About Undergraduate Research

The purpose of Undergraduate Research (UGR) is to provide an opportunity for students to conduct research under the direction of an English faculty member. Undergraduate research also develops transferable skills with broad application, including critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration and independence.

The UGR is intended to supplement the regular academic program in an area that is not covered by the department's curriculum; the UGR cannot  be used in lieu of another required course in the student's major option.  Other reasons for which an IS is not appropriate are: 1)  getting more credits for graduation or 2) creating an elective when other regular courses are available.

The UGR is intended for a student to pursue research that is of special interest to them and in which the faculty sponsor has particular expertise. Developing the content and structure of the UGR is a task shared jointly between the student and their faculty sponsor. The first step is for the student to develop a proposed draft plan. Keep in mind, that faculty members are not compensated for supervising a UGR; they may decline the UGR proposal if it does not represent a research project or study they feel confident undertaking for reasons of specialization or time commitment.

Process for Proposing Undergraduate Research

First, the student meets with the faculty supervisor they would like to work with to discuss the following information. Once the details have been discussed, the Independent Study Form is to be completed.

  • A detailed description of the subject intended to research.
  • A list of assigned readings
  • A list of meetings, timeline, deliverables and grading method.

Students must register for the UGR before the end of the add period in the semester of the UGR occurs. Questions or the need of an alternate way to complete this form can be sent to english@montana.edu. 

Summer Undergraduate Research

Summer Undergraduate Research follow the calendar for the full Summer Semester. Students must register for summer UGR by the second day of the full Summer Semester. Grades are due for Summer UGR as indicated on the academic calendar. There are no late starts to Summer UGR's; plan accordingly with the faculty advisor.

Undergraduate Research Contract

  • Please note that the Independent Study Form is a Power Form in DocuSign; please review the example below for the required information for LIT 490R or WRIT 490R before clicking the link to the form to avoid submitting blank forms to the English Department.
  • Prior to completing the online Undergraduate Research form, please meet with the supervising faculty member to discuss and establish the details of the proposed research.
  • View the information needed to complete the contract: Example of Undergraduate Research Contract.
  • Click this link to complete the Undergraduate Research Contract via DocuSign: Undergraduate Research Contract.
    • Note: students have the option to attach additional document(s) if needed. The option is located on the signature line of the contract. The document(s) become a part of the contract and visible to the approver(s).