Conducting your own research can give you valuable experience in the field and help prepare you with relevant research knowledge and experience needed for certain jobs and internships.
In order to receive CONF 499 credit and meet the program's field experience requirement, students must first:
1) Determine the topic you wish to research and develop your research questions. Independent study allows you to address high interest and/or useful topics for your professional growth.
2) Develop a research proposal which includes what your final product will be and a bibliography of publications guiding your research.
3) Find a faculty advisor. The faculty advisor helps guide you in your research and assigns the final grade.
4) With your faculty advisor, revise your proposal and develop a syllabus that includes the specifics of the course (what you will read, produce, and when it is expected for grading).
5) Complete the Individualized Section form available on the Registrar's website and submit it to one of S-CAR's Academic Advisors or the Director of Student Services and Field Experience.
Mason's Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activities, and Research (OSCAR) offers funding for undergraduate students through the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP). For more information, visit oscar.gmu.edu.