Research for Credit

How do I get Cornell Engineering credit for undergraduate research?

1. Join a research lab in Cornell Engineering. 
2. Schedule a meeting with your mentor(s) to discuss the requirements and expectations for research credit. Bring the Cornell Engineering Mentoring Agreement to guide the discussion. Speak with your faculty mentor and any additional mentors. 
3. Enroll in the department course listing for independent undergraduate research associated with your mentor’s department. Complete the Engineering Research Credit Enrollment Form to enroll in the following courses: 
   • AEP 4900 & 4910
   • BEE 4970, 4990, 4993, 4994
   • BME 4900
   • CHEME 4900
   • CEE 4000 & 4900 
   • EAS 4910, 4920, & 4990
   • ECE 4999 
   • MAE 4900
   • MSE 2900, 2910, 2920, 3900, 3910, 3920, 4900, 4910, & 4920

ORIE 4999, CS 4999, and INFO 4900 as well as departments outside of engineering have different research-for-credit enrollment policies. Be sure to review the policies of the course you are enrolling in.

If you still have questions, contact the department’s undergraduate coordinator for additional information. 

How do I enroll in research for credit in Cornell Engineering?

In the College of Engineering, the following research-for-credit courses use the same course enrollment system, described below:

How to Enroll in Research Credits

1. Schedule a meeting with your mentor(s). Print or bring an electronic device with the Engineering Research Mentoring Agreement to guide the discussion with your mentor(s). The questions on the mentoring agreement mirror the credit enrollment form. 
2. Fill out the student enrollment form for Engineering Research Credits.
3. The faculty mentor must approve the enrollment form.
4. If approved, use the permission code to enroll in credits in Student Center. You are not enrolled until you complete this step!

Tips for a Successful Enrollment Form

How many credits? 

One credit of research equates to 40 hours of work per semester (approximately 3 hours per week for 14 weeks). 

Describing your Research

Describe your research objectives and plans for the semester in terms that an educated person outside of your field of study could understand (for example, a Cornell student in another College). Avoid technical terms. Ensure you are describing both the research goals and how you will accomplish them. 

Writing Learning Objectives 

Reflect on what you hope to learn this semester and write that in the form of an objective: “I will be able to…”  Below are examples of learning objectives that you might choose to include. Be sure that the learning objectives connect to what you will be accomplishing this semester and any final assignments (paper, presentations).

I will be able to:

• Search the literature to become familiar with scientific studies related to [insert field of interest]
• Read and discuss scientific literature relevant to [insert field of interest]
• Discuss [Insert general research area] with other lab members in a casual setting
• Understand and apply methodology used by the research group including [insert specific methodology] with the assistance of a mentor
• Explain how my research fits into existing knowledge within that field of study, demonstrating understanding of “the big picture”
• Develop a research question that answers a novel question or solves a problem within [Insert field of study]
• Formulate or describe hypotheses and predictions for the research question I am working on [Insert details here]
• Work collaboratively with other researchers – including my mentor – demonstrating effective, professional communication and problem-solving skills
• Apply appropriate procedures and technical skills including [insert specific skills and procedures] to accomplish my research goals with the guidance of a mentor
• Organize data effectively and maintain appropriate records (e.g., meta-data) [insert specifics as relevant to your research] such that their mentor can easily access these data and understand all components of data files
• Explain my research project either verbally or in writing to multiple audiences including others in my field and a broader audience (educated, non-specialist) [insert specific venue, e.g., a conference, blog post, etc]
• Reflect on my research experience to identify personal strengths and opportunities for growth, and how the experience informs my future educational and career goals