Areas of Study

This 12-credit Certificate provides CNU undergraduate students with a planned sequence of courses to support their systematic development as undergraduate researchers and artists, providing an added credential to present to employers and graduate schools. Students will learn to investigate and to solve research problems using critical thinking and analytical skills, to work effectively in diverse groups, to write and present effectively for presentation and publication, to present and defend recommendations, and to act ethically. Completion of the Certificate will be clearly noted on your transcript so that employers and graduate school admission officials will notice your skills and achievements. Graduates will be able to better discuss their research and creative accomplishments for graduate school entry and job applications. Graduation stoles will be available for Commencement.

• The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Certificate appears on your transcript so employers and graduate school admission officials will notice your skills and achievements.
• Employers and graduate programs seek proof of your capabilities to investigate and to solve problems using critical thinking and analytical skills, to work effectively in diverse groups, to write and present effectively, to present and defend recommendations, and to act ethically.
• The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Certificate can open doors to graduate school acceptance and can provide talking points for you about research projects and accomplishments while attending CNU.

Any semester during your undergraduate years at CNU except your final semester before graduation. You must be a full-time, matriculated undergraduate student at Christopher Newport University. You are encouraged to take URCA 101 early on and complete the other requirements, culminating in taking URCA 400 taken usually during senior year.

1. First, you want to see if any of your previous or current courses will apply to the Certificate in Research and Creative Activity. To determine this, go to your Degree Evaluation in CNU Live and run a “what-if analysis” after adding the Certificate.
2. Inform your core or major advisor of your intention to add the Certificate.
3. If desired, meet with Dr. David Salomon, ORCA Director (david.salomon@cnu.edu).
4. Complete and submit the online application with a copy of your unofficial transcript. Send all by email to ourca@cnu.edu with subject line “URCA Application.”
5. Once you have completed all requirements, the Certificate in Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity will be conferred at completion of your undergraduate degree.

1. For substitutions, students need to complete the Substitution form (available at cnu.edu/research) and submit appropriate documentation. Students should indicate what substitution/waiver is being requested. Please include all relevant documentation (e.g., transcript, syllabus) to support the request.
2. Course substitutions will be reviewed by the ORCA Director in consultation with the Undergraduate and Graduate Research Council on a case-by-case basis.
3. Notification will be made within 30 days of the request by an ORCA representative via email with the student’s advisor copied on that email.