Science Research Distinction (SCIRES)
Certificate Program
Science Research Distinction Certificate (SCIRES)
The Science Research Distinction Certificate recognizes undergraduate students in the Eberly College of Science who have made significant contributions to research. This certificate allows students to write a non-honors thesis and earn academic credit for their work.
Upon identification of a research mentor, undergraduate students interested in pursuing the Science Research Distinction (SCIRES) certificate must complete the Thesis Intent form.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the SCIRES certificate, students must:
- Complete at least three semesters of research, or two semesters and one summer.
- Earn a minimum of 6 credits in independent research courses within the Eberly College of Science.
Examples include:- ASTRO 296 / 496
- BMB 488 / 496
- BIOL 296 / 496
- CHEM 294 / 494
- FRNSC 496
- MATH 296 / 496
- PHYS 296 / 496
- STAT 496
Registration & Thesis Credit
- Students must register for the SCIRES Certificate (Program Code: SCIRES_UCT) through LionPATH.
- During the semester when the thesis is submitted and approved, students will be enrolled in SC 496 for 1 credit. You will earn a letter grade for writing your thesis.
Note: You cannot self-enroll in SC 496—your department or the Office of Science Engagement will register you.
Thesis Approval Process
Your thesis must be approved by:
- Your research mentor (PI)
- A faculty reader from your home department (e.g., department head or director of undergraduate studies)
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A third faculty member, selected by you and your PI
🔬 Special Note for Chemistry Majors:
In addition to writing the thesis, Chemistry students must defend their thesis before their committee.
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Thesis Submission
- Final theses must be uploaded to ScholarSphere during your graduation semester.
- Be sure to follow the submission deadlines provided by the Office of Science Engagement.
Schreyer Honors College Students
Schreyer Scholars in the Eberly College of Science may complete the SCIRES certificate, but:
- A single thesis cannot be used to fulfill both the Schreyer Honors and SCIRES requirements.
- Scholars must produce two independent theses to earn both distinctions.
Thesis Submission Deadlines
The fall semester thesis submission deadline is Friday, December 12, 2025.
For deadlines in other semesters, visit the Schreyer Honors College Honors Requirements page and select your intended semester.
Spring 2026 Registration: Complete this form by Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Spring 2026 Deadline: SCIRES thesis must be submitted by Friday, May 1, 2026.
For deadlines in other semesters, please visit the Schreyer Honors College "Honors Requirements" page and select the semester in which you plan to submit your thesis. This page provides up-to-date timelines and requirements for thesis submission across academic terms.
Departmental Thesis Guidelines
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BMB):
Thesis guidelines for BMB students are available here. - Biology:
Refer to the Biology Thesis Guidelines and Biology Honors Thesis Information for details. - Chemistry:
Students must schedule a meeting with their committee and present a 20–30 minute talk. Full guidelines are available on the Chemistry Research Thesis page. - Astronomy & Astrophysics, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics:
These departments do not have fixed thesis requirements (e.g., page length or publication). Examples of recent honors theses are linked below:- Astronomy & Astrophysics Example
- Mathematics Example
- Physics – Experimental Example
- Medical Physics Example
- Theoretical Physics Example
- Data Analysis Example
To learn more about thesis formatting, visit our Thesis Formatting Guidelines page.
More Information
For questions about the Science Research distinction (SCIRES) certificate, contact Dr, Mathews at tam276 'at' psu.edu.