No matter where you want to work after graduating, an authentic research experience on your resume makes you stand out from the crowd of job seekers. The Geology Department offers four avenues for undergraduate research experiences:
Take a research-based class
Upper-division Geology electives often incorporate original research. This could be a course project or as the entire basis of the class. (Note: original = you won't know what you’ll find).
- G435 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- G438 Scanning Electron Microscopy in the Natural Sciences
- G480 Basin Analysis
Participate in ad-hoc research
These are informal opportunities, and no two look alike. You might learn to operate a laboratory instrument, work on a project in a professor’s lab, or assist a graduate student in gathering field samples. Positions may be paid if funding is available, but many of these experiences are unpaid. Some projects are independent, while others may be more task-based. Some projects may lead to papers or presentations. Click here to see the types of research we do in the department. The best way to get involved is to approach a professor or TA during office hours and ask if they have any projects you could help with! This is a great place to start if you want to do a senior thesis.
Complete a senior thesis
This is a structured, two-term process in which you perform an independent project under the supervision of a faculty advisor. After finding an advisor and outlining your project, you’ll take one term of G401 (Undergraduate Research). During this term, you’ll present a research proposal to the Geology faculty and start your fieldwork and/or experiments. In the next term, you’ll enroll in G403 (Thesis), where you’ll finish your research and write a formal thesis under the guidance of your advisor. When your advisor approves the Thesis, you’ll give an oral presentation to the public, usually at the end of the term. Find more detailed program guidelines [PDF].
Complete an Honors thesis
This is a formal, highly structured process in which you take your General Education requirements from the Honors College rather than University Studies. You must meet eligibility requirements and apply to the Honors College – you should do this in your first year at PSU. In your senior year, you’ll perform all the steps described above for the Geology senior thesis and will present your thesis in the Spring Honors Colloquium. After successful completion of your Honors classes and senior thesis, you’ll officially graduate with Honors. Find more information about applying to the Honors College.
Explore external research opportunities
There are many opportunities to gain research experience outside the Geology Department, including internships, assistantships, and jobs with industry, non-profits and government agencies. Many of these opportunities will be advertised by email and will disappear quickly, so make sure that you are monitoring your pdx.edu email account! Here are some recurring opportunities: