Honors Introduction to Research Methods

Summer 2026 • June 16 – August 8
8-Week Live Online Course

Honors Introduction to Research Methods is a incredible opportunity for students to develop vital research skills in preparation for college. Meet with our expert instructors to learn about research methods and develop your own research proposal.

And because Introduction to Research Methods is a UC-approved honors course offered by WASC-accredited Elite Open School, you will earn one-semester credit, a weighted grade, and an impressive elective to add to your transcript!

Interested in applying for a specific major but have no experience in that field? In this course, you’ll be able to research a topic specifically related to your college major, demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, and express interest in your field of study.

• Pre-Med Track, Cohort #1
  Instructor: Dr. Eric Bortz • University of Alaska • PhD, Molecular Biology
  Weekly Lecture Schedule: TBA
• Pre-Med Track, Cohort #2
  Instructor: Dr. Eric Bortz • University of Alaska • PhD, Molecular Biology
  Weekly Lecture Schedule: TBA
• Psychology Track
  Caroline Shin • Indiana University • EdS, Counseling Psychology
  Weekly Lecture Schedule: TBA
• STEM Track
  Dr. Camille Bernal • Caltech • PhD, Materials Science
  Weekly Lecture Schedule: TBA

Prerequisites

• This program is open to students with strong writing skills in 11th and 12th grades.
• No research experience or predetermined topic is necessary.

Program Details

• Research Methods Seminar
  Students will learn what research is, discover how to conduct scholarly research, and be assigned to brainstorm research topics, questions, and hypotheses.
• Small Group Session by Subject
  Students will share with their chosen topic with their group and research questions. The instructor will provide feedback on their topics. Students will compile 15-20 scholarly sources based on their topic.
• One-on-One Consultation with College Professor
  The instructor will review the sources with each student and help them narrow their focus.
• Submit Research Proposal for Approval and Endorsement
  Students will receive feedback on their proposals. If necessary, students will be given an additional 2 weeks to revise and resubmit their proposals for review.

Boost Your College Applications

• Express your interest in the field of study related to your major
• Demonstrate your ability to research significant topics
• Show colleges your intellectual curiosity
• Gain valuable experience to list in your extracurricular activities and write about in your college application essays
• Build important skills that many college freshmen lack:
  • Learn to write in APA format
  • Find scholarly sources
  • Draft a scholarly research proposal

Takeaways

• Participating students will leave the program with a 7-10 page research proposal on the topic of their choice
• Passing students will receive a certificate of completion and may be eligible for an official academic achievement (e.g. "Best Proposal in the Field of Human Genetics")
• Students will gain valuable knowledge and experience that can be shared in college application personal statements and supplemental essays
• Because Introduction to Research Methods is a UC-approved honors course offered by WASC-accredited Elite Open School, you will earn one-semester credit, a weighted grade, and an impressive elective to add to your transcript