Types of Research Credit
The Allen School advances research excellence from the foundations of computing to emerging applications that are shaping the future of not just our field but also our broader society.
We encourage undergraduate students to expand their understanding of computer science and engineering by participating in research while contributing to the advancement of the field through hands-on application of their coursework.
This page describes the different types of CSE research credit available to students. After reviewing this information, please visit the Undergraduate Research Registration page to learn more about how to register for specific CSE research credit.
CSE 394 & CSE 494 Guided Research Program
CSE 394: Introduction to Research in Computer Science and Engineering
This two-credit seminar course introduces students to skills and concepts that enable them to participate in computer science and engineering research. The course also covers the research process, different fields and methods of computing research, habits and approaches of successful researchers, and practical techniques and tools for computing research.
CSE 394 is only offered during autumn quarter, and is the first course in the guided research program. It is a prerequisite for CSE 494. To register, students must complete the registration request form linked in the time schedule. This course will fulfill 2 credits of CSE electives so long as students have not already reached the maximum allowable credit for specified courses reflected in the CSE degree audit (CSE 301, CSE 394, CSE 492, ENGR 321 and/or GEN ST 350).
CSE 494: Guided Research in Computer Science and Engineering
This three-to-four credit seminar provides guided initial research experiences in computer science and engineering. Students are expected to complete the four-credit workload, regardless if they register for three or four credits. Research projects are completed either individually or in small student teams under the guidance of mentors with research experience. A seminar component explores general research guidance and tracks progress.
CSE 494 is only offered during winter and spring quarters, and is the second course in the guided research program. To register, students must complete the registration request form linked in the time schedule. This course is graded as Credit/No-Credit. CSE 494 does not fulfill specific CSE degree requirements but may be counted toward free electives.
Additional CSE Research Credit Options – CSE 496, CSE 498 & CSE 499
These research credit options are used to provide students with academic credit towards their degree requirements for research activities and/or independent projects conducted under the supervision of a faculty member (see detailed descriptions below).
The Allen School strongly encourages research and independent project participation by undergraduates both as a way to sample and prepare for graduate school and to work on the leading edge of the field.
The number of CSE 496, CSE 498, or CSE 499 credits a student enrolls may vary depending on the quarter and the type of research project. The average is typically 3 to 4 credits per quarter. Students should expect the workload to be approximately 3 to 4 hours per week per credit.A faculty member must officially supervise all projects. A CSE graduate student or industry supervisor may, under the direction of a faculty member, also supervise an undergraduate student’s work. A faculty member is always responsible for the grading of every research project.
Graded Research Credit – CSE 496 & CSE 498
You may not be paid an hourly salary and receive credit for the same research hours. However, if resources allow, it is possible to split research by having some hours paid and some counting towards credit.
To receive graded research, you should describe a development, survey literature, or conduct a small research project in an area of specialization. Objectives are: (1) applying and integrating classroom material from several courses, (2) becoming familiar with professional literature, (3) gaining experience in writing a technical document, and (4) enhancing employability through the evidence of independent work.
Your project may cover an area in computer science and engineering or an application to another field. The work normally extends over more than one quarter.
CSE 496: Honors Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research or design project carried out under the supervision of a faculty sponsor. CSE 496 credit is available to students enrolled in the University or Departmental Honors programs. A maximum of 9 CSE 496 credits may be used to fulfill Computer Science & Engineering electives. CSE 496 credit is numerically graded credit. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Honors projects include an additional requirement, the Senior Thesis*, that is described in more detail in the CSE Honors section of the Degree Requirements page. Students pursuing Departmental Honors must complete all 9 credits of CSE 496, their senior thesis, and their oral presentation on the same project.
*The content of the Senior Thesis is determined by the student and supervising faculty. The Senior Thesis is submitted as part of the final grade for the project. Since honors projects span multiple quarters, a student should receive an “X” until a final grade is submitted in the last quarter of the project.
CSE 498: Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research carried out under the supervision of a faculty sponsor. A maximum of 9 CSE 498 credits may be used to fulfill Computer Science & Engineering electives. CSE 498 credit is numerically graded credit. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Credit/No-Credit Research: CSE 499
Available for CSE majors to do reading and research in the field, subject to approval of undergraduate adviser and CSE faculty member. CSE 499 can be a good way to experiment with a research project before committing to 9 credits of honors work or further graded research. Can be used as a free elective, but it cannot be taken in place of a core course or Computer Science & Engineering senior elective. Students may earn 1 to 24 credits of CSE 499 credit. CSE 499 is graded Credit/No-Credit. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.