Undergraduate Research
At Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, undergraduate students have access to a range of research opportunities designed to strengthen their academic experience and prepare them for professional success. Research is a core part of the undergraduate journey, and the school actively supports student involvement through several signature programs.
Are you a current student? Access the most up-to-date information on our new Undergraduate Programs website.
Research Programs
- Mentored Opportunities for Research Experience (MORE)
- The MORE program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty on a faculty-designed research project during the summer. Students gain hands-on experience in business research and present their work at the McDonough Undergraduate Research Symposium each October.
- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
- The SURF program supports students in developing and conducting original research over the summer. This structured fellowship allows students to explore their research interests under faculty guidance. SURF participants also present their work at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Explore past projects in the SURF Archive.
- Senior Honors Thesis
- The Senior Honors Thesis program is designed for students who wish to engage in a year-long, independent research project on a business topic of their choice. With faculty mentorship, students produce a comprehensive thesis and graduate with honors in business.
Compare Research Programs
MORE | SURF | Honors Thesis | |
|---|---|---|---|
Leadership | Student-supported; faculty-led | Student-led; faculty-supported | Independent student research |
Timeframe | Summer | Summer | Academic year |
Output | Reflection + poster | Research paper + poster | Honors thesis |
Course | No course required | BADM 2099 (3cr) | BADM 4998 (3cr); BADM 4999 (1.5cr) |
Application Opens | Early-spring semester | Late-fall semester | Mid-spring semester |
These research programs reflect McDonough’s commitment to embedding meaningful, inquiry-based learning into the undergraduate curriculum. By engaging in research, students strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills while preparing for future academic and professional challenges. These opportunities allow students to explore their interests in depth, build stronger resumes, and develop lasting faculty connections that extend beyond the classroom experience.