you are thinking about going on to graduate school. This will better prepare you for the new challenges you will face.
5) Potential for obtaining a letter of recommendation for graduate school,
scholarships, fellowships, and employment. The letter writer would have more to write about given his/her increased interaction with you.
6) Depending on your level of involvement and contribution to the project, there
may be opportunities to present at conferences or to contribute to publishing
reports based on the research.
7) Participation in undergraduate research is becoming increasingly important for admission to graduate school in many areas. Evidence that you have participated in the research process helps you to be more competitive.

Research Participation for Undergraduates in the CDFS Department

1) Field Experience: Faculty frequently have research projects that students serve as Research Assistants for. The type of work you would do varies, as does the number of credits available. You do NOT have to be doing a senior thesis to work as a Research Assistant for Field Experience. If you are interested in serving as a research assistant, talk to Deb Habedank, Nancy Kaler, or a faculty member whose research area interests you.
2) Senior Thesis: This is a particularly useful option for students thinking of going on to graduate school. A senior thesis requires a student to complete an independent research project under the supervision of faculty member. More specific requirements for the senior thesis are outlined on the next page.

Requirements for senior thesis

Prerequisites
1) Completed Stat 330
2) Completed CDFS Research Methods Course, CDFS 403
3) Minimum GPA- 3.0
4) Senior Standing (or will have Senior Standing when begin thesis process)
5) Complete an application processapplication packet will include a completed
and signed form from a faculty member who agrees to supervise the students
senior thesis. Additional prerequisite if planning to do a qualitative project: Take an independent study or Special Topics course in Qualitative Research Design & Analysesfaculty member must agree to supervise this course. Should take this spring of junior year.
Timeline
Semester 1: (recommended Fall Senior year): Take 3 credits Field Experience supervised
by thesis advisor
Semester 2: (recommended Spring Senior year): Take 3 credits CDFS 491 Seminar:
Senior Thesis supervised by thesis advisor.

Other Guidelines
* Senior Thesis Committee: faculty supervisor plus one other faculty member
* Faculty Supervisor approval of proposal
* Oral Defense of final product in front of the Senior Thesis Committee
* Must be research based
* Written as a targeted journal article
* Provide a final copy to faculty supervisor and a final copy to the department so we can keep it on file