The COS Undergraduate Thesis is a two-semester program that allows for advanced students to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member and to complete a thesis. Students who enjoy research, plan to pursue a research-intensive career, or want to attend a STEM graduate program are encouraged to pursue the Undergraduate Thesis option.

The COS Undergraduate Thesis is available in all majors within the College of Sciences. Students can earn up to six (6) hours of academic credit, which can count towards their degree requirements, for doing research for their thesis projects. Interested students should contact the College of Sciences Dean's office or their Undergraduate Advisor of Record (UGAR) within their major Department for any questions about the COS Undergraduate Thesis.

The COS Undergraduate Thesis Program replaces the former COS Distinction in Research Program.

Eligibility

Thesis students must meet the following requirements at the time of application and throughout their thesis project:

  • Be a College of Sciences major
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Have completed at least 60 semester credit hours to be in upper-division standing
  • Be sponsored by a COS faculty member (Faculty Supervisor)
  • Have approval of the Faculty Supervisor, Department Chair, and the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Students must apply for the COS Undergraduate Thesis option by submitting the completed COS Undergraduate Thesis Registration Form, along with accompanying forms, by the first day of class in the first thesis-semester of coursework. For example, if the student is expected to graduate Spring 2025, they need to apply by the first day of class of the Fall 2024 semester.

Ultimately, successful completion of COS Undergraduate Thesis is based on the student's academic performance, the quality of the research thesis, and recommendation by the faculty of the student's major discipline, the Department Chair, and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the College of Sciences.

COS Signature Experience

The COS Undergraduate Thesis is part of the COS Signature Experience Program. Students who successfully complete the COS Undergraduate Thesis will have completed a COS Signature Experience in Research.

Policies and Forms

The COS Undergraduate Thesis is an optional program for COS students. Review all policies related to the COS Undergraduate Thesis below.

COS majors who complete the Undergraduate Thesis will be recognized with regalia items they can wear at commencement and other academic events.

See COS Undergraduate Thesis Presentation

Honors College

The COS Undergraduate Thesis program is housed within the College of Sciences and is not affiliated with the Honors College. Honors College students will require approval from the Honors College to count the COS Undergraduate Thesis and any of its related course requirements towards their Honors College requirements. Honors College students should receive this approval from the Honors College before their semester in the COS Undergraduate Thesis option.

Questions

Contact cos.success@utsa.edu for any questions about the COS Undergraduate Thesis.