The Research Track is a year-long program designed for third-year CS students interested in learning the fundamentals of research.The Research Track is a year-long program designed for third-year CS students interested in learning the fundamentals of research.

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Undergraduate Research
Research Track

The Research Track is a year-long program designed to enable third-year students majoring in computer science to learn the fundamentals of academic research through a structured, mentored, and often collaborative project.

Students accepted into the program will be advised by a research mentor on a project, most likely with a group of other students, and will complete two courses: COMP_SCI 298: CS Research Track Program and COMP_SCI 398: Research Track Practicum.

Courses

COMP_SCI 298: CS Research Track Program (1 credit)

COMP_SCI 298: CS Research Track Program will provide a foundational introduction to the research process.

COMP_SCI 398: Research Track Practicum (1 credit)

In the COMP_SCI 398: Research Track Practicum course, students will continue progress on their proposed research projects.

Program Timeline

The program takes place over three quarters:

  • Fall quarter: Students will enroll in COMP_SCI 298: CS Research Track Program.
  • Winter quarter: Students will enroll in COMP_SCI 398: Research Track Practicum and continue working with their advisers and groups on their proposed research project.
  • Spring quarter: Students are required to present their research progress during a research showcase event. This is a great opportunity for students to develop and present a concrete artifact resulting from their research. Everyone is invited to attend the showcase. Students thinking about applying to the Research Track are welcome to attend the showcase to learn more about the program.

After completing the Research track program, students are strongly encouraged to continue advancing their research projects with their mentors and groups (e.g., through independent studies), so that they may work towards a senior thesis and/or a possible research paper submission.

Eligibility

Students should submit their applications the spring prior to the fall program cycle. Therefore, at the time of application, students should be both:

  • Enrolled in the computer science undergraduate degree program
  • Completing their second year of undergraduate studies (so that they start the program in their third year)

Application

Applications for the 2025-2026 program cycle will open in Spring 2025.

Acceptance into the program is decided based on the following factors:

  • Demonstrated interest in learning about research
  • Whether there is a match between (1) research interest, completed coursework, and experience and (2) the requirements to work with a possible research mentor
  • Commitment to the program

Students accepted to the program will be notified of their assigned research mentor before the start of the fall quarter. After confirming their commitment to the program, students will enroll in COMP_SCI 298.

Contact

Please contact Research Track coordinator Sruti Bhagavatula, assistant professor of instruction, with program questions.