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Business research is an essential aspect of the modern corporate world. The ability to understand the latest trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics is crucial for any firm looking to stay competitive. With this in mind, we've compiled a list of 250 business research topics that can serve as an inspiration for your next paper. From the impact of technology on the workforce to the rise of sustainable firm practices, these research topics in business cover a wide range of subjects that are relevant to today's business climate. Whether you're a student or a researcher, this list of topics related to business is sure to provide you with ideas for your next work or thesis. Stay with our business essay writing service to discover amazing ideas.

What Are Business Research Topics?

Business research topics are areas of study that pertain to the various aspects of running an organization, such as marketing, management, finance, as well as operations. These topics can cover a wide range of subjects. They also focus on specific industries or geographic regions. Business related topics can be studied using various methods, such as quantitative or qualitative ones.It is important to note that business topics for a research paper are frequently evolving and adapting to the current business environment, which makes them very dynamic. As a crucial part of the corporate world, they provide insights and understanding of various aspects of such an environment. These insights can help firms make informed decisions, develop new strategies, and stay competitive in the marketplace.

Characteristics of Good Business Research Topics

There are several characteristics that make business research paper topics good. Here are a few examples:

  • Relevance The chosen topic should be relevant to the present business environment. Therefore, it seeks to solve issues that are essential to both researchers and practitioners.
  • Feasibility Good research topics in business should be feasible to research. It means that there are readily available resources and information necessary for the project.
  • Significance: the topic should have practical implications for practitioners and companies.
  • Clarity It must be specific and clearly defined.
  • Originality It should contribute new perspectives or insights to the existing body of knowledge.

All of these characteristics together will make a good research topic, one that is valuable, informative, and useful for the corporate industry.

How to Choose a Business Topic for Research?

When writing your research, you should get your foundation right, which starts with choosing a good business related topic. Here are the steps you can use to select a business topic for research:

  • Identify your research area Find out the broad area of enterprise that you want to focus on.
  • Review the literature Conduct a literature review to identify current research trends, gaps, and issues in your chosen area.
  • Narrow down your focus Based on the literature review, narrow down your focus to a specific topic that is relevant, feasible, and original.
  • Assess feasibility Consider the time frame, resources, and data availability for the topic. Make sure that you have access to the necessary data and materials to conduct the research.
  • Finalize the topic Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and that you are passionate about. This will make the research process more enjoyable.
  • Consult with experts Seek advice from professionals in the field to get feedback on your topic and to make sure that it is relevant.

Business Research Topics List

A well-curated business research paper topics list can help researchers identify current trends, gaps in the literature, and emerging issues in the field. Here are some top business topics that are very useful.

  • How sustainable business practices affect a company’s financial performance.
  • Blockchain technology’s role in business.
  • Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on global supply chain management.
  • Impact of fintech on traditional financial institutions.
  • How digital transformation affects organizational culture.
  • Consequences of social media marketing for customer engagement.
  • Data analytics’ role in company performance and decision-making.
  • Impact of the gig economy on traditional employment model.
  • Abuse experienced by women in the workplace.
  • Revolution of firm operations and strategy due to artificial intelligence.

Interesting Business Topics for a Research Paper

We’ve compiled an interesting business topic list that can be helpful in your work. Before choosing research topics on business, you should understand the requirements, then select one that matches your interest from the list below.

  • Growth in tourism and its impact on the economy.
  • Limitations of global sanctions.
  • Determinants of consumer behavior.
  • Current changes in global labor unions.
  • History of economic thoughts.
  • Exploring trade embargo.
  • Comparative analysis of property rights.
  • Ways to maximize product profits.
  • Differences between tax bracket rates and fixed tax rate.
  • Factors to consider when choosing countries to invest in.
  • Relevant leadership styles for family-owned organizations.
  • Ways in which an organization can enter a foreign market.
  • Challenges of remote employment.
  • Advantages of franchising for the franchisee.
  • Languages used in international ventures.

These are just a few examples of the many topics that can be explored through research. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence organizational performance and to develop strategies for addressing any challenges that arise.

Easy Business Research Paper Topics

Business research is an important aspect of understanding various factors that drive organizational success. However, some business research topics can be complex and time-consuming to investigate. Here are 15 great research paper business topics that may be researched quickly.

  • Storytelling’s role in marketing.
  • Impact of online communication tools on team productivity.
  • COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on consumer buying behavior.
  • How virtual meetings enhance team collaboration.
  • Workplace diversity and employee satisfaction.
  • Telecommunications effects on employee morale.
  • Artificial intelligence’s role in personalization of marketing efforts.
  • Impact of gamification on employee training.
  • Green initiative’s impact on customer loyalty.
  • How branding affects consumer purchasing power.
  • How does mobile technology enhance customer service?
  • Customer reviews’ role in enhancing online sales.
  • How digital marketing drives sales for small businesses.
  • Importance of flexible working hours for employee productivity.
  • Characteristics of monopolistic markets.

>> View more: Marketing Research Topics

Unique Business Research Topics

Business paper topics listed below are unique and challenging in the sense that they offer new perspectives and angles on the research, and they are not widely studied. It's also important to note that this category of research topic about business can cover ideas in any sector related to corporate world.

  • Virtual reality’s role in enhancing customer experience in luxury retail.
  • Artificial intelligence and human resources recruitment.
  • Using virtual and augmented reality in real estate.
  • LMS software for small businesses .
  • Greenwashing’s effect on consumer purchasing behavior.
  • Applying Internet of Things in predictive maintenance.
  • Virtual reality’s application in team building.
  • How mindfulness practices impact decision-making and productivity.
  • Application of augmented reality in e-commerce and retail.
  • Using blockchain technology in supply chain management.
  • Barriers to entering monopolistic markets.
  • How chatbots lead to employee satisfaction.
  • Emotional intelligence’s impact on effectiveness of leadership.
  • Impact of AI-generated content on company sales.
  • Effective advertising techniques for SMEs.

Popular Business Research Topics

Some business research paper topics are widely popular among researchers as well as practitioners as they are considered to be of current interest and relevance. These topics are popular since they are often studied to understand the current trends and challenges in the industry. Here are 15 popular business related research topics.

  • The current political and economic changes in America.
  • What causes changes in stock market.
  • Machine learning in the HR industry .
  • History of global trade.
  • Opportunities and challenges of globalization.
  • How to be successful in real estate industry.
  • How does corporate culture affect organizational performance?
  • Current corporate trends in the US.
  • Importance of a healthy work environment.
  • Ways to increase brand awareness.
  • Negotiation’s role in organizational change.
  • How SMEs affect the country’s economy.
  • Relationship between culture and company performance.
  • Initiatives to protect small and medium enterprises.
  • COVID-19 effects on economic performance of companies.

Controversial Business Research Topics

There are some research topics related to business that are controversial and can challenge widely held beliefs or societal norms. We’ve created a list of controversial business topic ideas below. You can choose any that interests you.

  • Automation’s impact on job displacement.
  • Corporate social responsibility’s role in addressing social issues.
  • Income inequality’s effects on firm performance.
  • Influence of Artificial Intelligence on privacy and ethical concerns.
  • Big data’s role in decision-making and potential biases.
  • Multinational companies’ impact on developing countries.
  • Sharing economy’s consequences on traditional industries and regulations.
  • Using blockchain technology in financial privacy and security.
  • How companies can be responsible for political lobbying.
  • Cannabis industry’s role in Canada’s economic development.
  • Ethical implication of AI in corporate world.
  • How surveillance affects employee privacy.
  • Effects of automation on the future of work.
  • Digital currency’s role in financial inclusion.
  • Social media’s impact on political polarization.

Business Research Proposal Topics

Whether you are an investor or a customer at a local grocery store, everyone is involved in some form of venture that prompts them to develop business research proposal ideas. Students in different academic levels may also be required to write a proposal before their research. Below are some business proposal topics to research that can help you explore your ideas.

  • Reducing workplace stress using virtual reality.
  • AI's potential impact on organizations venturing in healthcare.
  • How the current digital revolution has affected the corporate world.
  • Importance of video surveillance to organizations.
  • Potential solutions that private firms can implement to be economically secure.
  • Reasons why low self-esteem is detrimental at workplace.
  • Small independent organizations: lifelines in a world of giant franchises.
  • Solutions to the world's joblessness problem and how to implement them.
  • How workers’ motivation affects productivity.
  • A social problem: how altering consumer behavior affects retail sales.
  • Factors that determine the length of paternity leave given to employees.
  • The present-day world's environmental problems and their implications for business management.
  • Importance of leadership abilities in maintaining authority.
  • A methodical survey of investment approaches in real estate industry.
  • Comparing direct marketing with other types of advertisement .

Business Research Paper Topics for Students

Research topic ideas for business students can cover a wide range of areas, including management, marketing, finance, and operations. These themes are meant to be used as inspiration for students to conduct research on the business field and can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the assignment. Research paper topics related to business may also be chosen from areas of interest such as customer service, digital marketing, e-commerce, and green business practices.

Business Research Topics for College Students

Business topics for college students provide an opportunity to conduct research and gain a deeper understanding of the various factors that drive organizational success. Here are 15 potential business topics to write about.

  • Ways to ensure diversity in the workplace.
  • Virtual and augmented reality’s role in enhancing customer experience.
  • Effectiveness of various quality leadership styles in different industries.
  • Corporate governance’s impact on organizational performance.
  • Digitalization and its influence on the news industry.
  • Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence in personalization of marketing efforts.
  • How virtual teams affect productivity and communication of employees in an organization.
  • How does the sharing economy affect traditional industries and regulations?
  • Ways in which privacy concerns influence consumer purchase behavior.
  • How the Internet of Things impacts supply chain management.
  • Digital currency’s role in financial inclusion and inequality.
  • Different insurance forms for a company.
  • Benefits of personalizing a firm website.
  • The future of virtual reality in organizations.
  • How greenwashing affects consumer purchasing behavior.

Business Research Topics for MBA Students

Business research project topics cover a wide range of areas and can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the assignment or the student's area of interest. These topics are also relevant to the current business environment and can provide MBA students with a chance to explore the various challenges and opportunities that companies face today. Highlighted below is a list of business research paper ideas that you can consider.

  • Digitalization’s impact on the financial industry and its regulation.
  • Artificial Intelligence’s role in the healthcare industry.
  • How corporate social responsibility affects financial performance and reputation.
  • E-commerce’s effect on brick-and-mortar retail firms.
  • Big data’s role in marketing.
  • COVID-19 pandemic on global trade and investment.
  • Importance of time management in an organization.
  • Using virtual and augmented reality in real estate and construction.
  • Digital transformation’s impact on the public sector and government.
  • Applying blockchain technology in logistics and transportation.
  • What are the sustainable firm practices that an organization should adopt?
  • How social media affects consumer behavior and decision-making.
  • Digital marketing’s role in the B2B industry.
  • Artificial Intelligence’s impact on human resources management.
  • The impact of political and economic changes on renewable energy.

Research Topics on Business in Different Fields

Business research topics cover various industries and sectors, including finance, healthcare, marketing, as well as logistics. They can provide insight into the different business challenges and opportunities that different industries face today. Researchers dive deeper into specific fields to understand how business practices and strategies differ, as well as how they can be improved. These research business ideas can also be tailored to match the specific requirements of the assignment or the student's area of interest.

International Business Research Paper Topics

International business topics for research can encompass various aspects of cross-border trade as well as investment, including market entry strategies, cultural differences, and global supply chain management. Listed here are 15 potential research paper topics on international business.

  • How cultural differences affect international business negotiations.
  • An examination of the challenges and opportunities of international franchising.
  • The impact of currency fluctuations on international business performance.
  • Different forms of international business ownership.
  • Role of international trade agreements and their impact on companies.
  • Brexit’s impact on international business .
  • Corporate social responsibility and its effect on international business reputation.
  • Impact of language barriers on international business communication.
  • How international organizations promote sustainable development.
  • Most effective market entry strategies for emerging markets.
  • Political and economic instability’s role in international trade.
  • Role of technology in facilitating cross-border e-commerce.
  • Impact of international enterprise on host-country workers.
  • Influence of international ventures on environmental sustainability.
  • International business’ influence on local cultures and traditions.

Business Law Topics for a Research Paper

Business law research paper topic ideas can encompass various legal issues that organizations face, including contract law, intellectual property law, and corporate governance. Here are 15 potential research paper topics for business law class.

  • Effectiveness of different forms of alternative dispute resolution in business disputes.
  • Consumer protection laws.
  • Challenges and opportunities of cross-border litigation in international business.
  • The effects of corporate governance on organizational performance and accountability.
  • Securities laws on initial public offerings and capital raising.
  • The role of intellectual property law in protecting innovation and creativity in the digital age.
  • Challenges and opportunities of merger and acquisition regulation.
  • The impact of labor laws on human resources management and recruitment.
  • Effectiveness of different forms of corporate social responsibility in addressing social and environmental issues.
  • The role of competition law in promoting fair competition and protecting consumer welfare.
  • Limitations of international trade law and its impact on firms.
  • Data privacy laws on company operations and decision-making.
  • Contract law on e-commerce and online business.
  • The role of property law in real estate and construction enterprises.
  • Limitations and opportunities of corporate governance in family-owned firms.
Check more: Law Research Paper Topics  

Research Topics in Business Administration

Business administration research topics can encompass various aspects of organizational management, including leadership, strategy, and operations. They are also relevant to the current business environment and provide an opportunity to explore challenges that companies face in the field of business administration. We’ve compiled a list of business administration topics for a research paper that can be helpful to you.

  • Effective leadership styles for different types of organizations.
  • The impact of organizational culture on employee engagement and performance.
  • Opportunities and limitations of virtual teams and remote work.
  • The effects of innovation management on organizational performance.
  • Digitalization’s impact on organizational structure and processes.
  • The role of project management in driving organizational success.
  • Reasons to implement mergers and acquisitions.
  • The impact of corporate social responsibility on organizational reputation and brand image.
  • Automation and machine learning influence organizational processes and decision-making.
  • Human resources management’s role in promoting a healthy and inclusive work environment.
  • Limitations of international expansion.
  • The impact of data analytics and big data on organizational decision-making and performance.
  • Effectiveness of different organizational change management forms.
  • Operations management’s role in driving efficiency and productivity.
  • Sustainable firm practices and their impact on organizational performance.

Business Management Research Topics

Are you specialized in management and looking for related business management research paper topics? This article lists business report topics below that can be useful to you.

  • Applying artificial intelligence in business management.
  • Gig economy and its impact on workforce management.
  • Innovative Human Resource practices to improve employee resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Ways to promote sustainable development in an organization.
  • How virtual reality impacts human behavior and well-being.
  • The use of technology in strategic management.
  • Gender disparity and discrimination in wages.
  • Strategies to encourage more women leaders in organizations.
  • Team building strategies.
  • Connection between labor productivity and salary.
  • Enhancing employee retention rate.
  • Conflict management in a company.
  • Ways to motivate employees.
  • Social media’s impact on business.
  • How do you ensure diversity in leadership?

These topics cover a wide range of areas and can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the assignment or the student's area of interest. They provide insight into the field of business management and can help equip you with necessary skills needed in that study area.

Business Ethics Topics for a Research Paper

Business ethics research paper topics can encompass various issues related to moral and ethical principles in the business world, such as corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and integrity in decision-making. Highlighted below are topics for a business ethics essay or paper that you can consider.

  • Corporate social responsibility and consumer trust.
  • Forms of corruption in private sector organizations.
  • Ways to promote sustainable development.
  • Diversity and inclusion policies.
  • How corporate governance impacts organizational integrity.
  • Forms of whistle-blower protection.
  • Organization’s role in addressing social and environmental issues.
  • Challenges of implementing a code of conduct.
  • Ways to enhance organizational reputation and brand image.
  • Different forms of corporate social responsibility reporting.
  • Principles of ethical management.
  • The impact of ethics on employee engagement and motivation.
  • How to address issues of social and environmental justice.
  • Business ethics’ impact on the financial performance of a company.
  • How do companies address human rights issues?

Business Communication Research Topics

The success of a business depends significantly on the communication between stakeholders. Business communication topics can include different aspects within and between organizations, including cross-cultural, digital, and crisis communication. If you want to study it, here are some business research topics ideas to consider.

  • Essential digital tools used in business communication.
  • Forms of multimedia communication in organizations.
  • Communication’s role in promoting a healthy and inclusive work environment.
  • Cross-functional communication in organizations.
  • Communication technology’s impact on networking and relationship building.
  • Forms of internal communication in different industries.
  • How communication promotes transparency and trust.
  • Ways of communicating during mergers and acquisitions.
  • How communication technology impacts the financial industry .
  • Nonverbal communication in firm interactions.
  • Using social media in organizational communication.
  • Enhancing team dynamics and collaboration through communication.
  • Crisis communication in the digital age.
  • Language barriers in international organizations.
  • Intergenerational communication in the workplace.

>> View more: Communication Research Paper Topics

Business Speech Research Topics

Research topics in business include various aspects of oral communication in the corporate world, such as public speaking, presentations, as well as pitch deliveries. Do you have a speech that you want to deliver related to enterprise and still not sure of the topic to choose? Here are general business research topic ideas you can use.

  • Types of corporate crimes you should look out for as our employees.
  • Never be afraid of your competitors.
  • How to deliberately think and plan for your success.
  • Moving your company a generation ahead.
  • How to ensure effective leadership in your company.
  • How to reward your employees.
  • Ways to motivate your employees.
  • Encouraging innovation in your firm.
  • Why should everyone have a business plan before starting one?
  • How we can deal with breach of contract.
  • Types of insurance cover we should consider for a company.
  • Ways to improve our company’s reputation in public.
  • How to write effective business letters.
  • Why we should actively participate in corporate social responsibilities.
  • How to increase our sales.
Read more: Demonstration Speech Ideas for Students

Business Debate Research Topics

Business research questions for debate involve various aspects of public discourse as well as arguments in the corporate world, such as ethical dilemmas, industry trends, and policy decisions. These themes can provide an opportunity to explore different perspectives and arguments on a particular issue and to evaluate their strengths as well as weaknesses. Some of the debatable business research project ideas include the following:

  • Is investing in stocks like taking a chance on the lottery?
  • Do you think cryptocurrencies should power the corporate world?
  • Is it true that men account for more successful company owners?
  • Do women fare better than men in the corporate world?
  • When it comes to commerce, how trustworthy are cryptocurrencies, and how does advertising them increase their customer base?
  • Are corporations with a global reach causing more harm than good?
  • If a company invests in advertisements, do they see a return on its investment?
  • Do jobs in cooperation constitute a new form of slavery?
  • Should it be possible to blend politics with corporations?
  • Do you think getting an MBA is worth the cost?
  • Does technology make people less productive?
  • Are companies overlooking the issue of cybersecurity?
  • Has the introduction of emails improved communication within companies?
  • Is artificial intelligence bad for the corporate world?
  • Unlike theft, infringing on copyright does not deprive the victim of the original product.

>> Read more: Political Science Research Questions

Bottom Line on Business Research Paper Topics

There are numerous categories of topics for business research paper. The chosen topic should be a reflection of your expertise. Before deciding on the research paper topic about business to write on, you must first establish your specialty besides ensuring you have the necessary facts as well as resources. Provided in this article are 250 business research ideas. Feel free to choose from any category depending on your area of interest. Don't forget to proofread as well as modify your final paper several times before submission. All the best! Just in case you need to conduct a study in another field, remember that we have a huge arsenal of topics in various disciplines. From psychology research topics to sociology research paper topics , you can spot any title idea for an A-grade work.

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Business Research Topics For Students

business research topics

When pursuing business programs in colleges and universities, students are required to write papers or do my thesis on business research topics. The major challenge for most students is choosing topics for their papers. A vast majority of them are stuck in this step because they fear choosing a topic that is not interesting or too broad and end up with poor grades.

Nevertheless, many inspirations in the contemporary can guide you when choosing business topics for a research paper. Whether you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree or preparing for your Ph.D. defense, there are many topics that you can write about. You just need to choose a topic that you will be interested in researching and writing a paper about.

How to Find Business Research Topics

Best business research paper topics, examples of business-related research topics, business management research topics, business law topics for research paper, international business research paper, business administration topics, argumentative business topics, business communication topics for presentation, business persuasive and informative speech topics, business debate topics, qualitative research titles about business for your dissertation, mba research paper topics, entrepreneurial research topics, business intelligence topics, the most asked business research paper questions, where to get help with business research topics.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a topic for a research paper about business. They include the following:

  • Whether your professor provides the topic scope and if you are permitted to change it.
  • Whether you have been given a thematic area within which to choose a topic.
  • Whether you have specialized in a specific subject.
  • If you have the total freedom to choose your topic

If you have complete freedom to choose your topic, start with a little research. For instance, you can read news websites, analyze successful companies and corporations, or track problems that other people write about. If you still don’t find a topic after doing this, consider the examples of business research topics provided here.

Your choice of the best topic for your business paper should depend on the field you are interested in. Additionally, your topic should be engaging and related to your study program. It should also enable you to conduct extensive research and come up with facts to back up your argument. What’s more, the best business topics for research papers grab the readers’ attention.

This explains why many students get nervous or struggle when required to choose topics for their business papers. Nevertheless, students cover many topics and subjects during their studies. What you learn in class can, therefore, be your inspiration when choosing topics for business research papers. But, if you find it hard to come up with a topic for your research paper, the internet has many samples that you can consider.

Though there are many sample topics to consider when writing a business research paper, your choice should depend on your study level, the field of interest, and assignment requirements. Here are different categories of business research topics for college students and their examples.

Business Ethics Research Paper Topics

Business ethics is a study field that gives students the freedom to choose from different topics. For instance, a student can choose a topic in this field around duties, morality, integrity, and business behavior. The increasing business ethics issues widen the range of the topics students can choose from in this category. What’s more, business ethics cover ethical conflicts between individuals and groups of employers, employees, customers, and the surrounding. Here are examples of topics for research papers in this category.

  • Effects of Moral Principles on Business Decisions
  • Causes of Unethical Conducts in Workplaces
  • Should Businesses Be Honest with their Customers All the Time?
  • The Psychology and History of Business Ethics
  • Examples of Moral Judgment that Doesn’t Work in Business
  • How Ethical Mistakes can Lead to Business Bankruptcy
  • Are Business Ethics the Same for the Manager and the Personnel?
  • How to Avoid Sexual Harassment at the Workplace
  • Why is an Ethical Code Important for Companies?
  • Taking Responsibility for the Corporate Ethics of a Company

The fact that people engage in different businesses creates a chance to research common topics like workplace honesty and general topics like environmental protection.

When writing a business management research paper, it’s important to come up with a researchable and interesting question. This can be a challenging task because there are many facets and resources in the business management field. Nevertheless, it’s still possible to find a focused, narrow question that forms the topic of a research paper. Here are examples of topics for business management research papers.

  • Conflict Management in a Work Team
  • The Role of Women in Business Management
  • Issues that Affect Management of Business Startups
  • Consequences of Excessive Work in Business
  • Why You Should Start a New Business After One Fails
  • Importance of Inter-organizational Leadership and Networks
  • How to Manage Organizational Crisis in Business
  • Product and Service Development in a Strategic Alliance
  • Innovation and Network Markets as a Business Strategy
  • Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Business management research paper topics should not be too narrow or too broad. Nevertheless, there are many topics on enterprise, trade, commerce, and other subjects that you can explore because they all require extensive research.

A business law topic is not easy to find. That’s because your topic should attract the attention of your reader and relate to the broad field of business law. As such, you should narrow down your topic to something more focused. Here are examples of topics for business law papers.

  • How Do You Define Authority Before You Start Business Negotiations?
  • Insider Trading- What Does it Mean in the Contemporary World?
  • Are Alcohol Consumption and Sale Laws Beneficial to the Public’s Wellbeing?
  • Should Some Corporate Crimes Warrant Death Penalty?
  • Can State Officials Succeed when Dismissed for their Implication in Corruption Cases?
  • How Marijuana-Based Businesses Interact with the Federal and State Law
  • What Should a Business Do to Ensure that Its Former Employees Do Not Join Its Rival Firm?
  • Should Author Protection for Written Work Be Done with Nom de Plumes or Legal Names?
  • How can Non-Disclosure Agreements save a Company from Disgruntled former Employees?
  • How is Copyright Law Favorable to an Artist or a Singer when the Recording Company represents it?

Though there are many business law research topics , it’s important to choose a topic that you are personally interested in to make writing your paper an interesting task.

International topics allow students to explore global business subjects. These topics can be more complex though lucrative. It’s not surprising that this category comprises mostly of business research topics for MBA students. Here are examples of international topics for research papers.

  • Is Social Media Presence Important for Companies Around the World?
  • How Does War between Countries Affect Businesses?
  • Examples of Companies that Have Failed in the International Markets and Why How Do You Spot a Small Business that is Likely to Become a Successful Multi-National?
  • What Languages are Likely to Be International Business Languages in the Future?
  • Should international companies be forced to supply healthcare services to full-time employees?
  • Should maternity leave in international business be increased?
  • Should recruiters be allowed to ask questions about an applicant’s personal life?
  • Should we attempt for an equal representation of male and feminine leaders within the workplace?
  • Should social media sites be blocked at work?
  • Casual dress codes and the corporate world.
  • International businesses and their influence on national businesses.

International topics for research papers should be current. They can’t be too general or too narrow. If your topic is too general or too narrow, you will be writing a paper that won’t delve deep or say much. This won’t earn you the grade you desire.

Topics on business administration give students a chance to explore something innovative. However, choosing a topic in this category can frustrating because there are many options available. Here are examples of business administration topics.

  • How Advertisement Affects Consumer Behavior
  • How Wages Affect Employees’ Productivity
  • How Staff Motivation Affects Productivity
  • How to Measure Employee Retention Rate
  • Customer follow-up techniques as after-sales methods.
  • Why business will harden you
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Equal opportunities for both sexes
  • Good governance ethics and social responsibility.
  • The way to cope with a breach of contract.
  • The various external factors affecting employee retention.

When writing a business administration research paper, it’s important to choose an effective topic that you can research and present properly. It’s also important to consider the field you are interested in and the goal of writing your paper. An ideal business administration topic is one that you are interested to learn more about.

Argumentative business papers use the existing, published materials and literature. So, when choosing business research proposal topics in this category, students should explore the existing information first. This will enable them to use the existing data when presenting their understanding of the topics argumentatively. The major challenge is to choose a topic that relates to your field of business study. Here are examples of argumentative business topics.

  • Acquisition vs. merger- Which one is better?
  • Businesses that Focus on Market Vs. Businesses that Focus on Products
  • Is Offering Better Value to New Employees a Wise Move?
  • Can Business Develop Leadership through Practice and Learning?
  • Is it Wise for a Company to Exploit Labor in Maximizing Profits?
  • Investing in Digital Marketing and Social Media Campaigns- Does it Capture the Audience Attention?
  • Monetary Incentives Versus Personal Acknowledgement and Fringe Benefits
  • Is having a crypto investment risk for businesses?
  • Is there a bias against the workplace?
  • Is it possible to work while stressed?
  • Why are there corporate loans and special grants for females’ start-ups?

Before you decide to write a paper on an argumentative business topic, it’s important to establish your position. Make sure that you have evidence or you can find facts to support your position. Your idea should be put on a pedestal when making your argument.

Business communication is solely the act of sharing and distributing information between people within and outdoors a corporation and how the staff and management communicate to assist out organizational problems. The best researchable business communication topics for presentation include:

  • Social media usage
  • Non-verbal communication
  • Giving proper feedback
  • Communicating decisions during an issue or crisis
  • Business and email etiquettes and manners
  • Usage of company blogs
  • Role of influencers for building a brand
  • Impact of social media for workers
  • Differences between qualitative and quantitative data analysis
  • Secrets of advertising and marketing

You would have to note that these are two different things; informative speeches support educating and training. In persuasive speeches, you’re imploring that they participate in something or buy something. Some business persuasive and informative speech topics include:

  • Ergonomics in the workspace
  • Standards in creative and financial accounting
  • Understanding business copyright protection
  • What are the categories of insurance?
  • How to develop healthy work skills
  • How safety programs and dealing conditions relate to productivity
  • Conflict Management Strategies
  • How to create a comprehensive and viable business plan
  • Opportunities of internet advertising.
  • Internal control of resources.
  • What is a career break?
  • What impact do oil price fluctuations have on businesses?
  • Ways to draw in customer attention.
  • Time management
  • New fathers’ paternity leave.

Debate may be a valuable way of communicating and also persuading people. Interesting business debate topics for you include:

  • Can companies be trusted?
  • Are our casual dress codes beneficial for the company?
  • Employee drug test: yes, or no?
  • Should dating within the workplace be allowed?
  • Should companies spy on employees on social media?
  • Companies should be forced to produce health care for full-time employees.
  • Are employees that employment from home productive?
  • Does job satisfaction help in productivity?
  • Men should stay longer off for paternity leave.
  • Non-financial incentives and financial incentives – which is better?
  • How to put in place strict work policies.

Qualitative business research has to do with the creative and investigative analysis of intangible and inexact data. Here are some qualitative research titles about business for your dissertation.

  • Handling backlash during a project program
  • Ways to relieve pressure for strict work deadlines
  • Time management essence in goal setting
  • Managers should be flexible in their decisions.
  • How to manage an organizational crisis in business and work
  • What is a product development and how to do it the right way?
  • Major types of business insurance
  • Ways to enhance short and long run career plans
  • Networking for a successful manager
  • Harassment within the workplace.
  • Telemarketing ideas for tiny companies.

MBA is a prestigious postgraduate qualification outlining key business practices and is valued by top employers. Great MBA research paper topics include:

  • Gender representation in advertising
  • Impact of workplace diversity on company culture
  • Result of emotional branding on customer loyalty
  • Steps to run a successful retail business.
  • Molestation should be taken more seriously within the workplace.
  • Should business strikers be fired?
  • Strong unions are necessary for the economic process.
  • How do team-building events foster unity in the workplace?
  • To be a business owner, you need to learn to be organized.
  • Top ten strategic e-marketing issues.
  • Business and politics: should they be mixed?

This develops methods and tools for founders, which are given to start-up companies. To go in-depth, here are some entrepreneurial research topics:

  • Entrepreneurship skills acquisition and product innovation
  • Determining the impact of technological advancement on entrepreneurship in a company
  • Determinants of entrepreneurial innovation in an organization
  • Role of entrepreneurship in solving unemployment
  • To be a good business owner, you must learn to be well-organized
  • A way to promote the business without a marketing budget?
  • The right technique to write effective business letters
  • Important business ethics for running a startup
  • Negotiation techniques every manager must-have.
  • Recruitment and staffing decisions are crucial to the success of any business.
  • How performance-related pay can enhance motivation in the workplace.

Business intelligence ensures business owners and employees are at the top of their game at all times. Business intelligence topics worthy of consideration include:

  • Role of human resources in company development
  • Impact of organizational culture on employee performance
  • Evaluating the impact of strategy and leadership for organizational development
  • Factors influencing employee motivation.
  • SMEs and their risk management approach.
  • Ageism within the workplace
  • Impact of advertisement strategy on consumer behavior.
  • Data analysis implementation for business intelligence
  • Knowledge management for organizational knowledge generation
  • Research on knowledge extraction using data processing for business operations
  • How poor leadership can bankrupt a business.

A great business research paper requires a relevant subject and one that may distinguish it from other papers. Frequently asked business research paper questions include:

  • Repackaging a product: is it possible to avoid copyright infringement?
  • Is it possible for a father to require paternity leave at work?
  • What are the best methods of identifying bankruptcy and fraud?
  • Can discrimination affect the work environment?
  •  Should companies provide penalties for smoking employers?
  •  How does piracy influence the gaming business?
  • Is there anything like the law of molestation at the workplace?
  • What causes favoritism in the workplace?
  •  15 Ways to start an e-business successfully
  • How is the worldwide pandemic changing international business strategies concerning different sectors?
  • What are the best training and development tactics in the office?

Topics for business papers fall into different categories. The choice of your topic should reflect your subject area or study field. But, above all, your topic should capture the readers’ attention from the moment they come across it. It should also be straightforward, original, and specific. That means you should understand your study field well to select a good topic. Therefore, conduct some research before you choose a topic for your business thesis or research paper. Besides, providing good topics for you, we can also help you with your business research paper topics.

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58 Good Research Paper Topics for High School Students

June 27, 2023

We’ve all been there: you’re sitting in English or Social Studies, and suddenly your teacher announces those dreaded words: “I’d like you all to pick a topic for your upcoming research paper.” Your stomach lurches as your mind races to think of good research paper topics. Should you write about octopuses or the New York Yankees? Should you write about the history of Barbie and her uber-pink Dreamhouse , or perhaps the evolution of Taylor Swift ’s music career?

We get it: these are hard choices! That’s why we here at College Transitions have compiled the ultimate list to assist you in selecting an excellent research topic.

But First…the All-Important Question: What Makes a Great Topic?

We’re glad you asked! When selecting a topic for your academic research paper, you want to select a compelling topic that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Just like when choosing a persuasive speech topic or argumentative essay topic , you want to be sure to select a topic that intrigues you personally. This is pivotal for multiple reasons. If you find your topic intriguing, you’ll likely spend more time delving into the subject and gathering information to strengthen your arguments. Additionally, if a topic sparks your curiosity, odds are that your enthusiasm will pique someone else’s interest, too!

The Key to a Good Research Paper: Research

Regardless of the topic you choose, ensure it’s researchable . This means that the subject has sufficient resources for research. Even the most intriguing topic won’t make for a good paper if there’s not much research material out there. Remember: your typical research paper is longer and more in-depth than a regular academic essay. While this means you have more time to explore the topic at hand, it also means that the research paper will rely on more information and analysis of the existing material out there. Before finalizing your topic, make sure to do a preliminary search to guarantee there’s plenty of information out there to help you construct a comprehensive argument, filled with multiple perspectives and facets.

Following Guidelines

Lastly, and most importantly, follow the guidelines your teacher has laid out. If you focus your paper on pop culture, it certainly won’t meet a historical research paper’s requirement! Before embarking on this thrilling intellectual journey, double-check what type of research paper your teacher wants you to write. To prevent future headaches, clarify any rules or conditions upfront.

Now that we’ve covered these key bullet points of what makes a great research paper topic, let’s delve into some examples of topics:

English Literature Research Topics

1) Discuss the profound cultural impact and enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s plays.

2) What roles does feminism play in canonical literary works such as Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre ?

3) Investigate the use of symbolism and its impacts on the narrative and theme in a chosen novel, such as J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye or Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn.

4) Analyze the use of dystopian elements and their social commentary embedded in the works of George Orwell.

Good Research Paper Topics (Continued)

5) Analyze the themes , symbolic representations, and societal critiques of the American Dream as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby .

6) Provide a comprehensive explication of a renowned Shakespearean sonnet or soliloquy, such as this one from Hamlet .

7) Choose a poem such as Robert Frost’s “ The Road Not Taken ” and critically analyze its layered meanings and imagery, as well as their impact on the reader.

Technology Research Topics 

  • For a more comprehensive list of technology-related research topics, we’ve compiled an entire list for you here !

8) Compare and contrast the various techniques of solar geoengineering. How have these practices progressed over time? In what direction might they continue to evolve?

9) Art has become readily producible and consumable in the era of technology and artificial intelligence. How does this surge in accessibility impact the worth of artwork? Additionally, should we value physical artworks more than those made by programs like OpenAI’s DALL-E?

10) Does the advancement of cellular agriculture potentially threaten the ideas of a “ circular bioeconomy ?” Should we strive to pursue a circular bioeconomy?

11) Some people say that video games are detrimental to mental health or encourage violence. Study and present findings on whether specific categories or genres of video games provide more cognitive enhancement than others.

12) Since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual appointments and doctor’s visits have increased exponentially. Does the surge in screen time that comes with digital therapeutics negatively affect mental health?

13) Consider mob mentality  across social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram. In what instances and in what contexts is such mentality most prevalent?

Environmental Research Topics

  • For a more comprehensive list of environmental-related research topics, we’ve compiled the 50 best ones here !

14) Undertake a comprehensive study of the impacts of climate change on ocean currents and the changes in migration patterns of marine species.

15) Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of urban greenspaces . Discuss potential implementation strategies to ensure equitable access to these spaces, particularly for socio-economically disadvantaged communities.

16) Look at the ethical implications surrounding human intervention in conservation efforts for endangered species.

17) Analyze the environmental impacts of the hospitality and travel industries in terms of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

18) How do agricultural land use practices impact biodiversity and the health of ecosystems? Look at the relationship between farming, habitat degradation, and species survival.

19) Conduct an in-depth analysis of the potential economic repercussions of climate change. Focus on the impacts of climate changes on global agricultural productivity and food security, as well as their associated dynamics in the global economy.

Economic 

20) Conduct an in-depth exploration of the relationship between supply and demand dynamics and their influence on the market.

21) Analyze the impact of globalization on local economies. Examine both the direct and indirect effects of globalization and assess strategies for local economies to adapt and thrive within this system.

22) Write a research paper that investigates the role of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in the global economy. What potential do these currencies have to disrupt traditional financial systems? What are their implications for monetary policy?

23) Undertake a study of the impact of China’s economic ascendance on the global economy.

24) Explore the intricate effects of population growth and/or decline on economic systems, considering factors such as labor market dynamics, allocation of resources, and the potential for sustainable development.

Political Science Research Topics

25) Discuss the role of lobbyists in U.S. politics. Scrutinize their influence on policy-making, and discuss the broader implications for democratic representation.

26) What influence does the media have on political elections? Investigate how media coverage shapes public opinion and voter behavior.

27) Analyze the impact of immigration policy on the economy. Examine such policies’ immediate and long-term implications on the labor market and economy.

28) Discuss the role of the Supreme Court in shaping U.S. laws. Focus on the function the Supreme Court plays in establishing legal precedents.

Philosophy 

29) Write a research paper examining the concept of free will, its origins, evolution, and implications.

30) Consider the implications of determinism. Look at its impact on individual agency and moral responsibility within the broader framework of philosophical tradition.

31) Undertake an in-depth analysis of happiness in philosophy, considering its interpretations and their influence on real-world practices.

32) Investigate how various philosophies have perceived consciousness through time. Trace this depiction of consciousness through various philosophical movements.

33) Discuss Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch, examining its underpinnings and implications.

Psychology research Topics

34) What role does social media play in shaping an individual’s self-esteem?

35) Explore childhood trauma’s long-lasting impact on adult interpersonal relationships and attachment styles.

36) Analyze the critical role that distinct parenting styles play in molding a child’s personality.

37) Research and discuss the psychological effects and health implications of prolonged exposure to stress.

Art Research Topics

38) Discuss the role of the Renaissance period on modern art, doing a side-by-side analysis of works from both eras.

39) Conduct a thorough analysis of the impact of street art on urban culture, examining how it reshapes public spaces and societal narratives.

40) Investigate the influence of Pop Art on modern design. You might focus on Pop Art’s particular impact on interior design and digital media.

41) Explore the role feminist art plays in promoting gender equality. How do feminist artworks challenge traditional gender roles and/or contribute to societal discourse?

Computer Science Research Topics

42) Artificial Intelligence is advancing rapidly. Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of this technology.

43) Discuss whether the use of facial recognition technology violates individuals’ privacy, as well as the broader implications such technology has on societal well-being.

44) Analyze the use of surveillance technology by the government. Is it ethical for the government to use such technology to monitor its citizens?

45) Investigate the rapid development and long-term effects of various social media platforms.

Education 

46) Investigate the history of book bans in schools. Discuss the larger cultural and educational impacts such bans have on students and society.

47) Analyze various forms of schooling, from homeschooling to public and private schools. Consider the implications of each on a child’s education and social skills.

48) Write a research paper examining the use of affirmative action or other race-conscious policies on college campuses. Discuss the impact such policies have, as well as potential benefits and drawbacks.

49) Consider the impact of standardized testing on student performance.

Government and Law Research Topics

50) Consider the role that intellectual property and copyright laws play in innovation.

51) Investigate the impact of anti-trust laws on big corporations. What are the economic effects of these laws?

52) Study the role that law enforcement plays in community safety.

53) Consider the legalization of marijuana on crime rates. Discuss the impact this legalization has had on various communities, as well as its benefits and drawbacks.

History Research Topics

54) Analyze the influence of the Civil Rights movement on modern America. How did this movement shape racial, social, and political dynamics in America?

55) Investigate how the French Revolution reshaped political structures and ideologies across Europe.

56) Analyze the significance of the fall of the Berlin Wall and how it marked a shift in the global balance of power.

57) Delve into the effects of the Cold War, as well as its impacts on global politics.

58) Examine the role that women played during World War II and what impact these roles had on challenging gender norms.

I’ve Got My Topic: What Now?

Once you’ve selected your topic, begin brainstorming ways to shape and craft your argument. Here’s one structure your research paper might take:

  • Introduction: The introduction presents your research topic to readers and provides a roadmap for the paper ahead.
  • Thesis Statement: Craft a compelling thesis statement summarizing your paper’s central arguments.
  • Body : The body of the paper is where your carefully conducted research comes into play. Each paragraph should follow the previous one, building a logical progression of thoughts.
  • Conclusion: In your conclusion, you reiterate the points you made in your paper and provide a closing paragraph to neatly tie up any last thoughts.
  • Reference Page: This is where you credit your sources.

Once you’ve followed this structure, you’re on your way to crafting an excellent research paper. Of course, don’t let pesky typos undermine your hours of hard work and writing. Make sure to always proofread your work before turning it in. And if you’re passionate about research and writing, don’t stop there. Check out these summer programs for writing and journalism so that you can continue to fuel your passion.

  • High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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10 creative research topics for students (2024)

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Miroslav Damyanov

Research is a key part of student life, but deciding which topic to research can take time and effort. The right research topic typically aligns with your skills and interests, has current relevance, and can positively impact the world.

In this article, you’ll find some helpful examples to help you get started.

  • What is a research topic, and what is it for?

Research topics enable students to drill down into a specific aspect of a subject to broaden their knowledge and share learnings with others. They are typically used to make discoveries or develop fresh viewpoints.

A research topic defines the specific theme that research will be conducted around. It’s essential for providing a key focus for the work to be completed. Ultimately, it defines a core problem or knowledge gap that needs to be solved. 

A clear topic helps define what is being studied and how that information will be communicated to others.

  • Research topic vs. research question

A research topic is a broad theme of focus that requires further investigation. It’s the project’s overall subject—an aspect of which will be studied.

A research topic example could be “The effects of meditation on stress reduction.”

A research question is a specific inquiry that researchers want to investigate and answer to broaden their knowledge and make new discoveries. Research questions are much more specific, focusing on a very small aspect of the overall topic.

The right research question will specifically set out what is being researched so there is no ambiguity.

Here’s an example of a research question within the topic: “How does meditation impact stress, anxiety, and burnout in the workplace?”

  • What makes a good research paper topic?

Here are the characteristics that make some topics more favorable and useful than others:

Clarity: a helpful research topic should be clearly understood to ensure the integrity of the research. It should be clear to the student and mentor/professor what the topic is and how it will be explored.

Originality: answering questions that have already been researched and answered many times before could be a waste of resources. Answering original questions is key to getting the most out of research. This might involve researching topics that have already been covered from a different angle or exploring an entirely new topic.

Relevance: it’s helpful to ensure that a research topic is related to your expertise and your access to resources. This will ensure that the research topic is relevant to you.

Ethical : ethics should always be considered when conducting research. Your research shouldn’t cause physical or mental harm to any participants. You should also consider animal and environmental ethics.

  • How can I choose a good topic for my research paper?

With so many topics to choose from, selecting a topic for your research paper can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider these three points to make the best choice:

1. Lean into personal interest

Being interested and experienced in a particular field will make the research more interesting, relevant, and straightforward to conduct.

Your interest will mean you’re committed and motivated to discover the answer to your research question. Being personally engaged also makes the process more enjoyable.

One caveat to keep in mind is the potential for bias. If you are invested in the research having a particular result, you must ensure it’s accurate, double-checked, and reviewed by an impartial party.

2. Choose a topic with enough information

Your research project might fail if you don’t have access to sufficient information and resources. There needs to be enough information to gain deep insights into the research at hand.

Consider the resources you have within your project limits. If your research has funding, carefully work out what that funding could be used for. If not, you may need to consider research that you’ll be able to complete with access to public records and other free resources.

Timings, finances, access to participants, and publicly accessible information will all need to be considered before choosing the final topic to research.

3. Consider the guidelines

You’ll need to adhere to the specific guidelines that your school, mentor, or professor have laid out. They may request that the topic be related to public interest, a currently challenging topic for the environment, or another parameter.

When considering those guidelines, make ethical considerations. Your school or university is unlikely to permit unethical research.

  • How to find research topics to write about

Even though there’s an endless range of topics to research, you might not know where to begin. Starting with background reading, mind mapping, and speaking with mentors can help mold general ideas into useful topics and questions.

Extensive reading: completing background reading of educational databases, journals, and scientific studies can help provide a good working knowledge of what is currently being researched and identify key gaps.

Social problems: current challenges on both a local and global scale can make excellent research questions. Whether it’s investigating climate change, human health, or the impact of pandemics, there’s likely to be large human interest if you research social problems and challenges. The research you conduct may even have a positive impact on the world around you.

Mind mapping: brainstorming different ideas inspired by your background reading and personal interests can lead to ideal research topics. Create a large mind map, whether in a notebook or on a whiteboard, to get all your ideas down on paper. You may be surprised at what unique ideas you come up with.

Speak to mentors: running topics over with your professor or mentor could prove very helpful. They may be able to help you refine your ideas, provide feedback on research questions, and offer useful suggestions to ensure the topic you pick is appropriate.

  • The top 10 research topics for students

Here are some of the top 10 research topics and research areas for students. Whether in high school, senior high school, or college, these topics are important and relevant for students today.

You might use these ideas as starting points for your own original research topics and research questions.

1. High school research paper topic ideas

Research topics in high school can promote critical thinking , personal growth, and problem-solving skills.

Some of the most relevant research topics for high schoolers revolve around social and political issues, as those are often core topics within the school curriculum. Also, students are often interested in how they can positively impact the world around them, so topics within social change and social issues are particularly relevant.

The impacts of bullying

Bullying and its impacts are an interesting and relevant topic for high school students. Students may want to consider ways to mitigate bullying or explore whether bullying can affect people long-term.

Some specific research questions within the bullying topic are:

What is the evidence that parental support can alleviate the impact of bullying in schools?

What are the effects of bullying and victimization on short-term mental health?

How can we predict adolescents’ bullying participation and understand the participant roles of bullying in different grades?

Social media in high schools

With social media use prolific in the modern world, students may be particularly interested to learn about how it impacts humans. Students may want to research the effects of different social media types, ways to reduce social media use, or how social media is impacting people around the world.

Some topics within social media could be:

Is there a correlation between social media use and academic performance?

What are the effects of social media use on mental health in people aged 12–18?

How does social media use affect self-esteem in students?

2. Psychology research paper topics

Psychology is a broadly studied topic with many possible avenues for exploration. Whether you’d like to understand how the human brain works, ways to boost mental health, or treatment options in psychology, there are endless options.

Here are some of the top 10 research topics for college students in psychology: 

Increasing happiness

Some specific research questions related to happiness include the following:

What are the factors driving the fear of leaning into happiness in American society?

How can practicing vulnerability reduce stress and boost happiness?

What impact does forest bathing have on overall mood scores?

Mitigating anxiety

With 37% of US adults more anxious in 2023 than in 2022, anxiety as a research topic is very relevant.

Below are some example research questions:

How does chronic anxiety impact people’s day-to-day lives?

What is the impact of meditation interventions on anxiety?

Is there data to support physical exercise interventions for anxiety disorders?

3. Science research paper topics

Scientific research covers many study fields. From biology and chemistry to physics and biochemistry, science helps researchers discover critical information about humans and our world.

Here are a few potential topics for exploration:

Reducing pandemic risk

Given the impact of COVID-19, mitigating the risk of a future pandemic is of significant human interest. A student may look at ways to improve pandemic responses, identify future pandemics, boost vaccine adoption, and reduce the spread of misinformation. 

Specific research questions include the following:

How can AI help predict future pandemics?

How does animal breeding contribute to zoonotic disease risk?

What are the key ways to identify and control a potential future pandemic before it becomes widespread?

Renewable energy

With climate change and the planet’s health a major concern for many scientists, investigations into more environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources are of great social interest.

Here are some research questions about renewable energy to consider:

What is the economic feasibility of widespread renewable energy use across the US?

How could wind, water, and solar energy reduce global emissions?

What are the core factors preventing the widespread use of renewable energy?

4. Good environmental research topics

Climate change impacts every person on the planet, so it can make an excellent research topic. Particularly for the younger generation, climate change is an interesting and often concerning discussion topic. Gen Z, for example, speaks much more actively about climate change both on and offline.

Climate change on a global scale

Some specific research questions within the climate change topic are:

What is the impact of climate change on biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest?

What impact could the use of solar power have in the US in relation to carbon emissions?

How do carbon dioxide emissions affect ocean acidity levels?

5. Argumentative research paper topics

Setting out a specific argument and exploring the topic can make for interesting research. Argumentative research topics are typically related to human interest, issues that impact us on a global scale, or challenges that particular social groups face.

Affirmative action

With rising interest in equality, researching affirmative action—designed to prevent the impacts of discrimination—is a relevant research topic for high school and college students.

Some specific questions relating to affirmative action could be:

Does affirmative action promote equality in the workplace?

What is the evidence that affirmative action is helpful in university admissions?

How has the affirmative action ban impacted the tech industry?

The ethical use of AI

AI use is expanding rapidly across the globe, so there’s growing interest in its impacts and the need for ethical usage.

Some research questions relating to AI include the following:

Could AI lead to more global conflict?

Can ethical legislation reduce the risk of AI and its implementation?

How many jobs could be impacted by AI in 2025?

6. Human rights paper topics

Human rights impact everyone on the planet, so it’s a topic that’s of continual interest.

Research in this area could cover human rights in the workplace, privacy rights, gender equality, and much more.

International human rights

International human rights is a complex yet critical area of global interest. Human rights help protect people’s freedom and safety around the world.

What are ways to reduce human rights violations in conflict zones?

What is the impact of organizations such as Amnesty International on international human rights?

In what ways can governments enforce human rights globally?

LGBTQI+ rights

With LGBTQI+ issues gaining a brighter spotlight in mainstream media, research into this area can be very beneficial, not just for those impacted by discrimination but for society as a whole.

Here are some potential research questions:

How can gender dysphoria impact transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adolescents’ mental health and quality of life?

What are ways to boost mental health for those who experience discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity?

How could genderless bathrooms increase access and safety for LGBTQI+ people?

7. US history research paper topics

The US has a vast and interesting history, which forms part of the curriculum in many high schools and colleges. Different aspects of this history can make relevant fields of research, such as the following:

What factors that led to the abolishment of slavery in the US are relevant in politics today?

How did the Founding Fathers shape the US political system, and what can be learned?

Why did the Louisiana Purchase have such a significant impact on US history?

8. Law enforcement research topics

Maintaining law and order in society is highly complex. Exploring how law enforcement can benefit society as a whole can be a rewarding field of study.

Some possible law enforcement topics include the following:

How can data analysis and intelligence-led policing reduce crime?

What is the role of Crisis Intervention Training in policing?

How can data improve the enforcement of cybersecurity laws?

9. Business research paper topics

Business is a broad area of study with many possible directions for research papers. Business drives the economy, providing jobs and industry. It’s the cornerstone of society, so research in this area is always of social interest. 

Here are some possible business research topics to consider:

How can data analysis impact consumer purchasing decisions?

What are some of the key dilemmas in ethical business practices?

How can diversity and inclusion be boosted in the workforce?

10. Economics research paper topics

Whether you choose to focus on microeconomics, macroeconomics, or applied fields, economics research can take you in many directions.

Below are some general economics paper topics:

What are the widespread impacts of the gig economy?

How can investing in female-founded businesses impact economies in developing countries?

How does progressive taxation impact income inequality?

It all starts with the right research question  

Successful research starts with the right question, regardless of your chosen topic.

Taking time to pose a relevant and clear research question will help you discover new insights, learnings, and evidence.

Research is the very thing that drives human knowledge. Remember, your research might not just impact you but also the world and people around you.

How can I get research ideas?

To come up with research ideas, you might find it helpful to do some background reading, consider current social issues, lean into your skills and interests, and speak to a mentor or professor. Brainstorming and mind mapping can also help.

What is a good research question?

A good research question should be clear, relevant, original, and ethical. You should also have access to the necessary resources to perform the research thoroughly.

How do I create a title for my research topic?

The right title for a research topic is clear and relevant to your field of study. Ideally, it’s an original idea and refers to the specific question you’re posing.

What are some good qualitative research topics?

Qualitative research involves analyzing people’s attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors.

There are qualitative research topics across almost every field of study, including psychology, education, social sciences, human resources, technology, and healthcare.

What qualitative research topics can be good for STEM students?

For STEM (​​science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students, qualitative research topics could revolve around social impacts and perceptions of science and technology.

Here are some examples:

How the general population views climate change

The potential social impacts of AI

How to use Big Data ethically

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Top 10 Research Topics For Students In 2024

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Top 10 Research Topics for Students in 2024

Research Beyond the Obvious!

Are you struggling to find a topic that can unearth new findings? Even before starting, many students feel drowning with the mere task of sorting out the best research topics. Don’t sweat it! This blog explores the top 10 research topics for students, with a focus on different subjects, including psychology, social sciences, etc. From exploring the impact of AI to dealing with social issues, let’s discover good ideas for a research paper! 

Why Do You Need to Find a Research Topic?

Before we get down to the top 10 research topics on student learning , let’s understand what they are. Research topics help students to drill down into a subject and break down a wide aspect into smaller things. The topics serve the purpose of bringing fresh perspectives to the table and point out a potential knowledge gap or core problem. 

Research Topic vs. Research Question 

Going by its definition, a research topic focuses on a broad theme that calls for deep investigation. On the other hand, a research question is a particular query that researchers use to find plausible answers and new scopes. While you may be busy finding the top 10 research topics for students in college or senior high school, always remember that the topic reflects an aspect of a subject. 

How To Find Research Topics To Write About

The key to finding the top 10 research topics may leave you confused but don’t worry. The table below portrays the characteristics of interesting research paper topics that you must keep in mind: 

What Makes a Good Research Topic

While we will give you some ideas about the top 10 research topics for students, you still need to pick one. However, getting closer to this topic may feel soul-crushing! Don’t worry; these tips will help you select good research project topics for students.

1. Focus on Personal Interests

Research paper topics for college students usually stem from what motivates them. If you are interested in a specific field, you can go forward with the topic as long as it is relevant to your field. However, this does not mean you can overlook potential biases - being too close to the subject might even lead you nowhere. 

2. Check the Guidelines

When looking for the top 10 research topics for students, it’s imperative to adhere to guidelines laid out by your school. Sometimes, they approve good topics for research papers only if they are related to the public interest or environment. Ask your professor/mentor whether you need to follow certain guidelines while finding the best research titles for students. 

3. Availability of Resources  

Your research project might never see the daylight if you do not have enough resources available. Make sure the resources are within your limits! In case your research has funding, always check how you will be able to use it. Finances, access to participants, and timings are key factors in finalising among the top 10 research topics for students. 

business research topics for senior high school students

Top 10 Research Topics for Students in College and Senior High School

Here, we will delve into the top 10 research topics for students. Whether you are in a college or senior high school, these topics will show you light at the end of the tunnel. You might find inspiration from these topics and may even come up with original research topics and research questions. So, let’s unveil the best research topic ideas for students! 

1. Psychology Research Paper Topics 

Psychology papers offer an exciting opportunity to explore and understand the human psyche. Emerging technologies and their impact on mental health is one of the best research topics for college students, yet there is more you can explore. Below are some of the best research topics for college students: 

1. The impact of social media on mental health among adolescents and young adults.

2. The potential benefits and risks of virtual reality therapy for mental health conditions. 

3. The ethical considerations of using AI in psychological treatment. 

4. The influence of mindfulness practices on cognitive performance and well-being.

5. The link between sleep quality and cognitive decline in ageing populations.

2. Business and Economics Research Topics 

From sustainable business practices to global trade dynamics, the best research topics for college students regarding business and economics revolve around many areas. While you may initially find it challenging how to conduct research , you can draw inspiration from these topics for research paper:

1. The impact of AI on various aspects of business, such as marketing and financial analysis. 2. The ethical considerations and challenges associated with the use of big data and analytics in business practices. 3. The potential of blockchain technology to revolutionise supply chain management and improve data privacy. 4. The effectiveness of policy interventions to promote sustainable economic growth & development. 5. Exploring the factors that contribute to the success of startups and new ventures in the digital age.

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3. Social Sciences Research Topics 

Social sciences deal with the study of human behaviour and explore socioeconomic inequalities, political ideologies, urban development, and more. If you are looking for good ideas for a research paper regarding social sciences, here are some: 

1. The effectiveness of different social policy interventions aimed at addressing global issues. 2. The potential of blockchain technology to improve transparency and accountability in social structures. 3. The social and ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of life. 4. The psychological and social impacts of climate change on individuals and communities. 5. The increasing focus on interdisciplinary research that combines social science with data science.

4. Language and Linguistics Research Topics 

From computational linguistics to semantics to language preservation, the field of language  leads to some really good topics for research papers. While going through our list of top 10 research topics for students, you can already grasp that there are a few things to keep in mind when writing a college paper ! So, here are the best research topic ideas for students regarding language studies: 

1. The influence of social media and digital communication on language use and evolution.   2. The impact of language learning apps and online platforms on pedagogy. 3. The role of language in perpetuating social inequalities. 4. The link between language and mental health in the context of cultural displacement. 5. The potential of multilingualism to enhance cognitive abilities. 

5. Health and Medicine Research Topics

Finding the best research title ideas for students is daunting when it comes to a dynamic field like health and medicine. After going through this compilation of the top 10 research topics for students, you can understand how to come up with the right one. Here, based on the emerging areas of interest, we share some of the potentially impactful and the best research ideas for students: 

1. The integration of AI in medical diagnosis and treatment. 2. Investigating the ethical considerations of using AI in the healthcare sector. 3. The developing field of preventive health measures and promoting healthy lifestyles. 4. The link between social determinants of health and mental well-being. 5. Improving access to healthcare and promoting health equity in minority communities.

6. Renewable Energy & Clean Technologies Research Topics

Initially, you might find it impossible to understand how to write a research paper for college , but these top 10 research topics for students will have you covered. Especially when your focus is on clean energy sources and the emission of greenhouse gases, there is a lot to cover nowadays. Here are some of the best research topics for students: 

1. The potential of next-generation solar cell technologies. 2. The social and environmental aspects of renewable energy deployment. 3. Discovering the potential of decentralised energy systems. 4. The potential of hydrogen energy, including production, storage, and utilisation. 5. The impact of climate change on renewable energy resources.

7. Technology and Innovation Research Topics 

The sector for technology is ever-evolving, with innovations taking place every other. With the emergence of IoT, artificial intelligence, and ML, the world of technology is your oyster. Here are the best research topics for students: 

1. The societal implications of AI in healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles. 2. The potential of blockchain technology to revolutionise cybersecurity and voting systems. 3. Innovative solutions to combat climate change, including renewable energy technologies and sustainable infrastructure. 4. The role of technology in disaster preparedness and risk management. 5. The use of technology to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to information. 

8. Arts and Design Research Topics 

Whether your niche lies in art therapy, cultural studies in arts, or architecture innovation, there are interesting research paper topics. While exploring the top 10 research topics for students, constructing research may seem difficult – going through the research design - elements and characteristics can solve your problems. So, here are the best research topics for students in college: 

1. The impact of AI on artistic creation. 2. The use of virtual reality and augmented reality in storytelling. 3. The role of art in addressing social and environmental challenges. 4.  The use of art as a tool for social commentary and activism. 5. The evolving nature of art museums and galleries in the digital age.

9. Argumentative Research Topics 

Building a specific argument and exploring topics can bring you some unique topics for research paper. Through these top 10 research topics for students, you can evaluate human interest on a global scale and beyond. Let’s have a look at these best research topics for students: 

1. Is universal basic income a viable solution to poverty? 2. Is nuclear power a solution to the global energy crisis? 3. Does increased global cooperation offer a solution to climate change? 4. The impact of automation and AI on the future of work and employment. 5. The ethical implications of gene editing and other emerging biotechnologies.

10. Human Rights Research Paper Topics  

Our list of top 10 research topics remains incomplete without human rights. This field is evolving and has become a growing interest for everyone around the world. If you want to probe questions about gender equality or privacy rights, here are a few of the research title examples for students: 

1. The role of human rights defenders and activists in promoting social change. 2. The human rights of marginalised groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. 3. The impact of AI on human rights, including issues of bias and discrimination. 4. Examining the ethical implications of facial recognition technology. 5. Exploring the human rights implications of environmental pollution and toxic waste disposal. 

Now that you have an idea about some of the top 10 research topics for students, we hope you come up with an original one. Remember, successful research always starts with the right question. Take time, dig deep into the relevant theories, and find thought-provoking topics for research papers. Meanwhile, don’t overlook the power of how to write a research paper appendix and how to create the right structure for the paper. You can also check out amber+ for essential tools that can help make your thesis writing process smoother! So, happy researching! Also, dive into our exclusive visual guide to uncover intriguing research topics tailored for students like you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i get research ideas, what is a good research question, what constitutes a good research topic, how do i create a title for my research topic, what's the difference between a research topic and a research problem.

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Top 10 Business Summer Research Opportunities for High School Students in 2023

business research topics for senior high school students

By Alex Armstrong

MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth

2 minute read

Business and Finance are areas of growth beyond big banks. Just a few examples include how SoFi and Stripe (to name a couple not in existence 10 years ago) have revolutionized student loan financing and payment technology. Business/Finance experience can set a resume apart from others, regardless of the field - especially for young professionals! Many students ask us where they can go to get hands-on research experience over the summer. Here is a list of 10 Shortlisted Business/Finance Summer Research Opportunities for High Schoolers listed in order of Application deadlines.

1) BETA Camp

Hosting Institution : BETA Camp Cost : $3,000 USD Format : Online Application deadline : January 15, 2023 This six-week program promises Clarity, Community, and Expansion. Students learn from leaders at well-known companies like Google, IKEA, and Airbnb, among others. Participants will be challenged to create a real-world company and then reach out to influencers to partner with them to promote a real solution. Learning occurs through workshops allowing students to practice their skills on real companies with feedback from that company's executives. The ultimate goal is for students to implement all learnings with weekly startup guidance.

Do your own research with Polygence this summer!

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own.

2) Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience

Hosting Institution : Babson College Cost : $5,995 USD Format : Online Application deadline : March 1, 2023 In this three-week experiential online program comprised of live as well as asynchronous coursework, rising high school juniors and seniors explore the entrepreneurial mindset and develop problem-solving and teamwork skills. Students explore social, economic, and environmental problems framed by the U.N. Global Goals. Participants are exposed to key concepts in entrepreneurship, management, marketing, finance, business communication, and other disciplines.

3) Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY)

Hosting Institution : Haas School of Business - University of California, Berkeley Cost : $7,050 USD Format : In-person (Berkeley, CA) Application deadline : March 17, 2023 An intimate cohort of only 50 students, this two-week course invites students to learn concepts of teamwork, communications, presentations, writing a business plan, and research skills. They will also meet a panel of undergrads from UC Berkeley. Immersed in the on-campus life, participants also experience social activities, hear from guest speakers, and collaborate with a team to build a business plan which they then present at the end of the course.

4) Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)

Hosting Institution : Penn State Cost : $50 USD registration fee only if accepted Format : In–person (State College, PA) Application deadline : March 31, 2022 BOSS is a two-week program designed for high school students interested in pursuing a business education. It allows participants to experience a taste of college life via college prep and business fundamentals courses taught by Penn State faculty. In addition to coursework in Hospitality Management, Risk Management, and Management and Organization, students are also invited to participate in social activities.

5) Essentials of Finance

Hosting Institution : Wharton University Cost : $7,299 USD Format : In-person (Philadelphia, PA) Application deadline : April 5, 2023 This two-week program provides an introduction to the theory, the methods and the concerns of the world of finance. Students are exposed to the fundamentals of both personal and corporate finance. Additionally, participants look into topics like the time value of money, the trade-off between risk and return, equities and corporate accounting, and learn fundamentals of finance with real-world applications and case studies.

6) Entrepreneurship Academy

Hosting Institution : Georgetown University Cost : $5,500 USD Format : In-person Application deadline : May 15, 2023 This two-week program explores how to choose a start-up, prototype testing, market research, social innovation, global business, and the operations of running a business. In addition to class work, participants will hear from guest speakers, develop a business plan and pitch presentation, participate in discussions that invite critical thinking, and review case studies. The experience incorporates a blend of classroom lectures, field trips, hands-on activities, and group discussions.

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7) Summer High School Sessions and Pre-College Programs

Hosting Institution : Adelphi University Cost : $8,200 USD Format : In-Person (Garden City, NY) Application deadline : May 31, 2023 During this three-week course students delve into the various aspects of starting a business as well as review the parameters for success in business. Students are introduced to the primary areas of business including accounting, finance, production, operations, marketing, human resources, and information/technology. Creating business plans and exploring communication skills are integral to the program.

8) Mercy College’s Summer Leadership Academy

Hosting Institution : Mercy College Cost : $495 USD Format : In-Person (Hudson Falls, NY) Application deadline : ongoing In this two-week session students participate in seminars led by faculty as well as corporate leaders. Topics include: Career Mindset, Four Leadership Archetypes, Personal Branding, Careers in Finance, Careers in Accounting and Careers in Marketing. Tuition for the program is covered, there is only a fee for food and activities. Excursions to major companies in New York City.

9) Georgetown Pre-College Online Courses

Hosting Institution : Georgetown University Cost : $1,495 USD Format : Online Application deadline : Ongoing Students can choose from areas of study such as entrepreneurship, investing, and international relations. Online courses are available throughout the year making this accessible for students as young as 13. This offering includes the flexibility of online learning with mentoring who can support and answer questions.

10) Camp Business

Hosting Institution : Drexel University Cost : $950-2,000 USD Format : In-person (Philadelphia, PA) Application deadline : TBD This day-commuter as well as residential program was designed to give rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors an introduction to college life and corporate business. Students learn the basics of accounting, marketing, finance and management, as well as the core concepts of business including leadership, professional image, etiquette, team building and strategy. Participants are also exposed to resources essential to business like the stock market, financial documents and technology.

Other Opportunities

We have listed a few research opportunities, but there are many more available to you. Check out some additional resources we’ve put together, including: 

How to start writing your own research paper

Ideas for passion projects you can undertake independently

Research programs created for high school students

Summer internships opportunities for high school students

At Polygence , we offer students the opportunity to get 1:1 project mentorship from expert mentors and researchers. Students are in the driver’s seat of their education here, and whatever project you want to do, we will help you make it happen!

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Best Senior Project Ideas for High School Students + 42 Real Student Examples

Best Senior Project Ideas for High School Students + 42 Real Student Examples

A senior project is one of the best ways you can make your application stand out to top schools like Harvard and Stanford. It can tell your story beyond academics. It can demonstrate leadership, ambition, initiative and impact. And it can make an impact on the world.  

Choosing the right senior project can be tough. As a Former Johns Hopkins Admissions Officer and a Senior Strategist at Crimson, I’ve helped hundreds of students do it. In this post, I’ll show you my process for choosing a topic for your senior project. I’ll also show you real examples of senior projects that helped students get accepted to the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, Duke, and more.

What is a Senior Project?

A senior project is also known as a “capstone project.” It’s a long-term project in which you can explore a topic that interests you outside the classroom. It can take many different forms, including:

  • A detailed research paper
  • An art exhibition
  • A tech invention
  • A business or startup
  • A community service project
  • A social media channel or podcast 

It's all about picking something that resonates with you and showcases your abilities.

The impact of a well-done senior project extends beyond the classroom. It can enhance your college applications by showing your commitment and skills. It can set you apart in an application pool with thousands of academically qualified students. 

Finally, the experience and skills you gain from your senior project can be valuable in future careers.

What are the Benefits of a Senior Project?

Most students applying to Top 20 universities have strong grades and test scores. Academics are important, but they only get your foot in the door. To make your application stand out, you need impactful extracurriculars. This is where a senior project comes in. 

If you’re like most students applying, you won't already have a clear area of excellence in your application, like a national or international accolade. You’ll have to show your excellence in terms of the time and commitment you’ve given to their community. Senior projects are a great way to do this.

With a successful senior project, you can:

  • Showcase personal qualities. Since a senior project is entirely yours, it showcases your ability to own and execute a unique project from start to finish. This shows leadership, initiative, and intellectual curiosity — qualities that admissions officers are looking for. A senior project can also show that you’re service-oriented, a creative thinker, looking for a challenge, and can overcome barriers.
  • Demonstrate passion and dedication. A senior project shows that you’re passionate about a specific field and can commit to a long-term vision.
  • Develop transferable skills. You’ll inevitably learn skills like time management, research, collaboration, or technical skills.
  • Become an expert in the subject matter. By going deep into a topic, you’ll develop expertise that you might not get through passive learning.

Remember: Your senior project speaks volumes about who you are and why you deserve a place on campus!

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Learn how to develop ivy-worthy extracurriculars with research, work experience, and more.

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Best Senior Project Ideas

The best senior project ideas are long-term, unique to you, and measurably impactful. I’ll show you some specific examples of senior projects by students who were admitted to top schools. But first, here are some general ideas to get you thinking.

  • Design and implement a community garden, teaching sustainable agriculture practices and providing fresh produce to local food banks.
  • Start a state-wide traveling library that reaches underserved communities.
  • Develop a series of workshops for senior citizens or underprivileged youth to teach them basic computer skills, internet safety, and how to use essential software.
  • Create a campaign to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts in your community, focusing on recycling, reducing plastic use, or conserving local wildlife habitats.
  • Establish a mentorship program pairing high school students with elementary or middle school students to provide academic support, life advice, and positive role models.
  • Organize a cultural awareness event that celebrates diversity through music, dance, food, and educational workshops, fostering a more inclusive community.
  • Launch a mental health awareness campaign that includes workshops, guest speakers, and resources to destigmatize mental health issues among teenagers.
  • Research and implement a small-scale renewable energy project, such as installing solar panels for a community center or designing a wind turbine model for school use.
  • Conduct and record interviews with community elders or veterans to preserve local history, culminating in a public presentation or digital archive.
  • Develop an art therapy program for children in hospitals or shelters, providing an outlet for expression and emotional healing through creative activities.
  • Create a series of workshops for your community focusing on fitness, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices, including sessions on exercise and cooking.
  • Design and lead a financial literacy course for high school students, covering budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding credit.
  • Research and write a book or guide on the history of your town or a specific aspect of it, such as architectural landmarks, founding families, or significant events.
  • Start a coding club for elementary or middle school students, teaching them the basics of programming through fun and interactive projects.
  • Organize public speaking workshops for students, helping them build confidence and communication skills through practice and feedback.
  • Coordinate a STEM fair to encourage girls in elementary and middle school to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
  • Produce a documentary film that explores a social issue relevant to your community, such as homelessness, addiction, or education inequality.
  • Lead a project to refurbish a local playground. Fundraise, design, and collaborate with city officials to provide a safe and enjoyable space for children.
  • Set up an ESL (English as a Second Language) tutoring program for immigrants and refugees in your community to help them improve their English skills and better integrate into society.
  • Design and implement an anti-bullying campaign for your school or community, including awareness activities, support resources, and strategies for prevention.
  • Organize a sustainable fashion show that promotes eco-friendly fashion choices, upcycling, and local designers, raising awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
  • Start a podcast, blog, Youtube channel, or social media channel about a topic that interests you. Aim to reach a national or international audience.
  • Start a club at your school and build its impact beyond your own school ecosystem.
  • Start a campaign around an issue you care about and create change at your school, like “Meatless Mondays.”
  • Create a competition for innovative startups
  • Develop a product or service and sell it online. Create a business plan, marketing materials, and a way to track your progress.
  • Fundraise for an existing charity or nonprofit.
  • Found a new charity or nonprofit.
  • Create or raise money for a scholarship fund.

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Successful Real Senior Project Examples

To help you get a clear picture of what your senior project could look like, I’m going to share some actual senior projects that Crimson students have done. Below are 13 real examples of senior projects by students who were accepted to top universities like MIT, Stanford the Ivy League, Johns Hopkins, and UC Berkeley.

Business & Finance 

Student accepted to mit.

Impact: Local

This student trained 24 unique groups (120+ people) to create innovative startups for 3 competitions. They also created a 15-lesson curriculum and online team-matching algorithm for the competitions.

Student accepted to Stanford

Impact: International

This student founded an organization to educate K–8 students on social entrepreneurship. It grew to 32 chapters with 12,453 members in 4 continents. It was endorsed by the UN, LinkedIn, and InnovateX.

Student accepted to UC Berkeley and USC

Inspired by a college business case competition, this student focused his senior project on creating a business competition for high school students. He invited students from 8 local high schools and had 500 participants. He also arranged judges from a widely-known bank and a university. To leave a lasting impact, he created an executive board within his high school so this event will continue after he graduates.

Social & Political Sciences

Student accepted to harvard.

This student created a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for equitable public speaking resources. They also held a public speaking-themed summer camp for 70+ students and raised $2,000 for a local speech center.

Student accepted to Yale

Impact: Statewide

This student coalesced over 15 assault prevention organizations to develop two bills for the 2023 Oregon legislative session. Their effort instituted a $20 million education grant program and youth network.

Medicine & Healthcare

Student accepted to brown.

Impact: National

This student produced and edited 140+ mental health articles to uplift youth. The articles got over 12,000 reads. The student also hosted a podcast interviewing women leaders with over 40 episodes.

Student accepted to Carnegie Mellon

Impact: Local and National

This student built a COVID outbreak detection platform with ML. It got over 10,000 views. They also prototyped a compact translation tool with Michigan hospitals for non-native English speakers.

This student designed a chemotherapy symptom-tracking app to improve treatment. They then pitched it to industry experts and won Best Elevator Pitch of over 70 teams.

Student accepted to Cornell and Johns Hopkins

This student knew she wanted to major in biomedical engineering. She created a children’s medical book series called “My Little Doctor” to teach young kids how to address emergencies, wounds, and household medications. The books included personal illustrations, which also showcased her artistic talent. The books were sold by 150 doctor’s offices throughout NYC.

Math & Computer Science

Student accepted to columbia.

This student programmed AI to patrol an endangered turtle nesting site using drones. They partnered with a resort, launched an open source platform, and expanded the project internationally.

Student accepted to Dartmouth

This student worked on the solidity development of crypto currencies, NFTs, DAOs, DApps. They were responsible for project, client, and social media management. They also supervised 3 employees.

This student created a virtual musical theater camp for kids ages 6-12 during the COVID-19 pandemic. They managed the camp’s Instagram, website, and Facebook. They taught 25 kids and produced 5 shows.

Student accepted to Harvard and Brown

This student founded an organization to make music education accessible. It included a lead team of 35 members. It grew to 9 branches in 7 countries, impacted 15,000 students online, taught 1.6k lessons, and saved parents $40K. It raises $10k annually. This student was a TD Scholarship Finalist, YODA, and SHAD Fellow.

What are the criteria for a successful senior project?

If you only take away one thing from this article, let it be this: The best senior projects are personal to you and have a measurable impact. When you are contemplating a senior project idea, ask yourself:

  • “Am I interested in this topic?” As in, interested enough to spend the next year thinking a LOT about it.
  • “Can I show a measurable impact with this project, preferably at the local, national, or international level?”

Let’s use tutoring as an example. Tons of students include tutoring on their applications as one of their extracurriculars. Does tutoring pass the test if we ask our two questions?

  • Am I interested in the topic? If you’re tutoring in a subject you love, the answer could be a yes.
  • “Can I show a measurable impact with this project?” This one is tricky. Of course, tutoring one or even a few students makes an impact on the lives of those students. But is the impact local, national, or international? Not exactly.

So instead of tutoring a few students on your own, maybe you can create a tutoring club with 30 tutors supporting 100 students at your school. If you want to expand your impact, you can bring your tutoring services into an elementary school or into other schools in your community. You can even create a charter and get your tutoring club into high schools throughout the country, world, or online.

By thinking bigger, you can turn most conventional extracurricular ideas into an impactful, standout senior project idea.

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How to Choose a Topic for Your Senior Project

I’ve helped hundreds of students develop successful senior projects. This is the process we use:

  • Make a list of your major interests. These could be academics, hobbies, anything! 
  • Now write down problems or areas of exploration that relate to those interests.
  • Narrow down your choices to one or two that are academically relevant, relevant to your interests and goals,  interesting enough for you to explore, and have enough published data.
  • Identify a problem that you can address in this area with a solution that you identify. This will be the subject of your senior project!

Let’s walk through these steps using a hypothetical student as an example.

Senior Project Topic Brainstorm Example

  • List interests.  

Maya is a junior with dreams of attending an Ivy League school. She's always been fascinated by environmental science, particularly renewable energy sources. She also enjoys coding and app development. Outside of academics, Maya volunteers at a local animal shelter and is an avid runner.

  • List problems or areas of exploration related to those interests.  

For environmental science, Maya is concerned about the inefficiency of current solar panels in low-light conditions. 

In coding, she notes the lack of user-friendly apps that promote environmental awareness among teens. 

Her volunteering experiences make her wonder how technology can assist animal shelters in improving animal adoption rates.

  • Narrow down the choices.

After considering her list, Maya decides to focus on environmental science and coding, as these are her academic interests and she sees herself pursuing them in the future. She finds the intersection of these fields particularly interesting and ripe for exploration. Plus, she discovers ample published data on renewable energy technologies and app development, confirming the feasibility of her project idea.

4. Identify a Problem and Solution

Maya identifies a specific problem: the gap in environmental awareness among her peers and the lack of engaging tools to educate and encourage sustainable practices. She decides to address this by developing a mobile app that gamifies environmental education and sustainability practices, targeting high school students.

Senior Project: EcoChallenge App Development

Maya's senior project, the "EcoChallenge" app, aims to make learning about environmental science fun and actionable. The app includes quizzes on environmental topics, challenges to reduce carbon footprints, and a feature to track and share progress on social media, encouraging collective action among users.

Project Execution

Over the course of her junior year, Maya dedicates herself to researching environmental science principles, studying app development, and designing an engaging user interface. She reaches out to her environmental science teacher and a local app developer for mentorship, receiving valuable feedback to refine her project.

Outcome and Impact

Maya presents her completed app at her school's science fair, receiving accolades for its innovation, educational value, and potential to make a real-world impact. She submits the EcoChallenge app as a central piece of her college applications, including a detailed report on her research, development process, and user feedback.

The Bottom Line

Your senior project can be one of the most important pieces of your college application. It can also make a difference in the world. 

As you shape your senior project, see how many of these elements you can apply to it:

  • Makes measurable impact. What does success look like, and how will you measure it?
  • Presents an innovative solution to an existing issue. Is this solving a problem?
  • Is oriented to the community. Is this making my community/country/the world a better place?
  • Is interdisciplinary. Can I blend more than one of my interests? Can I get professionals from other fields to collaborate on this project?
  • Is related to your field of study. Will this make my academic interests clear?

Basically, think about something you care about. Take it beyond something standard and ask, “What can I do that would allow me to help my community and leave a greater impact?”

Even after reading all these examples, I know that choosing an idea for your own senior project can be tough. If you need help choosing and executing a standout senior project, book a free consultation with one of our academic advisers. Crimson’s extracurricular mentors can help you combine your interests into an impactful senior project that makes you stand out to top college admissions officers.

Building The Perfect Application

Passion projects and extracurriculars are just one piece of the puzzle. It could be difficult to navigate the ins and outs of the college admission process, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Working with an expert strategist is a surefire way to perfect your application. Students working with our strategists are 7x more likely to gain admission into their dream university.

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100 Qualitative Research Titles For High School Students

Are you brainstorming for excellent qualitative research titles for your high school curriculum? If yes, then this blog is for you! Academic life throws a lot of thesis and qualitative research papers and essays at you. Although thesis and essays may not be much of a hassle. However, when it comes to your research paper title, you must ensure that it is qualitative, and not quantitative. 

Qualitative research is primarily focused on obtaining data through case studies, artifacts, interviews, documentaries, and other first-hand observations. It focuses more on these natural settings rather than statistics and numbers. If you are finding it difficult to find a topic, then worry not because the high schooler has this blog post curated for you with 100 qualitative research titles that can help you get started!

Qualitative research prompts for high schoolers

Qualitative research papers are written by gathering and analyzing non-numerical data. Generally, teachers allot a list of topics that you can choose from. However, if you aren’t given the list, you need to search for a topic for yourself.

Qualitative research topics mostly deal with the happenings in society and nature. There are endless topics that you can choose from. We have curated a list of 100 qualitative research titles for you to choose from. Read on and pick the one that best aligns with your interests!

  • Why is there a pressing need for wildlife conservation?
  • Discuss the impacts of climate change on future generations. 
  • Discuss the impact of overpopulation on sustainable resources.
  • Discuss the factors considered while establishing the first 10 engineering universities in the world.
  • What is the contribution of AI to emotional intelligence? Explain. 
  • List out the effective methods to reduce the occurrences of fraud through cybercrimes.
  • With case studies, discuss some of the greatest movements in history leading to independence. 
  • Discuss real-life scenarios of gender-based discrimination. 
  • Discuss disparities in income and opportunities in developing nations. 
  • How to deal with those dealing with ADHD?
  • Describe how life was before the invention of the air conditioner. 
  • Explain the increasing applications of clinical psychology. 
  • What is psychology? Explain the career opportunities it brings forth for youngsters.
  • Covid lockdown: Is homeschooling the new way to school children?
  • What is the role of army dogs? How are they trained for the role?
  • What is feminism to you? Mention a feminist and his/her contributions to making the world a better place for women.  
  • What is true leadership quality according to you? Explain with a case study of a famous personality you admire for their leadership skills. 
  • Is wearing a mask effective in preventing covid-19? Explain the other practices that can help one prevent covid-19. 
  • Explain how teachers play an important role in helping students with disabilities improve their learning.
  • Is ‘E business’ taking over traditional methods of carrying out business?
  • What are the implications of allowing high schoolers to use smartphones in classes?
  • Does stress have an effect on human behavior?
  • Explain the link between poverty and education. 
  • With case studies, explain the political instability in developing nations.
  • Are ‘reality television shows’ scripted or do they showcase reality?
  • Online vs Offline teaching: which method is more effective and how?
  • Does there exist an underlying correlation between education and success? Explain with case studies.
  • Explain the social stigma associated with menstruation. 
  • Are OTT entertainment platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime beneficial in any other way?
  • Does being physically active help reverse type 2 diabetes?
  • Does pop culture influence today’s youth and their behavior?
  • ‘A friend in need is a friend in deed.’ Explain with case studies of famous personalities. 
  • Do books have greater importance in the lives of children from weaker economic backgrounds? Explain in detail.
  • Give an overview of the rise of spoken arts. 
  • Explain the problem of food insecurity in developing nations.
  • How related are Windows and Apple products?
  • Explore the methods used in schools to promote cultural diversity. 
  • Has social media replaced the physical social engagement of children in society?
  • Give an overview of allopathic medicine in treating mental disorders. 
  • Explain if and how willpower plays a role in overcoming difficulties in life. 
  • Are third-world countries seeing a decline in academic pursuit? Explain with real-life scenarios. 
  • Can animals predict earthquakes in advance? Explain which animals have this ability and how they do it. 
  • Discuss if the education system in America needs to improve. If yes, list out how this can be achieved.
  • Discuss democracy as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.’
  • Discuss the increasing rate of attention deficit disorder among children.
  • Explain fun games that can help boost the morale of kids with dyslexia. 
  • Explain the causes of youth unemployment.
  • Explain some of the ways you think might help in making differently-abled students feel inclusive in the mainstream.
  • Explain in detail the challenges faced by students with special needs to feel included when it comes to accessibility to education.
  • Discuss the inefficiency of the healthcare system brought about by the covid-19 pandemic. 
  • Does living in hostels instill better life skills among students than those who are brought up at home? Explain in detail. 
  • What is Advanced Traffic Management? Explain the success cases of countries that have deployed it.  
  • Elaborate on the ethnic and socioeconomic reasons leading to poor school attendance in third-world nations.
  • Do preschoolers benefit from being read to by their parents? Discuss in detail.
  • What is the significance of oral learning in classrooms?
  • Does computer literacy promise a brighter future? Analyze. 
  • What people skills are enhanced in a high school classroom?
  • Discuss in detail the education system in place of a developing nation. Highlight the measures you think are impressive and those that you think need a change. 
  • Apart from the drawbacks of UV rays on the human body, explain how it has proven to be beneficial in treating diseases.  
  • Discuss why or why not wearing school uniforms can make students feel included in the school environment. 
  • What are the effective ways that have been proven to mitigate child labor in society? 
  • Explain the contributions of arts and literature to the evolving world. 
  • How do healthcare organizations cope with patients living with transmissive medical conditions?
  • Why do people with special abilities still face hardships when it comes to accessibility to healthcare and education?
  • What are the prevailing signs of depression in small children?
  • How to identify the occurrences and onset of autism in kids below three years of age?
  • Explain how SWOT and PESTLE analysis is important for a business.
  • Why is it necessary to include mental health education in the school curriculum?
  • What is adult learning and does it have any proven benefits?
  • What is the importance of having access to libraries in high school?
  • Discuss the need for including research writing in school curriculums. 
  • Explain some of the greatest non-violent movements of ancient history. 
  • Explain the reasons why some of the species of wildlife are critically endangered today. 
  • How is the growing emission of co2 bringing an unprecedented change in the environment?
  • What are the consequences of an increasing population in developing nations like India? Discuss in detail. 
  • Are remote tests as effective as in-class tests? 
  • Explain how sports play a vital role in schools. 
  • What do you understand about social activities in academic institutions? Explain how they pose as a necessity for students. 
  • Are there countries providing free healthcare? How are they faring in terms of their economy? Discuss in detail. 
  • State case studies of human lives lost due to racist laws present in society.
  • Discuss the effect of COVID-19 vaccines in curbing the novel coronavirus.
  • State what according to you is more effective: e-learning or classroom-based educational systems.
  • What changes were brought into the e-commerce industry by the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • Name a personality regarded as a youth icon. Explain his or her contributions in detail.
  • Discuss why more and more people are relying on freelancing as a prospective career. 
  • Does virtual learning imply lesser opportunities? What is your take?
  • Curbing obesity through exercise: Analyze.
  • Discuss the need and importance of health outreach programs.
  • Discuss in detail how the upcoming generation of youngsters can do its bit and contribute to afforestation.
  • Discuss the 2020 budget allocation of the United States. 
  • Discuss some of the historic ‘rags to riches’ stories.
  • What according to you is the role of nurses in the healthcare industry?
  • Will AI actually replace humans and eat up their jobs? Discuss your view and also explain the sector that will benefit the most from AI replacing humans. 
  • Is digital media taking over print media? Explain with case studies. 
  • Why is there an increasing number of senior citizens in the elderly homes? 
  • Are health insurances really beneficial? 
  • How important are soft skills? What role do they play in recruitment? 
  • Has the keto diet been effective in weight loss? Explain the merits and demerits. 
  • Is swimming a good physical activity to curb obesity? 
  • Is work from home as effective as work from office? Explain your take. 

Qualitative research titles for high school students

Tips to write excellent qualitative research papers

Now that you have scrolled through this section, we trust that you have picked up a topic for yourself from our list of 100 brilliant qualitative research titles for high school students. Deciding on a topic is the very first step. The next step is to figure out ways how you can ensure that your qualitative research paper can help you grab top scores. 

Once you have decided on the title, you are halfway there. However, deciding on a topic signals the next step, which is the process of writing your qualitative paper. This poses a real challenge! 

To help you with it, here are a few tips that will help you accumulate data irrespective of the topic you have chosen. Follow these four simple steps and you will be able to do justice to the topic you have chosen!

  • Create an outline based on the topic. Jot down the sub-topics you would like to include. 
  • Refer to as many sources as you can – documentaries, books, news articles, case studies, interviews, etc. Make a note of the facts and phrases you would like to include in your research paper. 
  • Write the body. Start adding qualitative data. 
  • Re-read and revise your paper. Make it comprehensible. Check for plagiarism, and proofread your research paper. Try your best and leave no scope for mistakes. 

Wrapping it up!

To wrap up, writing a qualitative research paper is almost the same as writing other research papers such as argumentative research papers , English research papers , Biology research papers , and more. Writing a paper on qualitative research titles promotes analytical and critical thinking skills among students. Moreover,  it also helps improve data interpretation and writing ability, which are essential for students going ahead.

business research topics for senior high school students

Having a 10+ years of experience in teaching little budding learners, I am now working as a soft skills and IELTS trainers. Having spent my share of time with high schoolers, I understand their fears about the future. At the same time, my experience has helped me foster plenty of strategies that can make their 4 years of high school blissful. Furthermore, I have worked intensely on helping these young adults bloom into successful adults by training them for their dream colleges. Through my blogs, I intend to help parents, educators and students in making these years joyful and prosperous.

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10 innovative business summer programs for high school students.

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No matter what field you are interested in joining in the future, having a strong business foundation can prove valuable. Leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving and networking skills are all learned during business summer camp, which can all be useful in a variety of different professions.

High school students can take advantage of their summers by attending business summer programs.

According to Lindsey Conger , a counselor at Moon Prep, even students interested in competitive direct medical programs (BS/MD) can benefit from gaining experience in the business field. “Some BS/MD programs allow for flexibility of major, and students can choose to study business, even if they are planning on pursuing medical school.” Many physicians, she explains, will need to manage a practice, and these types of summer programs can help a student gain a strong foundation in business. For example, during a business summer program, pre-med students can master analytical thinking and independent research, which can be used to build a successful practice in the future.

For aspiring business students in high school, the secret to success can be to start early and fill their summers with hands-on activities like internships and summer programs. These types of opportunities are an ideal way to apply their knowledge while gaining relevant experience. Here are a few programs students should consider if they are interested in joining the business field.

10 Business Summer Programs

* Details of the program costs, deadlines and duration of camp are subject to change. Verify details directly on the program’s website.

Clark Scholars at Texas Tech University

Best high-yield savings accounts of 2024, best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

This competitive program accepts just 12 students each year. The eight-week research program allows students to apply to a variety of different research areas, including Economics, Business, Finance, and Marketing.

The application opens on January 2, 2023, and closes on February 13, 2023. Students must be 17 by the start of the program. The program is from June 18-August 3, and students receive a $750 stipend at the end of the camp.

Wharton Global Youth Program

The Wharton Global Youth Program through the University of Pennsylvania has both virtual and in-person classes available under various topics. Students can choose from classes, including, Management and Technology Summer Institution, Leadership in the Business World, Data Science Academy, Essentials of Finance, Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Sports Business Academy and many more.

The dates of the programs and costs will vary.

Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) at Penn State University

Penn State University hosts a two-week program from June 18-30 that allows students to learn from faculty members in a hands-on environment. At the end of the program, students will participate in a Business Case Competition to showcase what they have learned.

Once accepted to the program, students must pay a $50 registration fee and will be housed in a campus dorm with other program participants. Any rising senior is eligible to apply. The application is already open and will close on March 31, 2023.

Berkeley Business Academy for Youth

Every summer, 50 students are invited to the UC-Berkeley campus for two weeks. Through the B-BAY program, they will learn how to develop a business idea, create and present a business plan, and learn from Berkeley Haas professors and corporate guest speakers. This two-week program has two sessions: Session I from July 9-22 and Session II from July 22-August 5. The tuition is $6,050 for California residents and $7,050 for out-of-state residents. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a deadline of March 18, 2023.

Entrepreneur Academy at Georgetown University

The two-week camp hosted at Georgetown University gives students a chance to learn the ins and outs of starting a business, including prototype testing, market research and business operations. While at the camp, students will also practice their public speaking, communication, networking and leadership skills.

The camp takes place from July 2-14, with an estimated cost of $5,500, which includes tuition, housing and meals. Commuter student tuition is $3,835.

Camp Business at Drexel University

Camp Business, a one-week camp hosted by Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, allows students to learn business basics, including accounting, finance, management, team building and leadership skills. They will also learn about the stock market, financial documents and technology. Students can choose between a commuter session (July 9 - July 14) and a residential session (July 16-July 21)

To apply, students must submit an application and official high school transcripts. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Business is Global: Summer Language Program at Indiana University

The focus of this two-week program is on global business, culture and language. The 2023 program will introduce students to Arabic, Brazilian, Korean and Russian languages. Students will also be introduced to business operations and how current events impact international business.

The deadline is April 14 for the camp, which takes place June 25-July 8. To attend this in-person camp, students must be a rising sophomore, junior or senior, and the program fee is $1,900.

Summer Study for High School Students at Babson College

The three-week program at Babson has both live and asynchronous classes from July 7 - 28. Even though it is online, the program requires a lot of teamwork. Students receive exposure to aspects of entrepreneurship, marketing, finance and business communication. During the program, students will gain a better understanding of the United nation’s Global Goals to become more equipped to address real-world problems in the future.

The program is open to rising juniors and seniors, and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2023.

This virtual program helps students to build a business by helping them create a marketing plan, financial model, and investor proposal. Students can choose between one-on-one or group programs, with each program lasting between four to twelve weeks.

Beta Bowl offers programs each month, so students can start when it works best for their schedule.

LaunchX Summer Program

This program is focused on high school entrepreneurs who want to learn how to launch a startup. Students will work with their peers to build real products and learn how to solve business challenges. LaunchX has three options: Entrepreneurship (online), Entrepreneurship (campus) and an Innovation Program.

The dates and cost of the programs will vary. The deadline for the Regular Round is February 15, 2023.

Kristen Moon

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75 Best Senior Project Ideas (2024 Edition)

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Head of programs and lead admissions expert, table of contents, what is a senior project, exactly, the benefits of completing senior projects, types of senior projects, the best senior project ideas, how to choose your senior project, senior projects can be important.

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The senior project has almost become a rite of passage many students have anticipated for several years. The long-awaited experience can make many seniors nervous because they may suddenly realize that they aren’t sure what to do for their project!

It’s easy to get so caught up in finding the best senior project ideas that time flies, and seniors get into a time crunch. However, many incredible ideas for the best senior projects are just waiting to be chosen.

Senior projects are meant to be long-term projects that allow high school students to step outside of what their high school classes teach. They can express themselves by exploring something that ignites their passion. These projects can help students develop several types of skills, including:

  • Research 
  • Writing 
  • Presentation and speaking 
  • Problem-solving 
  • Time management 

While these projects can take endless versions and forms, they generally involve some combination of research and presentations.

Hundreds of different types of projects can qualify as senior projects. They can include months of research, the students’ special talents, passionate service to their home communities, or hands-on activities. 

They could be hefty science projects or light-hearted illustration collections. They can be novels written by the senior over a long period of time or in-depth presentations after months of research on something near and dear to the senior.

The best senior projects are culminating experiences for students. They are opportunities for seniors to take the knowledge and skills they have honed throughout their academic careers and apply them to real-world issues, interests, problems, or passions. Completing senior projects offers several benefits.

They can help students explore their interests as they prepare to enter college or begin their careers after high school. 

How Are Senior Projects Good for College Application Resumes?

Are senior projects good for college application resumes? Yes! When you work on your senior project, you can use the project to practice skills you’ll use in college or your career. 

Some of those skills are meeting deadlines, managing your time, working independently, and practicing diligence and self-discipline. Your senior project can also be an excellent way to pad your college applications .

You Can Learn New Skills

In addition to allowing you to hone your current skills, your senior project can encourage you to learn new skills. Senior projects are awesome opportunities for learning skills that will be valuable in college and beyond, especially with researching, writing, presenting your project, or learning to use new software.

You Can Explore Interests

You may have known for years what your senior project will entail, or maybe it’s now down to the wire, and you still have no clue where to begin narrowing down your options. 

Either way, now is the time to explore your interests and learn more about what you’re curious about, what’s relative to your future career, or what you have never heard of before!

It’s a Chance to Learn from Experts

Whether you research at the library or conduct interviews with historical figures (or anything in between), you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experts in your project’s subject.  

Give Back and Get Involved

The best senior projects are often excellent vehicles for students to engage with their communities. Many seniors choose projects that address an issue that is important to them and that are local, directly impacting their hometowns. For that reason, a senior project can allow you to make a difference in your community.

There are four basic types of senior projects, including:

  • Presentation projects
  • Creative writing projects
  • Professional career projects
  • Service-related projects

While each category has some unique features, they all offer the same general benefits to seniors.

Presentation Projects

These projects are very popular with seniors because the category is quite broad. Presentation projects include creating something visual to teach the audience the subject of the project. This can include science project results on a poster board, a musical performance, showcasing artwork, singing, or acting in a play. 

Creative Writing Projects

Creative writing senior projects involve material and information communicated through the written word. They can incorporate play scripts, essays, short tales, poems, or something similar. 

Students can study, research, and write either fiction or non-fiction pieces, making creative writing senior projects almost limitless in scope. You might consider a creative writing project if you are passionate about language.

Professional Career Projects

Some students choose to do a senior project that incorporates job shadowing or working as an assistant in a field they enjoy as part of experiential learning. Whether they choose a medical career, law enforcement, or anything else, they craft a report or presentation on what they learned.

Service-Related Projects

Students who are involved or want to get involved in their communities might choose service-related senior projects. These involve planning or participating in anything from setting up a clothing drive for the homeless or a toy drive at Christmas to volunteering at the local rehabilitation center or nursing home. 

Some of the best senior projects are unique, personal, and in-depth. Yours should be worked on over several weeks or months. 

Consider the list below if you’re looking for a unique senior project idea that hasn’t been done every year for the last 30 years. Some excellent unique senior project ideas include:

  • Developing a new software application
  • Working with a reporter or photographer to learn about journalism
  • Writing a paper on a technological topic
  • Tutoring students
  • Volunteering at a veterinarian’s office or animal shelter
  • Organizing a fundraising event for a cause you’re passionate about
  • Starting a social enterprise or business
  • Writing a biography or autobiography
  • Designing and building a machine or robot
  • Creating a painting, piece of music, or other work of art
  • Creating a blog or website about a passion of yours
  • Leading a workshop
  • Teaching a class
  • Participating in an internship
  • Conducting market research on a service or project
  • Organizing a community cleanup
  • Researching a historical event or person
  • Organizing a debate
  • Organizing a party for autistic children who find other parties too overwhelming
  • Working with a paramedic and learning about lifesaving procedures
  • Volunteering for a social service organization
  • Organizing a STEM event, such as a science fair
  • Volunteering at a local museum
  • Writing op-eds for your local newspaper
  • Starting a painting class for kids 
  • Making a documentary about local history
  • Putting on a play you wrote
  • Building a go-kart
  • Working with a real estate agent
  • Doing a mock courtroom project
  • Simulating the experience of the U.S. House or Senate
  • Teaching a foreign language to residents in a senior home
  • Developing a solution for a community-wide health problem
  • Teaching English as a second language
  • Building a little free library box in your neighborhood
  • Working to change a school policy that needs changing
  • Organizing volunteers to tutor students
  • Helping a local business with their record-keeping or accounting
  • Creating a community garden
  • Working in a professor’s lab
  • Working as a chef and improving your culinary skills
  • Working with the cafeteria to reduce food waste and make other changes
  • Devising a plan to build community bike trails
  • Working to create a space as a dog park
  • Volunteering to coach a kid’s athletic team
  • Organizing a group to pick up groceries and medications for those who can’t
  • Setting up a community ride service 
  • Volunteering at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or non-profit organization
  • Volunteering to take an older adult to church
  • Gathering a group to make or collect toys for children at Christmas time
  • Develop a proposal for a sustainable building or community space, incorporating eco-friendly materials and innovative design techniques as an Architectural Design Project.
  • Create a music therapy program for residents in nursing homes or children in hospitals to document the effects on their well-being in a Music Therapy Program.
  • Design and produce a small collection of clothing or accessories, followed by a runway show or photo shoot to display your work in a Fashion Design Collection.
  • Partner with a local wildlife conservation group to document species in your area, raise awareness, and contribute to preservation efforts in a Wildlife Conservation Effort.
  • Develop a campaign to address a social issue using various social media platforms, tracking engagement and impact in a Social Media Awareness Campaign.
  • Compile a cookbook with original recipes focused on a specific cuisine or dietary need, including testing and perfecting each recipe in a Culinary Recipe Book.
  • Design and build a robot to perform a specific task, and document the process and challenges encountered in a Robotics Challenge.
  • Organize a community project to create a mural that represents the history or cultural diversity of the area in a Community Art Mural.
  • Conduct a study on the local environment, such as water quality or pollution levels, and present findings to community stakeholders in an Environmental Impact Study.
  • Create a documentary on a significant local historical event or figure, including interviews and archival research in a Historical Documentary.
  • Develop a virtual reality experience that educates users about a scientific concept or historical event in a Virtual Reality Experience.
  • Coach a youth sports team, focusing on skill development and teamwork, and reflect on the experience in Sports Coaching.
  • Create a digital art portfolio, exploring different mediums and techniques, and host an online exhibition in a Digital Art Portfolio.
  • Trace your family history or that of a community member, creating a detailed family tree and narrative in a Genealogy Project.
  • Develop a series of workshops or resources to promote mental health awareness in your school or community in a Mental Health Initiative.
  • Organize and lead a series of public speaking workshops, culminating in a community speaking event in a Public Speaking Series.
  • Start a service offering tech support to seniors, teaching them how to use technology and helping solve common issues in a Tech Support Startup.
  • Create a line of upcycled garments, transforming old clothes into new designs, and organize a show to display them in Fashion Upcycling.
  • Establish a mentorship program linking high school students with professionals in their field of interest in a Youth Mentorship Program.
  • Design and build an interactive science exhibit for a local museum or school, focusing on engaging young visitors in an Interactive Science Exhibit.
  • Produce a short autobiographical film that explores a pivotal moment in your life or your family’s history in an Autobiographical Film.
  • Develop a line of eco-friendly products, such as household cleaners or personal care items, and create a business plan to market them in an Eco-Friendly Product Line.
  • Start a campaign to educate peers about healthy eating habits, including seminars and informational brochures in a Nutrition Awareness Campaign.
  • Write a book or series of articles on the history of your town or a notable local landmark in a Local History Book.
  • Start or contribute significantly to a non-profit organization, focusing on a cause important to you, and document the development and impact in Non-Profit Organization Work.

Any of the above ideas should be documented and then shaped into a presentation. While the first part of a senior project is doing the activity, the second part is sharing your experience with others via a presentation.

Your senior project should take considerable time and effort to complete, so above all else, you want to ensure that it relates to something you’re passionate about. This will make the entire experience more enjoyable and meaningful.

Remember to ask how are senior projects good for college application resumes and choose a project that will enhance your application.

Choose a feasible topic; it should be something you can complete with the skills, time, and resources available. The topic should be challenging but attainable. The goal is to push you out of the “same old same old,” but you don’t want something so complex that you can’t finish it.

Get started early in the year by brainstorming senior project ideas , researching, and planning. Ensure you understand what you’re required to do as part of your project, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. 

It can be helpful to break your project into smaller sections and tasks throughout the year, and setting deadlines for yourself can help you stay on track and avoid having too much to do later in the year. 

Deciding on a senior project should be an exciting task! It’s a time to hone your skills, learn new ones, and explore your interests. By following the above tips and considering your interests and passions, you will surely find a rewarding senior project.

Here are a few ideas for your high school senior project.

  • Research a Global Issue: Select a global issue that you are passionate about, such as climate change, poverty, or gender equality, and conduct in-depth research on the topic. Create a comprehensive report or multimedia presentation that highlights the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to the issue. Consider organizing a community event or awareness campaign to engage others in the cause.
  • Entrepreneurship Project: Put your entrepreneurial spirit to the test by starting your own small business or social enterprise. Identify a product or service that fills a gap in the market or addresses a specific need in your community. Develop a business plan, create marketing materials, and track your progress throughout the project. This hands-on experience will allow you to develop valuable skills in entrepreneurship and problem-solving.
  • Artistic Showcase: If you have a talent in the arts, consider creating an artistic showcase as your senior project. This can involve curating an art exhibition, organizing a concert, or directing a theater production. Use your creative skills to bring together a collection of works or performances that reflect your artistic vision and captivate your audience.
  • Community Service Initiative: Devote your senior project to making a positive impact in your community. Identify a social issue or specific group in need and design a community service initiative to address it. This could involve organizing a fundraising event, leading a volunteer project, or starting a mentorship program. Document your progress and impact to demonstrate the meaningful contribution you have made.
  • STEM Research Project: If you have an interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), undertake a research project in a field of your choice. Formulate a hypothesis, design experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions. Present your findings through a research paper or an engaging presentation. This project will not only deepen your understanding of STEM concepts but also strengthen your research and analytical skills.
  • Documentary or Film Production: Use your creativity and storytelling skills to produce a documentary or film on a topic of interest. Conduct interviews, capture compelling footage, and edit the material to create a thought-provoking and impactful production. This project allows you to explore your passion for visual storytelling and can be a powerful medium to raise awareness about important issues.
  • Health and Wellness Campaign: Promote health and wellness in your school or community through a campaign focused on physical fitness, mental well-being, or nutrition. Develop a series of workshops, create informational materials, and organize events that encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Collaborate with local health organizations or experts to ensure the credibility and impact of your campaign.
  • Cultural Exploration Project: Celebrate diversity and explore different cultures through a project that highlights the traditions, history, or art of a specific country or region. Create an interactive exhibition, organize cultural performances, or design a website that educates and immerses your audience in the richness of the culture you choose to explore.
  • Personal Development Project: Focus on personal growth and self-reflection by undertaking a project that challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and acquire new skills. This could involve learning a new instrument, mastering a new sport, or acquiring proficiency in a foreign language. Document your progress, setbacks, and lessons learned to showcase your dedication and growth throughout the project.
  • Demonstrates Mastery of Skills: A good senior project provides an opportunity to showcase the skills and knowledge you have acquired throughout your high school years. It allows you to demonstrate mastery in a particular subject or area of interest. Whether it’s conducting scientific research, organizing community events, or creating a piece of artwork, your project serves as evidence of your capabilities and expertise.
  • College and Career Readiness: A well-executed senior project prepares you for the academic and professional challenges that lie ahead. It helps you develop critical skills such as research, problem-solving, project management, and communication. These skills are highly valued in college and the workforce, giving you a competitive edge and increasing your chances of success.
  • Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: Engaging in a senior project offers an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. It allows you to explore your passions, interests, and strengths. By pursuing a project that aligns with your values and goals, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your potential career paths. This self-awareness is invaluable when making decisions about your future.
  • Builds Confidence and Independence: Successfully completing a senior project requires dedication, self-discipline, and the ability to work independently. It challenges you to take ownership of your work, make decisions, and overcome obstacles. As you navigate the project, you build confidence in your abilities and develop a sense of independence that will serve you well in college and beyond.
  • Engages with the Community: A good senior project often involves engaging with the community and making a positive impact. It allows you to contribute to the betterment of society, whether through service projects, awareness campaigns, or creative initiatives. By connecting with others and addressing community needs, you develop empathy, leadership skills, and a sense of civic responsibility.
  • Creates Networking Opportunities: Senior projects often require collaboration and interaction with professionals in your field of interest. This presents networking opportunities that can be valuable for future internships, job prospects, or college recommendations. Building connections with experts in your chosen field can open doors to exciting opportunities and mentorship.
  • Adds Depth to College Applications: A well-executed senior project can make your college applications stand out. Admissions officers value students who have gone above and beyond their regular coursework to pursue a meaningful project. It demonstrates your commitment to learning, your initiative, and your ability to excel outside the classroom. A strong senior project can strengthen your college applications and increase your chances of acceptance.
  • Leaves a Lasting Legacy: Your senior project has the potential to leave a lasting impact on your school and community. Whether it’s through implementing sustainable initiatives, creating educational resources, or organizing memorable events, your project can have a positive influence on those around you. Leaving a legacy that benefits future students and the community is a rewarding experience that you can be proud of.

A good senior project is important for several reasons. It showcases your skills, prepares you for college and career success, promotes personal growth and self-discovery, builds confidence and independence, engages with the community, creates networking opportunities, enhances college applications, and leaves a lasting legacy. Embrace the opportunity to undertake a meaningful senior project and make the most of this transformative experience.

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business research topics for senior high school students

Research Topics & Ideas: Education

170+ Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Dissertation, Thesis Or Research Project

business research topics for senior high school students

I f you’re just starting out exploring education-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of research topics and ideas , including examples from actual dissertations and theses..

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Education Research Topics

  • How to find a research topic (video)
  • List of 50+ education-related research topics/ideas
  • List of 120+ level-specific research topics 
  • Examples of actual dissertation topics in education
  • Tips to fast-track your topic ideation (video)
  • Where to get extra help

Education-Related Research Topics & Ideas

Below you’ll find a list of education-related research topics and idea kickstarters. These are fairly broad and flexible to various contexts, so keep in mind that you will need to refine them a little. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

  • The impact of school funding on student achievement
  • The effects of social and emotional learning on student well-being
  • The effects of parental involvement on student behaviour
  • The impact of teacher training on student learning
  • The impact of classroom design on student learning
  • The impact of poverty on education
  • The use of student data to inform instruction
  • The role of parental involvement in education
  • The effects of mindfulness practices in the classroom
  • The use of technology in the classroom
  • The role of critical thinking in education
  • The use of formative and summative assessments in the classroom
  • The use of differentiated instruction in the classroom
  • The use of gamification in education
  • The effects of teacher burnout on student learning
  • The impact of school leadership on student achievement
  • The effects of teacher diversity on student outcomes
  • The role of teacher collaboration in improving student outcomes
  • The implementation of blended and online learning
  • The effects of teacher accountability on student achievement
  • The effects of standardized testing on student learning
  • The effects of classroom management on student behaviour
  • The effects of school culture on student achievement
  • The use of student-centred learning in the classroom
  • The impact of teacher-student relationships on student outcomes
  • The achievement gap in minority and low-income students
  • The use of culturally responsive teaching in the classroom
  • The impact of teacher professional development on student learning
  • The use of project-based learning in the classroom
  • The effects of teacher expectations on student achievement
  • The use of adaptive learning technology in the classroom
  • The impact of teacher turnover on student learning
  • The effects of teacher recruitment and retention on student learning
  • The impact of early childhood education on later academic success
  • The impact of parental involvement on student engagement
  • The use of positive reinforcement in education
  • The impact of school climate on student engagement
  • The role of STEM education in preparing students for the workforce
  • The effects of school choice on student achievement
  • The use of technology in the form of online tutoring

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

Level-Specific Research Topics

Looking for research topics for a specific level of education? We’ve got you covered. Below you can find research topic ideas for primary, secondary and tertiary-level education contexts. Click the relevant level to view the respective list.

Research Topics: Pick An Education Level

Primary education.

  • Investigating the effects of peer tutoring on academic achievement in primary school
  • Exploring the benefits of mindfulness practices in primary school classrooms
  • Examining the effects of different teaching strategies on primary school students’ problem-solving skills
  • The use of storytelling as a teaching strategy in primary school literacy instruction
  • The role of cultural diversity in promoting tolerance and understanding in primary schools
  • The impact of character education programs on moral development in primary school students
  • Investigating the use of technology in enhancing primary school mathematics education
  • The impact of inclusive curriculum on promoting equity and diversity in primary schools
  • The impact of outdoor education programs on environmental awareness in primary school students
  • The influence of school climate on student motivation and engagement in primary schools
  • Investigating the effects of early literacy interventions on reading comprehension in primary school students
  • The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student achievement in primary schools
  • Exploring the benefits of inclusive education for students with special needs in primary schools
  • Investigating the effects of teacher-student feedback on academic motivation in primary schools
  • The role of technology in developing digital literacy skills in primary school students
  • Effective strategies for fostering a growth mindset in primary school students
  • Investigating the role of parental support in reducing academic stress in primary school children
  • The role of arts education in fostering creativity and self-expression in primary school students
  • Examining the effects of early childhood education programs on primary school readiness
  • Examining the effects of homework on primary school students’ academic performance
  • The role of formative assessment in improving learning outcomes in primary school classrooms
  • The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes in primary school
  • Investigating the effects of classroom environment on student behavior and learning outcomes in primary schools
  • Investigating the role of creativity and imagination in primary school curriculum
  • The impact of nutrition and healthy eating programs on academic performance in primary schools
  • The impact of social-emotional learning programs on primary school students’ well-being and academic performance
  • The role of parental involvement in academic achievement of primary school children
  • Examining the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior in primary school
  • The role of school leadership in creating a positive school climate Exploring the benefits of bilingual education in primary schools
  • The effectiveness of project-based learning in developing critical thinking skills in primary school students
  • The role of inquiry-based learning in fostering curiosity and critical thinking in primary school students
  • The effects of class size on student engagement and achievement in primary schools
  • Investigating the effects of recess and physical activity breaks on attention and learning in primary school
  • Exploring the benefits of outdoor play in developing gross motor skills in primary school children
  • The effects of educational field trips on knowledge retention in primary school students
  • Examining the effects of inclusive classroom practices on students’ attitudes towards diversity in primary schools
  • The impact of parental involvement in homework on primary school students’ academic achievement
  • Investigating the effectiveness of different assessment methods in primary school classrooms
  • The influence of physical activity and exercise on cognitive development in primary school children
  • Exploring the benefits of cooperative learning in promoting social skills in primary school students

Secondary Education

  • Investigating the effects of school discipline policies on student behavior and academic success in secondary education
  • The role of social media in enhancing communication and collaboration among secondary school students
  • The impact of school leadership on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes in secondary schools
  • Investigating the effects of technology integration on teaching and learning in secondary education
  • Exploring the benefits of interdisciplinary instruction in promoting critical thinking skills in secondary schools
  • The impact of arts education on creativity and self-expression in secondary school students
  • The effectiveness of flipped classrooms in promoting student learning in secondary education
  • The role of career guidance programs in preparing secondary school students for future employment
  • Investigating the effects of student-centered learning approaches on student autonomy and academic success in secondary schools
  • The impact of socio-economic factors on educational attainment in secondary education
  • Investigating the impact of project-based learning on student engagement and academic achievement in secondary schools
  • Investigating the effects of multicultural education on cultural understanding and tolerance in secondary schools
  • The influence of standardized testing on teaching practices and student learning in secondary education
  • Investigating the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior and academic engagement in secondary education
  • The influence of teacher professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in secondary schools
  • The role of extracurricular activities in promoting holistic development and well-roundedness in secondary school students
  • Investigating the effects of blended learning models on student engagement and achievement in secondary education
  • The role of physical education in promoting physical health and well-being among secondary school students
  • Investigating the effects of gender on academic achievement and career aspirations in secondary education
  • Exploring the benefits of multicultural literature in promoting cultural awareness and empathy among secondary school students
  • The impact of school counseling services on student mental health and well-being in secondary schools
  • Exploring the benefits of vocational education and training in preparing secondary school students for the workforce
  • The role of digital literacy in preparing secondary school students for the digital age
  • The influence of parental involvement on academic success and well-being of secondary school students
  • The impact of social-emotional learning programs on secondary school students’ well-being and academic success
  • The role of character education in fostering ethical and responsible behavior in secondary school students
  • Examining the effects of digital citizenship education on responsible and ethical technology use among secondary school students
  • The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student outcomes in secondary schools
  • The role of educational technology in promoting personalized learning experiences in secondary schools
  • The impact of inclusive education on the social and academic outcomes of students with disabilities in secondary schools
  • The influence of parental support on academic motivation and achievement in secondary education
  • The role of school climate in promoting positive behavior and well-being among secondary school students
  • Examining the effects of peer mentoring programs on academic achievement and social-emotional development in secondary schools
  • Examining the effects of teacher-student relationships on student motivation and achievement in secondary schools
  • Exploring the benefits of service-learning programs in promoting civic engagement among secondary school students
  • The impact of educational policies on educational equity and access in secondary education
  • Examining the effects of homework on academic achievement and student well-being in secondary education
  • Investigating the effects of different assessment methods on student performance in secondary schools
  • Examining the effects of single-sex education on academic performance and gender stereotypes in secondary schools
  • The role of mentoring programs in supporting the transition from secondary to post-secondary education

Tertiary Education

  • The role of student support services in promoting academic success and well-being in higher education
  • The impact of internationalization initiatives on students’ intercultural competence and global perspectives in tertiary education
  • Investigating the effects of active learning classrooms and learning spaces on student engagement and learning outcomes in tertiary education
  • Exploring the benefits of service-learning experiences in fostering civic engagement and social responsibility in higher education
  • The influence of learning communities and collaborative learning environments on student academic and social integration in higher education
  • Exploring the benefits of undergraduate research experiences in fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills
  • Investigating the effects of academic advising and mentoring on student retention and degree completion in higher education
  • The role of student engagement and involvement in co-curricular activities on holistic student development in higher education
  • The impact of multicultural education on fostering cultural competence and diversity appreciation in higher education
  • The role of internships and work-integrated learning experiences in enhancing students’ employability and career outcomes
  • Examining the effects of assessment and feedback practices on student learning and academic achievement in tertiary education
  • The influence of faculty professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in tertiary education
  • The influence of faculty-student relationships on student success and well-being in tertiary education
  • The impact of college transition programs on students’ academic and social adjustment to higher education
  • The impact of online learning platforms on student learning outcomes in higher education
  • The impact of financial aid and scholarships on access and persistence in higher education
  • The influence of student leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities on personal development and campus engagement
  • Exploring the benefits of competency-based education in developing job-specific skills in tertiary students
  • Examining the effects of flipped classroom models on student learning and retention in higher education
  • Exploring the benefits of online collaboration and virtual team projects in developing teamwork skills in tertiary students
  • Investigating the effects of diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus climate and student experiences in tertiary education
  • The influence of study abroad programs on intercultural competence and global perspectives of college students
  • Investigating the effects of peer mentoring and tutoring programs on student retention and academic performance in tertiary education
  • Investigating the effectiveness of active learning strategies in promoting student engagement and achievement in tertiary education
  • Investigating the effects of blended learning models and hybrid courses on student learning and satisfaction in higher education
  • The role of digital literacy and information literacy skills in supporting student success in the digital age
  • Investigating the effects of experiential learning opportunities on career readiness and employability of college students
  • The impact of e-portfolios on student reflection, self-assessment, and showcasing of learning in higher education
  • The role of technology in enhancing collaborative learning experiences in tertiary classrooms
  • The impact of research opportunities on undergraduate student engagement and pursuit of advanced degrees
  • Examining the effects of competency-based assessment on measuring student learning and achievement in tertiary education
  • Examining the effects of interdisciplinary programs and courses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills in college students
  • The role of inclusive education and accessibility in promoting equitable learning experiences for diverse student populations
  • The role of career counseling and guidance in supporting students’ career decision-making in tertiary education
  • The influence of faculty diversity and representation on student success and inclusive learning environments in higher education

Research topic idea mega list

Education-Related Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in education, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses in the education space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of education-related research projects to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

  • From Rural to Urban: Education Conditions of Migrant Children in China (Wang, 2019)
  • Energy Renovation While Learning English: A Guidebook for Elementary ESL Teachers (Yang, 2019)
  • A Reanalyses of Intercorrelational Matrices of Visual and Verbal Learners’ Abilities, Cognitive Styles, and Learning Preferences (Fox, 2020)
  • A study of the elementary math program utilized by a mid-Missouri school district (Barabas, 2020)
  • Instructor formative assessment practices in virtual learning environments : a posthumanist sociomaterial perspective (Burcks, 2019)
  • Higher education students services: a qualitative study of two mid-size universities’ direct exchange programs (Kinde, 2020)
  • Exploring editorial leadership : a qualitative study of scholastic journalism advisers teaching leadership in Missouri secondary schools (Lewis, 2020)
  • Selling the virtual university: a multimodal discourse analysis of marketing for online learning (Ludwig, 2020)
  • Advocacy and accountability in school counselling: assessing the use of data as related to professional self-efficacy (Matthews, 2020)
  • The use of an application screening assessment as a predictor of teaching retention at a midwestern, K-12, public school district (Scarbrough, 2020)
  • Core values driving sustained elite performance cultures (Beiner, 2020)
  • Educative features of upper elementary Eureka math curriculum (Dwiggins, 2020)
  • How female principals nurture adult learning opportunities in successful high schools with challenging student demographics (Woodward, 2020)
  • The disproportionality of Black Males in Special Education: A Case Study Analysis of Educator Perceptions in a Southeastern Urban High School (McCrae, 2021)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, in order for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest.  In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic within education, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

Research Bootcamps

Find The Perfect Research Topic

How To Choose A Research Topic: 5 Key Criteria

How To Choose A Research Topic: 5 Key Criteria

How To Choose A Research Topic Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + Free Topic...

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70 Comments

Watson Kabwe

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Musarrat Parveen

Special education

Akbar khan

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Trishna Roy

Research title related to school of students

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Angel taña

Research title related to students

My field is research measurement and evaluation. Need dissertation topics in the field

Saira Murtaza

Assalam o Alaikum I’m a student Bs educational Resarch and evaluation I’m confused to choose My thesis title please help me in choose the thesis title

Ngirumuvugizi Jaccques

Good idea I’m going to teach my colleagues

Anangnerisia@gmail.com

You can find our list of nursing-related research topic ideas here: https://gradcoach.com/research-topics-nursing/

FOSU DORIS

Write on action research topic, using guidance and counseling to address unwanted teenage pregnancy in school

Samson ochuodho

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Rhod Tuyan

Thank you for the information.. I would like to request a topic based on school major in social studies

Mercedes Bunsie

parental involvement and students academic performance

Abshir Mustafe Cali

Science education topics?

alina

plz tell me if you got some good topics, im here for finding research topic for masters degree

Karen Joy Andrade

How about School management and supervision pls.?

JOHANNES SERAME MONYATSI

Hi i am an Deputy Principal in a primary school. My wish is to srudy foe Master’s degree in Education.Please advice me on which topic can be relevant for me. Thanks.

Bonang Morapedi

Thank you so much for the information provided. I would like to get an advice on the topic to research for my masters program. My area of concern is on teacher morale versus students achievement.

NKWAIN Chia Charles

Every topic proposed above on primary education is a starting point for me. I appreciate immensely the team that has sat down to make a detail of these selected topics just for beginners like us. Be blessed.

Nkwain Chia Charles

Kindly help me with the research questions on the topic” Effects of workplace conflict on the employees’ job performance”. The effects can be applicable in every institution,enterprise or organisation.

Kelvin Kells Grant

Greetings, I am a student majoring in Sociology and minoring in Public Administration. I’m considering any recommended research topic in the field of Sociology.

Sulemana Alhassan

I’m a student pursuing Mphil in Basic education and I’m considering any recommended research proposal topic in my field of study

Cristine

Research Defense for students in senior high

Kupoluyi Regina

Kindly help me with a research topic in educational psychology. Ph.D level. Thank you.

Project-based learning is a teaching/learning type,if well applied in a classroom setting will yield serious positive impact. What can a teacher do to implement this in a disadvantaged zone like “North West Region of Cameroon ( hinterland) where war has brought about prolonged and untold sufferings on the indegins?

Damaris Nzoka

I wish to get help on topics of research on educational administration

I wish to get help on topics of research on educational administration PhD level

Sadaf

I am also looking for such type of title

Afriyie Saviour

I am a student of undergraduate, doing research on how to use guidance and counseling to address unwanted teenage pregnancy in school

wysax

the topics are very good regarding research & education .

derrick

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  • Published: 02 December 2020

Enhancing senior high school student engagement and academic performance using an inclusive and scalable inquiry-based program

  • Locke Davenport Huyer   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1526-7122 1 , 2   na1 ,
  • Neal I. Callaghan   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8214-3395 1 , 3   na1 ,
  • Sara Dicks 4 ,
  • Edward Scherer 4 ,
  • Andrey I. Shukalyuk 1 ,
  • Margaret Jou 4 &
  • Dawn M. Kilkenny   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3899-9767 1 , 5  

npj Science of Learning volume  5 , Article number:  17 ( 2020 ) Cite this article

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The multi-disciplinary nature of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers often renders difficulty for high school students navigating from classroom knowledge to post-secondary pursuits. Discrepancies between the knowledge-based high school learning approach and the experiential approach of future studies leaves some students disillusioned by STEM. We present Discovery , a term-long inquiry-focused learning model delivered by STEM graduate students in collaboration with high school teachers, in the context of biomedical engineering. Entire classes of high school STEM students representing diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds engaged in iterative, problem-based learning designed to emphasize critical thinking concomitantly within the secondary school and university environments. Assessment of grades and survey data suggested positive impact of this learning model on students’ STEM interests and engagement, notably in under-performing cohorts, as well as repeating cohorts that engage in the program on more than one occasion. Discovery presents a scalable platform that stimulates persistence in STEM learning, providing valuable learning opportunities and capturing cohorts of students that might otherwise be under-engaged in STEM.

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Introduction.

High school students with diverse STEM interests often struggle to understand the STEM experience outside the classroom 1 . The multi-disciplinary nature of many career fields can foster a challenge for students in their decision to enroll in appropriate high school courses while maintaining persistence in study, particularly when these courses are not mandatory 2 . Furthermore, this challenge is amplified by the known discrepancy between the knowledge-based learning approach common in high schools and the experiential, mastery-based approaches afforded by the subsequent undergraduate model 3 . In the latter, focused classes, interdisciplinary concepts, and laboratory experiences allow for the application of accumulated knowledge, practice in problem solving, and development of both general and technical skills 4 . Such immersive cooperative learning environments are difficult to establish in the secondary school setting and high school teachers often struggle to implement within their classroom 5 . As such, high school students may become disillusioned before graduation and never experience an enriched learning environment, despite their inherent interests in STEM 6 .

It cannot be argued that early introduction to varied math and science disciplines throughout high school is vital if students are to pursue STEM fields, especially within engineering 7 . However, the majority of literature focused on student interest and retention in STEM highlights outcomes in US high school learning environments, where the sciences are often subject-specific from the onset of enrollment 8 . In contrast, students in the Ontario (Canada) high school system are required to complete Level 1 and 2 core courses in science and math during Grades 9 and 10; these courses are offered as ‘applied’ or ‘academic’ versions and present broad topics of content 9 . It is not until Levels 3 and 4 (generally Grades 11 and 12, respectively) that STEM classes become subject-specific (i.e., Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics) and are offered as “university”, “college”, or “mixed” versions, designed to best prepare students for their desired post-secondary pursuits 9 . Given that Levels 3 and 4 science courses are not mandatory for graduation, enrollment identifies an innate student interest in continued learning. Furthermore, engagement in these post-secondary preparatory courses is also dependent upon achieving successful grades in preceding courses, but as curriculum becomes more subject-specific, students often yield lower degrees of success in achieving course credit 2 . Therefore, it is imperative that learning supports are best focused on ensuring that those students with an innate interest are able to achieve success in learning.

When given opportunity and focused support, high school students are capable of successfully completing rigorous programs at STEM-focused schools 10 . Specialized STEM schools have existed in the US for over 100 years; generally, students are admitted after their sophomore year of high school experience (equivalent to Grade 10) based on standardized test scores, essays, portfolios, references, and/or interviews 11 . Common elements to this learning framework include a diverse array of advanced STEM courses, paired with opportunities to engage in and disseminate cutting-edge research 12 . Therein, said research experience is inherently based in the processes of critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration. This learning framework supports translation of core curricular concepts to practice and is fundamental in allowing students to develop better understanding and appreciation of STEM career fields.

Despite the described positive attributes, many students do not have the ability or resources to engage within STEM-focused schools, particularly given that they are not prevalent across Canada, and other countries across the world. Consequently, many public institutions support the idea that post-secondary led engineering education programs are effective ways to expose high school students to engineering education and relevant career options, and also increase engineering awareness 13 . Although singular class field trips are used extensively to accomplish such programs, these may not allow immersive experiences for application of knowledge and practice of skills that are proven to impact long-term learning and influence career choices 14 , 15 . Longer-term immersive research experiences, such as after-school programs or summer camps, have shown successful at recruiting students into STEM degree programs and careers, where longevity of experience helps foster self-determination and interest-led, inquiry-based projects 4 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 .

Such activities convey the elements that are suggested to make a post-secondary led high school education programs successful: hands-on experience, self-motivated learning, real-life application, immediate feedback, and problem-based projects 20 , 21 . In combination with immersion in university teaching facilities, learning is authentic and relevant, similar to the STEM school-focused framework, and consequently representative of an experience found in actual STEM practice 22 . These outcomes may further be a consequence of student engagement and attitude: Brown et al. studied the relationships between STEM curriculum and student attitudes, and found the latter played a more important role in intention to persist in STEM when compared to self-efficacy 23 . This is interesting given that student self-efficacy has been identified to influence ‘motivation, persistence, and determination’ in overcoming challenges in a career pathway 24 . Taken together, this suggests that creation and delivery of modern, exciting curriculum that supports positive student attitudes is fundamental to engage and retain students in STEM programs.

Supported by the outcomes of identified effective learning strategies, University of Toronto (U of T) graduate trainees created a novel high school education program Discovery , to develop a comfortable yet stimulating environment of inquiry-focused iterative learning for senior high school students (Grades 11 & 12; Levels 3 & 4) at non-specialized schools. Built in strong collaboration with science teachers from George Harvey Collegiate Institute (Toronto District School Board), Discovery stimulates application of STEM concepts within a unique term-long applied curriculum delivered iteratively within both U of T undergraduate teaching facilities and collaborating high school classrooms 25 . Based on the volume of medically-themed news and entertainment that is communicated to the population at large, the rapidly-growing and diverse field of biomedical engineering (BME) were considered an ideal program context 26 . In its definition, BME necessitates cross-disciplinary STEM knowledge focused on the betterment of human health, wherein Discovery facilitates broadening student perspective through engaging inquiry-based projects. Importantly, Discovery allows all students within a class cohort to work together with their classroom teacher, stimulating continued development of a relevant learning community that is deemed essential for meaningful context and important for transforming student perspectives and understandings 27 , 28 . Multiple studies support the concept that relevant learning communities improve student attitudes towards learning, significantly increasing student motivation in STEM courses, and consequently improving the overall learning experience 29 . Learning communities, such as that provided by Discovery , also promote the formation of self-supporting groups, greater active involvement in class, and higher persistence rates for participating students 30 .

The objective of Discovery , through structure and dissemination, is to engage senior high school science students in challenging, inquiry-based practical BME activities as a mechanism to stimulate comprehension of STEM curriculum application to real-world concepts. Consequent focus is placed on critical thinking skill development through an atmosphere of perseverance in ambiguity, something not common in a secondary school knowledge-focused delivery but highly relevant in post-secondary STEM education strategies. Herein, we describe the observed impact of the differential project-based learning environment of Discovery on student performance and engagement. We identify the value of an inquiry-focused learning model that is tangible for students who struggle in a knowledge-focused delivery structure, where engagement in conceptual critical thinking in the relevant subject area stimulates student interest, attitudes, and resulting academic performance. Assessment of study outcomes suggests that when provided with a differential learning opportunity, student performance and interest in STEM increased. Consequently, Discovery provides an effective teaching and learning framework within a non-specialized school that motivates students, provides opportunity for critical thinking and problem-solving practice, and better prepares them for persistence in future STEM programs.

Program delivery

The outcomes of the current study result from execution of Discovery over five independent academic terms as a collaboration between Institute of Biomedical Engineering (graduate students, faculty, and support staff) and George Harvey Collegiate Institute (science teachers and administration) stakeholders. Each term, the program allowed senior secondary STEM students (Grades 11 and 12) opportunity to engage in a novel project-based learning environment. The program structure uses the problem-based engineering capstone framework as a tool of inquiry-focused learning objectives, motivated by a central BME global research topic, with research questions that are inter-related but specific to the curriculum of each STEM course subject (Fig. 1 ). Over each 12-week term, students worked in teams (3–4 students) within their class cohorts to execute projects with the guidance of U of T trainees ( Discovery instructors) and their own high school teacher(s). Student experimental work was conducted in U of T teaching facilities relevant to the research study of interest (i.e., Biology and Chemistry-based projects executed within Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories; Physics projects executed within Undergraduate Design Studios). Students were introduced to relevant techniques and safety procedures in advance of iterative experimentation. Importantly, this experience served as a course term project for students, who were assessed at several points throughout the program for performance in an inquiry-focused environment as well as within the regular classroom (Fig. 1 ). To instill the atmosphere of STEM, student teams delivered their outcomes in research poster format at a final symposium, sharing their results and recommendations with other post-secondary students, faculty, and community in an open environment.

figure 1

The general program concept (blue background; top left ) highlights a global research topic examined through student dissemination of subject-specific research questions, yielding multifaceted student outcomes (orange background; top right ). Each program term (term workflow, yellow background; bottom panel ), students work on program deliverables in class (blue), iterate experimental outcomes within university facilities (orange), and are assessed accordingly at numerous deliverables in an inquiry-focused learning model.

Over the course of five terms there were 268 instances of tracked student participation, representing 170 individual students. Specifically, 94 students participated during only one term of programming, 57 students participated in two terms, 16 students participated in three terms, and 3 students participated in four terms. Multiple instances of participation represent students that enrol in more than one STEM class during their senior years of high school, or who participated in Grade 11 and subsequently Grade 12. Students were surveyed before and after each term to assess program effects on STEM interest and engagement. All grade-based assessments were performed by high school teachers for their respective STEM class cohorts using consistent grading rubrics and assignment structure. Here, we discuss the outcomes of student involvement in this experiential curriculum model.

Student performance and engagement

Student grades were assigned, collected, and anonymized by teachers for each Discovery deliverable (background essay, client meeting, proposal, progress report, poster, and final presentation). Teachers anonymized collective Discovery grades, the component deliverable grades thereof, final course grades, attendance in class and during programming, as well as incomplete classroom assignments, for comparative study purposes. Students performed significantly higher in their cumulative Discovery grade than in their cumulative classroom grade (final course grade less the Discovery contribution; p  < 0.0001). Nevertheless, there was a highly significant correlation ( p  < 0.0001) observed between the grade representing combined Discovery deliverables and the final course grade (Fig. 2a ). Further examination of the full dataset revealed two student cohorts of interest: the “Exceeds Expectations” (EE) subset (defined as those students who achieved ≥1 SD [18.0%] grade differential in Discovery over their final course grade; N  = 99 instances), and the “Multiple Term” (MT) subset (defined as those students who participated in Discovery more than once; 76 individual students that collectively accounted for 174 single terms of assessment out of the 268 total student-terms delivered) (Fig. 2b, c ). These subsets were not unrelated; 46 individual students who had multiple experiences (60.5% of total MTs) exhibited at least one occasion in achieving a ≥18.0% grade differential. As students participated in group work, there was concern that lower-performing students might negatively influence the Discovery grade of higher-performing students (or vice versa). However, students were observed to self-organize into groups where all individuals received similar final overall course grades (Fig. 2d ), thereby alleviating these concerns.

figure 2

a Linear regression of student grades reveals a significant correlation ( p  = 0.0009) between Discovery performance and final course grade less the Discovery contribution to grade, as assessed by teachers. The dashed red line and intervals represent the theoretical 1:1 correlation between Discovery and course grades and standard deviation of the Discovery -course grade differential, respectively. b , c Identification of subgroups of interest, Exceeds Expectations (EE; N  = 99, orange ) who were ≥+1 SD in Discovery -course grade differential and Multi-Term (MT; N  = 174, teal ), of which N  = 65 students were present in both subgroups. d Students tended to self-assemble in working groups according to their final course performance; data presented as mean ± SEM. e For MT students participating at least 3 terms in Discovery , there was no significant correlation between course grade and time, while ( f ) there was a significant correlation between Discovery grade and cumulative terms in the program. Histograms of total absences per student in ( g ) Discovery and ( h ) class (binned by 4 days to be equivalent in time to a single Discovery absence).

The benefits experienced by MT students seemed progressive; MT students that participated in 3 or 4 terms ( N  = 16 and 3, respectively ) showed no significant increase by linear regression in their course grade over time ( p  = 0.15, Fig. 2e ), but did show a significant increase in their Discovery grades ( p  = 0.0011, Fig. 2f ). Finally, students demonstrated excellent Discovery attendance; at least 91% of participants attended all Discovery sessions in a given term (Fig. 2g ). In contrast, class attendance rates reveal a much wider distribution where 60.8% (163 out of 268 students) missed more than 4 classes (equivalent in learning time to one Discovery session) and 14.6% (39 out of 268 students) missed 16 or more classes (equivalent in learning time to an entire program of Discovery ) in a term (Fig. 2h ).

Discovery EE students (Fig. 3 ), roughly by definition, obtained lower course grades ( p  < 0.0001, Fig. 3a ) and higher final Discovery grades ( p  = 0.0004, Fig. 3b ) than non-EE students. This cohort of students exhibited program grades higher than classmates (Fig. 3c–h ); these differences were significant in every category with the exception of essays, where they outperformed to a significantly lesser degree ( p  = 0.097; Fig. 3c ). There was no statistically significant difference in EE vs. non-EE student classroom attendance ( p  = 0.85; Fig. 3i, j ). There were only four single day absences in Discovery within the EE subset; however, this difference was not statistically significant ( p  = 0.074).

figure 3

The “Exceeds Expectations” (EE) subset of students (defined as those who received a combined Discovery grade ≥1 SD (18.0%) higher than their final course grade) performed ( a ) lower on their final course grade and ( b ) higher in the Discovery program as a whole when compared to their classmates. d – h EE students received significantly higher grades on each Discovery deliverable than their classmates, except for their ( c ) introductory essays and ( h ) final presentations. The EE subset also tended ( i ) to have a higher relative rate of attendance during Discovery sessions but no difference in ( j ) classroom attendance. N  = 99 EE students and 169 non-EE students (268 total). Grade data expressed as mean ± SEM.

Discovery MT students (Fig. 4 ), although not receiving significantly higher grades in class than students participating in the program only one time ( p  = 0.29, Fig. 4a ), were observed to obtain higher final Discovery grades than single-term students ( p  = 0.0067, Fig. 4b ). Although trends were less pronounced for individual MT student deliverables (Fig. 4c–h ), this student group performed significantly better on the progress report ( p  = 0.0021; Fig. 4f ). Trends of higher performance were observed for initial proposals and final presentations ( p  = 0.081 and 0.056, respectively; Fig. 4e, h ); all other deliverables were not significantly different between MT and non-MT students (Fig. 4c, d, g ). Attendance in Discovery ( p  = 0.22) was also not significantly different between MT and non-MT students, although MT students did miss significantly less class time ( p  = 0.010) (Fig. 4i, j ). Longitudinal assessment of individual deliverables for MT students that participated in three or more Discovery terms (Fig. 5 ) further highlights trend in improvement (Fig. 2f ). Greater performance over terms of participation was observed for essay ( p  = 0.0295, Fig. 5a ), client meeting ( p  = 0.0003, Fig. 5b ), proposal ( p  = 0.0004, Fig. 5c ), progress report ( p  = 0.16, Fig. 5d ), poster ( p  = 0.0005, Fig. 5e ), and presentation ( p  = 0.0295, Fig. 5f ) deliverable grades; these trends were all significant with the exception of the progress report ( p  = 0.16, Fig. 5d ) owing to strong performance in this deliverable in all terms.

figure 4

The “multi-term” (MT) subset of students (defined as having attended more than one term of Discovery ) demonstrated favorable performance in Discovery , ( a ) showing no difference in course grade compared to single-term students, but ( b outperforming them in final Discovery grade. Independent of the number of times participating in Discovery , MT students did not score significantly differently on their ( c ) essay, ( d ) client meeting, or ( g ) poster. They tended to outperform their single-term classmates on the ( e ) proposal and ( h ) final presentation and scored significantly higher on their ( f ) progress report. MT students showed no statistical difference in ( i ) Discovery attendance but did show ( j ) higher rates of classroom attendance than single-term students. N  = 174 MT instances of student participation (76 individual students) and 94 single-term students. Grade data expressed as mean ± SEM.

figure 5

Longitudinal assessment of a subset of MT student participants that participated in three ( N  = 16) or four ( N  = 3) terms presents a significant trend of improvement in their ( a ) essay, ( b ) client meeting, ( c ) proposal, ( e ) poster, and ( f ) presentation grade. d Progress report grades present a trend in improvement but demonstrate strong performance in all terms, limiting potential for student improvement. Grade data are presented as individual student performance; each student is represented by one color; data is fitted with a linear trendline (black).

Finally, the expansion of Discovery to a second school of lower LOI (i.e., nominally higher aggregate SES) allowed for the assessment of program impact in a new population over 2 terms of programming. A significant ( p  = 0.040) divergence in Discovery vs. course grade distribution from the theoretical 1:1 relationship was found in the new cohort (S 1 Appendix , Fig. S 1 ), in keeping with the pattern established in this study.

Teacher perceptions

Qualitative observation in the classroom by high school teachers emphasized the value students independently placed on program participation and deliverables. Throughout the term, students often prioritized Discovery group assignments over other tasks for their STEM courses, regardless of academic weight and/or due date. Comparing within this student population, teachers spoke of difficulties with late and incomplete assignments in the regular curriculum but found very few such instances with respect to Discovery -associated deliverables. Further, teachers speculated on the good behavior and focus of students in Discovery programming in contrast to attentiveness and behavior issues in their school classrooms. Multiple anecdotal examples were shared of renewed perception of student potential; students that exhibited poor academic performance in the classroom often engaged with high performance in this inquiry-focused atmosphere. Students appeared to take a sense of ownership, excitement, and pride in the setting of group projects oriented around scientific inquiry, discovery, and dissemination.

Student perceptions

Students were asked to consider and rank the academic difficulty (scale of 1–5, with 1 = not challenging and 5 = highly challenging) of the work they conducted within the Discovery learning model. Considering individual Discovery terms, at least 91% of students felt the curriculum to be sufficiently challenging with a 3/5 or higher ranking (Term 1: 87.5%, Term 2: 93.4%, Term 3: 85%, Term 4: 93.3%, Term 5: 100%), and a minimum of 58% of students indicating a 4/5 or higher ranking (Term 1: 58.3%, Term 2: 70.5%, Term 3: 67.5%, Term 4: 69.1%, Term 5: 86.4%) (Fig. 6a ).

figure 6

a Histogram of relative frequency of perceived Discovery programming academic difficulty ranked from not challenging (1) to highly challenging (5) for each session demonstrated the consistently perceived high degree of difficulty for Discovery programming (total responses: 223). b Program participation increased student comfort (94.6%) with navigating lab work in a university or college setting (total responses: 220). c Considering participation in Discovery programming, students indicated their increased (72.4%) or decreased (10.1%) likelihood to pursue future experiences in STEM as a measure of program impact (total responses: 217). d Large majority of participating students (84.9%) indicated their interest for future participation in Discovery (total responses: 212). Students were given the opportunity to opt out of individual survey questions, partially completed surveys were included in totals.

The majority of students (94.6%) indicated they felt more comfortable with the idea of performing future work in a university STEM laboratory environment given exposure to university teaching facilities throughout the program (Fig. 6b ). Students were also queried whether they were (i) more likely, (ii) less likely, or (iii) not impacted by their experience in the pursuit of STEM in the future. The majority of participants (>82%) perceived impact on STEM interests, with 72.4% indicating they were more likely to pursue these interests in the future (Fig. 6c ). When surveyed at the end of term, 84.9% of students indicated they would participate in the program again (Fig. 6d ).

We have described an inquiry-based framework for implementing experiential STEM education in a BME setting. Using this model, we engaged 268 instances of student participation (170 individual students who participated 1–4 times) over five terms in project-based learning wherein students worked in peer-based teams under the mentorship of U of T trainees to design and execute the scientific method in answering a relevant research question. Collaboration between high school teachers and Discovery instructors allowed for high school student exposure to cutting-edge BME research topics, participation in facilitated inquiry, and acquisition of knowledge through scientific discovery. All assessments were conducted by high school teachers and constituted a fraction (10–15%) of the overall course grade, instilling academic value for participating students. As such, students exhibited excitement to learn as well as commitment to their studies in the program.

Through our observations and analysis, we suggest there is value in differential learning environments for students that struggle in a knowledge acquisition-focused classroom setting. In general, we observed a high level of academic performance in Discovery programming (Fig. 2a ), which was highlighted exceptionally in EE students who exhibited greater academic performance in Discovery deliverables compared to normal coursework (>18% grade improvement in relevant deliverables). We initially considered whether this was the result of strong students influencing weaker students; however, group organization within each course suggests this is not the case (Fig. 2d ). With the exception of one class in one term (24 participants assigned by their teacher), students were allowed to self-organize into working groups and they chose to work with other students of relatively similar academic performance (as indicated by course grade), a trend observed in other studies 31 , 32 . Remarkably, EE students not only excelled during Discovery when compared to their own performance in class, but this cohort also achieved significantly higher average grades in each of the deliverables throughout the program when compared to the remaining Discovery cohort (Fig. 3 ). This data demonstrates the value of an inquiry-based learning environment compared to knowledge-focused delivery in the classroom in allowing students to excel. We expect that part of this engagement was resultant of student excitement with a novel learning opportunity. It is however a well-supported concept that students who struggle in traditional settings tend to demonstrate improved interest and motivation in STEM when given opportunity to interact in a hands-on fashion, which supports our outcomes 4 , 33 . Furthermore, these outcomes clearly represent variable student learning styles, where some students benefit from a greater exchange of information, knowledge and skills in a cooperative learning environment 34 . The performance of the EE group may not be by itself surprising, as the identification of the subset by definition required high performers in Discovery who did not have exceptionally high course grades; in addition, the final Discovery grade is dependent on the component assignment grades. However, the discrepancies between EE and non-EE groups attendance suggests that students were engaged by Discovery in a way that they were not by regular classroom curriculum.

In addition to quantified engagement in Discovery observed in academic performance, we believe remarkable attendance rates are indicative of the value students place in the differential learning structure. Given the differences in number of Discovery days and implications of missing one day of regular class compared to this immersive program, we acknowledge it is challenging to directly compare attendance data and therefore approximate this comparison with consideration of learning time equivalence. When combined with other subjective data including student focus, requests to work on Discovery during class time, and lack of discipline/behavior issues, the attendance data importantly suggests that students were especially engaged by the Discovery model. Further, we believe the increased commute time to the university campus (students are responsible for independent transit to campus, a much longer endeavour than the normal school commute), early program start time, and students’ lack of familiarity with the location are non-trivial considerations when determining the propensity of students to participate enthusiastically in Discovery . We feel this suggests the students place value on this team-focused learning and find it to be more applicable and meaningful to their interests.

Given post-secondary admission requirements for STEM programs, it would be prudent to think that students participating in multiple STEM classes across terms are the ones with the most inherent interest in post-secondary STEM programs. The MT subset, representing students who participated in Discovery for more than one term, averaged significantly higher final Discovery grades. The increase in the final Discovery grade was observed to result from a general confluence of improved performance over multiple deliverables and a continuous effort to improve in a STEM curriculum. This was reflected in longitudinal tracking of Discovery performance, where we observed a significant trend of improved performance. Interestingly, the high number of MT students who were included in the EE group suggests that students who had a keen interest in science enrolled in more than one course and in general responded well to the inquiry-based teaching method of Discovery , where scientific method was put into action. It stands to reason that students interested in science will continue to take STEM courses and will respond favorably to opportunities to put classroom theory to practical application.

The true value of an inquiry-based program such as Discovery may not be based in inspiring students to perform at a higher standard in STEM within the high school setting, as skills in critical thinking do not necessarily translate to knowledge-based assessment. Notably, students found the programming equally challenging throughout each of the sequential sessions, perhaps somewhat surprising considering the increasing number of repeat attendees in successive sessions (Fig. 6a ). Regardless of sub-discipline, there was an emphasis of perceived value demonstrated through student surveys where we observed indicated interest in STEM and comfort with laboratory work environments, and desire to engage in future iterations given the opportunity. Although non-quantitative, we perceive this as an indicator of significant student engagement, even though some participants did not yield academic success in the program and found it highly challenging given its ambiguity.

Although we observed that students become more certain of their direction in STEM, further longitudinal study is warranted to make claim of this outcome. Additionally, at this point in our assessment we cannot effectively assess the practical outcomes of participation, understanding that the immediate effects observed are subject to a number of factors associated with performance in the high school learning environment. Future studies that track graduates from this program will be prudent, in conjunction with an ever-growing dataset of assessment as well as surveys designed to better elucidate underlying perceptions and attitudes, to continue to understand the expected benefits of this inquiry-focused and partnered approach. Altogether, a multifaceted assessment of our early outcomes suggests significant value of an immersive and iterative interaction with STEM as part of the high school experience. A well-defined divergence from knowledge-based learning, focused on engagement in critical thinking development framed in the cutting-edge of STEM, may be an important step to broadening student perspectives.

In this study, we describe the short-term effects of an inquiry-based STEM educational experience on a cohort of secondary students attending a non-specialized school, and suggest that the framework can be widely applied across virtually all subjects where inquiry-driven and mentored projects can be undertaken. Although we have demonstrated replication in a second cohort of nominally higher SES (S 1 Appendix , Supplementary Fig. 1 ), a larger collection period with more students will be necessary to conclusively determine impact independent of both SES and specific cohort effects. Teachers may also find this framework difficult to implement depending on resources and/or institutional investment and support, particularly if post-secondary collaboration is inaccessible. Offerings to a specific subject (e.g., physics) where experiments yielding empirical data are logistically or financially simpler to perform may be valid routes of adoption as opposed to the current study where all subject cohorts were included.

As we consider Discovery in a bigger picture context, expansion and implementation of this model is translatable. Execution of the scientific method is an important aspect of citizen science, as the concepts of critical thing become ever-more important in a landscape of changing technological landscapes. Giving students critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their primary and secondary education provides value in the context of any career path. Further, we feel that this model is scalable across disciplines, STEM or otherwise, as a means of building the tools of inquiry. We have observed here the value of differential inclusive student engagement and critical thinking through an inquiry-focused model for a subset of students, but further to this an engagement, interest, and excitement across the body of student participants. As we educate the leaders of tomorrow, we suggest that use of an inquiry-focused model such as Discovery could facilitate growth of a data-driven critical thinking framework.

In conclusion, we have presented a model of inquiry-based STEM education for secondary students that emphasizes inclusion, quantitative analysis, and critical thinking. Student grades suggest significant performance benefits, and engagement data suggests positive student attitude despite the perceived challenges of the program. We also note a particular performance benefit to students who repeatedly engage in the program. This framework may carry benefits in a wide variety of settings and disciplines for enhancing student engagement and performance, particularly in non-specialized school environments.

Study design and implementation

Participants in Discovery include all students enrolled in university-stream Grade 11 or 12 biology, chemistry, or physics at the participating school over five consecutive terms (cohort summary shown in Table 1 ). Although student participation in educational content was mandatory, student grades and survey responses (administered by high school teachers) were collected from only those students with parent or guardian consent. Teachers replaced each student name with a unique coded identifier to preserve anonymity but enable individual student tracking over multiple terms. All data collected were analyzed without any exclusions save for missing survey responses; no power analysis was performed prior to data collection.

Ethics statement

This study was approved by the University of Toronto Health Sciences Research Ethics Board (Protocol # 34825) and the Toronto District School Board External Research Review Committee (Protocol # 2017-2018-20). Written informed consent was collected from parents or guardians of participating students prior to the acquisition of student data (both post-hoc academic data and survey administration). Data were anonymized by high school teachers for maintenance of academic confidentiality of individual students prior to release to U of T researchers.

Educational program overview

Students enrolled in university-preparatory STEM classes at the participating school completed a term-long project under the guidance of graduate student instructors and undergraduate student mentors as a mandatory component of their respective course. Project curriculum developed collaboratively between graduate students and participating high school teachers was delivered within U of T Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering (FASE) teaching facilities. Participation allows high school students to garner a better understanding as to how undergraduate learning and career workflows in STEM vary from traditional high school classroom learning, meanwhile reinforcing the benefits of problem solving, perseverance, teamwork, and creative thinking competencies. Given that Discovery was a mandatory component of course curriculum, students participated as class cohorts and addressed questions specific to their course subject knowledge base but related to the defined global health research topic (Fig. 1 ). Assessment of program deliverables was collectively assigned to represent 10–15% of the final course grade for each subject at the discretion of the respective STEM teacher.

The Discovery program framework was developed, prior to initiation of student assessment, in collaboration with one high school selected from the local public school board over a 1.5 year period of time. This partner school consistently scores highly (top decile) in the school board’s Learning Opportunities Index (LOI). The LOI ranks each school based on measures of external challenges affecting its student population therefore schools with the greatest level of external challenge receive a higher ranking 35 . A high LOI ranking is inversely correlated with socioeconomic status (SES); therefore, participating students are identified as having a significant number of external challenges that may affect their academic success. The mandatory nature of program participation was established to reach highly capable students who may be reluctant to engage on their own initiative, as a means of enhancing the inclusivity and impact of the program. The selected school partner is located within a reasonable geographical radius of our campus (i.e., ~40 min transit time from school to campus). This is relevant as participating students are required to independently commute to campus for Discovery hands-on experiences.

Each program term of Discovery corresponds with a five-month high school term. Lead university trainee instructors (3–6 each term) engaged with high school teachers 1–2 months in advance of high school student engagement to discern a relevant overarching global healthcare theme. Each theme was selected with consideration of (a) topics that university faculty identify as cutting-edge biomedical research, (b) expertise that Discovery instructors provide, and (c) capacity to showcase the diversity of BME. Each theme was sub-divided into STEM subject-specific research questions aligning with provincial Ministry of Education curriculum concepts for university-preparatory Biology, Chemistry, and Physics 9 that students worked to address, both on-campus and in-class, during a term-long project. The Discovery framework therefore provides students a problem-based learning experience reflective of an engineering capstone design project, including a motivating scientific problem (i.e., global topic), subject-specific research question, and systematic determination of a professional recommendation addressing the needs of the presented problem.

Discovery instructors were volunteers recruited primarily from graduate and undergraduate BME programs in the FASE. Instructors were organized into subject-specific instructional teams based on laboratory skills, teaching experience, and research expertise. The lead instructors of each subject (the identified 1–2 trainees that built curriculum with high school teachers) were responsible to organize the remaining team members as mentors for specific student groups over the course of the program term (~1:8 mentor to student ratio).

All Discovery instructors were familiarized with program expectations and trained in relevant workspace safety, in addition to engagement at a teaching workshop delivered by the Faculty Advisor (a Teaching Stream faculty member) at the onset of term. This workshop was designed to provide practical information on teaching and was co-developed with high school teachers based on their extensive training and experience in fundamental teaching methods. In addition, group mentors received hands-on training and guidance from lead instructors regarding the specific activities outlined for their respective subject programming (an exemplary term of student programming is available in S 2 Appendix) .

Discovery instructors were responsible for introducing relevant STEM skills and mentoring high school students for the duration of their projects, with support and mentorship from the Faculty Mentor. Each instructor worked exclusively throughout the term with the student groups to which they had been assigned, ensuring consistent mentorship across all disciplinary components of the project. In addition to further supporting university trainees in on-campus mentorship, high school teachers were responsible for academic assessment of all student program deliverables (Fig. 1 ; the standardized grade distribution available in S 3 Appendix ). Importantly, trainees never engaged in deliverable assessment; for continuity of overall course assessment, this remained the responsibility of the relevant teacher for each student cohort.

Throughout each term, students engaged within the university facilities four times. The first three sessions included hands-on lab sessions while the fourth visit included a culminating symposium for students to present their scientific findings (Fig. 1 ). On average, there were 4–5 groups of students per subject (3–4 students per group; ~20 students/class). Discovery instructors worked exclusively with 1–2 groups each term in the capacity of mentor to monitor and guide student progress in all project deliverables.

After introducing the selected global research topic in class, teachers led students in completion of background research essays. Students subsequently engaged in a subject-relevant skill-building protocol during their first visit to university teaching laboratory facilities, allowing opportunity to understand analysis techniques and equipment relevant for their assessment projects. At completion of this session, student groups were presented with a subject-specific research question as well as the relevant laboratory inventory available for use during their projects. Armed with this information, student groups continued to work in their classroom setting to develop group-specific experimental plans. Teachers and Discovery instructors provided written and oral feedback, respectively , allowing students an opportunity to revise their plans in class prior to on-campus experimental execution.

Once at the relevant laboratory environment, student groups executed their protocols in an effort to collect experimental data. Data analysis was performed in the classroom and students learned by trial & error to optimize their protocols before returning to the university lab for a second opportunity of data collection. All methods and data were re-analyzed in class in order for students to create a scientific poster for the purpose of study/experience dissemination. During a final visit to campus, all groups presented their findings at a research symposium, allowing students to verbally defend their process, analyses, interpretations, and design recommendations to a diverse audience including peers, STEM teachers, undergraduate and graduate university students, postdoctoral fellows and U of T faculty.

Data collection

Teachers evaluated their students on the following associated deliverables: (i) global theme background research essay; (ii) experimental plan; (iii) progress report; (iv) final poster content and presentation; and (v) attendance. For research purposes, these grades were examined individually and also as a collective Discovery program grade for each student. For students consenting to participation in the research study, all Discovery grades were anonymized by the classroom teacher before being shared with study authors. Each student was assigned a code by the teacher for direct comparison of deliverable outcomes and survey responses. All instances of “Final course grade” represent the prorated course grade without the Discovery component, to prevent confounding of quantitative analyses.

Survey instruments were used to gain insight into student attitudes and perceptions of STEM and post-secondary study, as well as Discovery program experience and impact (S 4 Appendix ). High school teachers administered surveys in the classroom only to students supported by parental permission. Pre-program surveys were completed at minimum 1 week prior to program initiation each term and exit surveys were completed at maximum 2 weeks post- Discovery term completion. Surveys results were validated using a principal component analysis (S 1 Appendix , Supplementary Fig. 2 ).

Identification and comparison of population subsets

From initial analysis, we identified two student subpopulations of particular interest: students who performed ≥1 SD [18.0%] or greater in the collective Discovery components of the course compared to their final course grade (“EE”), and students who participated in Discovery more than once (“MT”). These groups were compared individually against the rest of the respective Discovery population (“non-EE” and “non-MT”, respectively ). Additionally, MT students who participated in three or four (the maximum observed) terms of Discovery were assessed for longitudinal changes to performance in their course and Discovery grades. Comparisons were made for all Discovery deliverables (introductory essay, client meeting, proposal, progress report, poster, and presentation), final Discovery grade, final course grade, Discovery attendance, and overall attendance.

Statistical analysis

Student course grades were analyzed in all instances without the Discovery contribution (calculated from all deliverable component grades and ranging from 10 to 15% of final course grade depending on class and year) to prevent correlation. Aggregate course grades and Discovery grades were first compared by paired t-test, matching each student’s course grade to their Discovery grade for the term. Student performance in Discovery ( N  = 268 instances of student participation, comprising 170 individual students that participated 1–4 times) was initially assessed in a linear regression of Discovery grade vs. final course grade. Trends in course and Discovery performance over time for students participating 3 or 4 terms ( N  = 16 and 3 individuals, respectively ) were also assessed by linear regression. For subpopulation analysis (EE and MT, N  = 99 instances from 81 individuals and 174 instances from 76 individuals, respectively ), each dataset was tested for normality using the D’Agostino and Pearson omnibus normality test. All subgroup comparisons vs. the remaining population were performed by Mann–Whitney U -test. Data are plotted as individual points with mean ± SEM overlaid (grades), or in histogram bins of 1 and 4 days, respectively , for Discovery and class attendance. Significance was set at α ≤ 0.05.

Reporting summary

Further information on research design is available in the Nature Research Reporting Summary linked to this article.

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author DMK. These data are not publicly available due to privacy concerns of personal data according to the ethical research agreements supporting this study.

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Acknowledgements

This study has been possible due to the support of many University of Toronto trainee volunteers, including Genevieve Conant, Sherif Ramadan, Daniel Smieja, Rami Saab, Andrew Effat, Serena Mandla, Cindy Bui, Janice Wong, Dawn Bannerman, Allison Clement, Shouka Parvin Nejad, Nicolas Ivanov, Jose Cardenas, Huntley Chang, Romario Regeenes, Dr. Henrik Persson, Ali Mojdeh, Nhien Tran-Nguyen, Ileana Co, and Jonathan Rubianto. We further acknowledge the staff and administration of George Harvey Collegiate Institute and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME), as well as Benjamin Rocheleau and Madeleine Rocheleau for contributions to data collation. Discovery has grown with continued support of Dean Christopher Yip (Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, U of T), and the financial support of the IBME and the National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) PromoScience program (PROSC 515876-2017; IBME “Igniting Youth Curiosity in STEM” initiative co-directed by DMK and Dr. Penney Gilbert). LDH and NIC were supported by Vanier Canada graduate scholarships from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and NSERC, respectively . DMK holds a Dean’s Emerging Innovation in Teaching Professorship in the Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, U of T.

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These authors contributed equally: Locke Davenport Huyer, Neal I. Callaghan.

Authors and Affiliations

Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

Locke Davenport Huyer, Neal I. Callaghan, Andrey I. Shukalyuk & Dawn M. Kilkenny

Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

Locke Davenport Huyer

Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

Neal I. Callaghan

George Harvey Collegiate Institute, Toronto District School Board, Toronto, ON, Canada

Sara Dicks, Edward Scherer & Margaret Jou

Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Engineering Education & Practice, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

Dawn M. Kilkenny

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Contributions

LDH, NIC and DMK conceived the program structure, designed the study, and interpreted the data. LDH and NIC ideated programming, coordinated execution, and performed all data analysis. SD, ES, and MJ designed and assessed student deliverables, collected data, and anonymized data for assessment. SD assisted in data interpretation. AIS assisted in programming ideation and design. All authors provided feedback and approved the manuscript that was written by LDH, NIC and DMK.

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Correspondence to Dawn M. Kilkenny .

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Davenport Huyer, L., Callaghan, N.I., Dicks, S. et al. Enhancing senior high school student engagement and academic performance using an inclusive and scalable inquiry-based program. npj Sci. Learn. 5 , 17 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-020-00076-2

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business research topics for senior high school students

business research topics for senior high school students

Perceptions of Senior High School Students about Accountancy, Business and Management

  • Kazelle Jimenez

INTRODUCTION

The Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand includes basic concepts of different kinds of management systems such as financial and business that includes corporate operations. This study aimed to know the perceptions of senior high school students about the ABM strand and understand why they have those perceptions.

Quota-sampling method was used in gathering representative data from a group. Respondents were composed of grade 11 students, one from each strand except ABM. Researchers asked open-ended questions to the respondents through interviews. The interview was divided into two parts: Profiling and Perceptions and was classified as informal.

Students perceived the ABM strand will lead to certain occupations under the accounting and management field. Their ideas about the strand are mainly from other people and just their mere observation. Student's interest and passion are essential in choosing the strand which will lead him to a successful venture.

DISCUSSIONS

This study suggests that students should be meticulous in choosing their strands. Parents are highly suggested to be knowledgeable about this topic to guide their children on what strand to pursue according to their skills, interest, and passion.

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31 Research Opportunities + Internships for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

  • Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students
  • How to Find Research Opportunities in High School
  • How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances?

Research drives innovation across every field of study, from natural sciences to health to history. Pursuing curiosity can impact industries, drive policy, and help us to better understand the world around us. Without curiosity and research, our society would surely stagnate. 

Contrary to popular belief, however, you don’t have to be a seasoned professional to conduct meaningful research. There are plenty of opportunities for high school students to get a head start on their future careers and contribute to substantial change. Keep reading to learn about 30 great opportunities for students looking for early chances to conduct research! 

Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students 

1. memorial sloan kettering human oncology and pathogenesis program.

Application Deadline: February 9

Location: New York, NY

Duration: Eight weeks (June 27 – August 22)

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) is one of the most well-known cancer centers in the world. The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at MSK hosts a Summer Student Program for students to conduct independent research projects while participating in extracurricular activities, training, and other opportunities.  

During the eight-week program, participants work with a mentor who will act as a supervisor to help them develop their research skills. Additionally, students have the opportunity to complete an independent research project that aligns with their mentor’s work. All participants will present their projects at a poster session at the end of the summer.

To participate, you must have completed at least 9th grade by June 2024, be at least 14 years old by June 27, have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects, and submit two letters of recommendation. This is a paid opportunity—participants will receive a stipend. 

2. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 5 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 8) 

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program allows high school students to conduct real, innovative research over seven weeks through the renowned Rockefeller University, under the guidance of leading scientists. 

SSRP scholars will be able to design and conduct their own research project as part of a themed research track, which is modeled after a Rockefeller research topic and/or technique, with the help of scientist mentors from the Rockefeller community. Most of the research will be conducted in the RockEDU Laboratory—a 3,000-square-foot research space specifically dedicated to developing biomedical research skills.

Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program to participate.  

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline : Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Location:  Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.

This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,800 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.

Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application here .

4. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Application Deadline: December 13 

Location: Cambridge, MA

Duration: Five weeks (June 23 – August 3) 

The prestigious RSI, which takes place at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) annually, brings together 100 of the world’s top high school students. The free program blends on-campus coursework with off-campus science and technology research. 

Participants complete individual research projects while receiving mentorship from experienced scientists and researchers, and present their findings through oral and written reports in a conference-style setting at the end of the program. 

5. NYU Tandon – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Application Deadline: March 6

Duration: 10  weeks (June 3 – August 9)

Open to New York City high school students who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2024, the ARISE program provides access to college-level workshops and lab research across fields like bio, molecular, and chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI.

Over the course of 10 weeks—four virtual and six in person—participants will receive guidance from graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. 

6. Simons Summer Research Program

Application Deadline: February 7

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Duration: Five weeks (July 1 – August 9) 

During Stony Brook ’s Simons Summer Research Program, high school students conduct hands-on research in areas like science, math, and engineering while working with faculty mentors. Simons Fellows have the opportunity to join real research teams and learn about laboratory equipment and techniques. They also attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours, and events. 

At the closing poster symposium, students will receive a stipend for their participation. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and currently be in your junior year. 

7. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program

Application Deadline: N/A

Location: Greater Seattle area

Duration: 8-10 weeks 

SPARK is a summer mentorship program that pairs high-achieving and highly motivated high schoolers with industry experts, university professors, and mentors to conduct research on customers and financial markets. The program is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.  

8. MDI Biological Laboratory – Biomedical Bootcamp 2024

Application Deadline: March 18 

Location: Bar Harbor, ME

Duration: One week (July 15 – 19) 

In this bootcamp, students will receive a hands-on introduction to biomedical research at MDI Biological Laboratory. Participants will learn essential scientific skills such as experimental design and hypothesis testing, cutting-edge laboratory techniques, data analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific communication. 

During the program, scientists and bioentrepreneurs at the lab will help participants explore scientific ethics at large, as well as career paths in biomedicine, research, and entrepreneurship in Maine and beyond.

Participants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and must be entering their junior or senior year in September 2024, or graduating in June 2024. 

9. Boston University – Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship  

Application Deadline: February 14  

Location: Boston, MA

Duration: Six weeks (June 30 – August 9)  

RISE is a six-week program for rising seniors with an interest in pursuing a major and/or career in STEM. There are a multitude of tracks available, in areas such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, and neuroscience. In each track, students conduct research under the mentorship of Boston University faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students. They will also attend weekly workshops with their peers. 

10. The Wistar Institute – High School Program in Biomedical Research

Application Deadline: March 31 

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Duration: Four weeks (July 15 – August 8) 

A leading biomedical research organization, The Wistar Institute is an ideal setting for students to learn research skills. Participants will complete their own research project while being trained in a principal investigator’s laboratory. They’ll also attend seminars, receive mentorship, and deliver a final presentation about their work.

Students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated. Students will receive a stipend of $1,000 upon completion of the program, to compensate for commuting costs or other personal expenses accrued during the program. 

11. California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Location: San Francisco, CA

Duration: Multi-year, year-round participation (after school and on weekends)

This long term program gives San Francisco students from communities that are underrepresented in STEM the opportunity to learn about the world of science and sustainability. Students receive mentorship, develop career skills, and more—all while getting paid for their work. Students also attend workshops and conferences throughout the course of the program. 

12. NASA OSTEM Internship

Application Deadline: February 2

Location: Varies

Duration: Varies

NASA offers a variety of internships for high school students across its numerous campuses. Interns gain real-world work experience by working side by side with research scientists and engineers, which will strengthen their resume and help prepare them for their eventual careers. All participants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school full time.

13. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program

Application Deadline: April 7

Duration: July 9 – August 15

Not all research is conducted in STEM subjects! Developed for students interested in history, the New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program gives participants the opportunity to conduct research on a history topic—2024’s theme is Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America . During the program, participants will work with historian mentors, visit history archives around New York City, lead gallery tours, and develop their historical thinking, communication, and digital media skills.

Applicants must be entering grades 10, 11, or 12, and live in the New York City metro area. This opportunity is unpaid for most participants, but some interns with demonstrated financial need can potentially receive a stipend.

14. Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship  

Application Deadline: March 1

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Six weeks (July 8 – August 14)

During this summer internship program, students will learn about the Adler Planetarium and the career opportunities within it and planetariums and museums in general, in areas ranging from Visitor Experience and Learning to Research. Students will also get the chance to see how research gets translated into a museum experience. 

15. Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia University (BRAINYAC)

Application Deadline: TBA for 2025 program

Duration: Eight weeks  

BRAINYAC participants receive the rare opportunity to work on research in a lab at Columbia University , one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, as high school students, which results in a stronger, more comprehensive understanding of how scientific discovery happens. They connect with real scientists, acquire essential research and laboratory skills, and learn about advances in neuroscience research. 

In order to apply, you must be in 10th or 11th grade and must be nominated by one of the program’s partners—S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, or BioBus.  

16. Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Rolling admission 

Location: Brookfield, IL

Duration: N/A

Interactive workshops, fun activities, research, and community-based projects are at the core of this exciting internship. It’s an excellent opportunity for students who love animals and also want to gain research skills in the domains of zoology, environmental science, and conservation. 

As a King Scholar, you’ll learn about different topics through Foundation Courses, such as Diversity Awareness and Introduction to Conservation, all while networking with others and preparing for college and an eventual career in a related field. After one year of participation, you’ll be invited to apply for scholarships and paid positions at the zoo. 

17. The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History  

Application Deadline: March 8

Duration: One year (August to June) 

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in New York City. Its Science Research Mentoring Program is an amazing opportunity for NYC high school students to conduct a yearlong research project with Museum scientists. 

Students in SRMP get paid to learn how scientific research is conducted. Depending on their topic of study, students can learn a variety of different research skills, like working with DNA in the lab, analyzing data from space-based telescopes, reading scientific articles, and learning to code and analyze data in Python, R, and other programming languages. 

18. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Application Deadline:   February 15

Location: Lubbock, TX

Duration: Seven weeks (June 16 – August 1) 

Through the Anson L. Clark Scholar Program, an intensive seven-week summer research program for twelve highly qualified high school juniors and seniors, students will gain hands-on experience with practical research alongside experienced and knowledgeable faculty at Texas Tech University .

Students can choose to participate in research in one field from a broad variety of options, including cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, history, and more! 

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes short essays, high school transcripts, test scores (at least a PSAT if no others are available), three recommendations (at least two from teachers), and a list of the student’s top five activities.

19. UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program  

Application Deadline: January 16 

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 2)

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program is an immersive eight-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago . During the program, high school and undergraduate students are paired with a data science mentor, whose expertise could be in computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, biomedical research, or another related field.

Participants will hone their research methodology, research practice, and teamwork skills. No prior research experience is required to apply. All participants will receive access to applied data science research, which they will use to craft a research project. The project findings will be presented in a video that will be shown at an end-of-summer symposium.

20. UT Austin College of Natural Sciences High School Research Academy

Application Deadline: March 24

Location: Austin, TX

Duration: Five weeks (June 10 – July 17) 

Through UT Austin ’s HSRA, high school students participate in interdisciplinary research projects being conducted by active College of Natural Sciences laboratories in fields such as biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more. 

There is a scholarship fund for underserved groups, so some stipends and free tuition scholarships may be available to students with demonstrated financial need. 

21. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience – Summer Research Internship

Location: Jupiter, FL

Duration: Six weeks (June 17 – July 26) 

The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers rising juniors and seniors an immersive laboratory experience where they can learn from seasoned researchers. The program is designed specifically for students with an interest in brain structure, function and development, and the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience. 

Program participants will participate in research projects alongside MPFI scientists, prepare a written scientific abstract based on their research project, and deliver a short presentation at the end of the summer. Research tracks include neuroscience, scientific computer programming, and mechanical engineering as it relates to neuroscience.

Applicants must be entering their junior or senior years in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school, be residents of one of those two counties, and be at least 16 by the beginning of the internship. Interns will be paid at a rate of $12.50 per hour.

22. Lincoln Park Zoo Malott Family Zoo Intern Program

Application Deadline: March 11 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 9) 

During this paid seven-week program, high school students learn how to educate others about animal and conservation sciences while crafting digital messages to engage audiences. The program culminates in a final project. Throughout the internship, students meet with researchers and the Animal Care staff to explore careers in the animal science and conservation fields. 

Applicants must be Chicago residents between the ages of 15-18, and must be entering grades 10-12 or their freshman year of college by the start of the internship.

23. The Scripps Research High School Internship Program  

Application Deadline: April 19

Location: La Jolla, CA

Duration: Seven weeks  

The Scripps Research Institute’s La Jolla, California headquarters is proud to offer a seven-week hands-on research experience for San Diego County high schoolers. The program is specially designed to expose students to careers in the biological and chemical sciences, to provide hands-on laboratory experience, and to motivate and prepare students for continuing education in STEM. 

Because Scripps is committed to increasing the number of students from underrepresented communities in STEM college programs, a special emphasis is placed on identifying and recruiting students who are from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences. All students will receive a $4,760 stipend.

24. QuarkNet Summer Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 31

Location: DuPage County, IL

Duration: Seven weeks (June 17 – August 2) 

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong interest in STEM have a unique opportunity to work with scientists on research projects during this paid seven-week program at the prestigious Fermilab, located just outside of Chicago near Batavia, IL.

Interns are encouraged to indicate areas in which they have a particular interest, although research projects vary yearly based on the work ongoing at the lab. Broadly speaking, Fermilab’s focus is on particle physics.

Required application materials include a questionnaire, a letter of recommendation, and an essay. To apply, students must have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and must provide evidence of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Participants will be paid at a rate of $17.20 per hour.

25. RISE Environmentor Internship

Location: Far Rockaway, NY

Duration: Six weeks (July 1 – August 15)

The Environmentor Internship offers a great opportunity for 9th through 11th graders who live or attend school near the Rockaway Peninsula to gain firsthand research experience. Participants are mentored by scientists from local universities and research institutions as they work on projects focused on the Rockaway shoreline. Past research topics have included sea turtle strandings, octopus behavior, mussel denitrification, and dolphin fin morphology.

Students will also take part in water safety courses, receive CPR training, and explore on-water activities like kayaking and surfing. Students receive up to a $1,200 stipend, as well as community service hours for their participation in the program.

26. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Application Deadline: February 24

Location: Stanford, CA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 1)

Students in this summer program are given the chance to perform research on a medically oriented project and work side by side with Stanford University students, researchers, and faculty. Students can choose from eight areas of research, including topics like immunology, cancer biology, and bioinformatics, which are all designed to increase their interest in the biological sciences and provide a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted.

The program is open to current high school juniors and seniors. Students will receive a minimum $500 stipend for their participation in the program.

27. Secondary Student Training Program

Application Deadline: February 16

Location: Iowa City, IA

Duration: June 19 – July 26

High schoolers in grades 10 and 11 can take part in an immersive research experience, which will allow them to explore their interests, enhance their academic skills, and build relationships with their peers during this research-focused summer program.

Participants can choose from a multitude of research areas, ranging from biology to industrial and systems engineering to religious studies. The program culminates with students creating and presenting a poster of their findings. All participants will live on the University of Iowa ‘s campus for the duration of the program, and have access to all of the university’s libraries, study areas, and computer facilities.

Although this program is quite expensive, with a fee of $7,500, financial aid is available to cover up to 95% of the cost.

28. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program

Location: Urbana, IL

Duration: Six weeks (June 20 – August 2)

This program, offered by the prestigious Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) , allows students to gain hands-on research experience in fields such as cancer immunology, AI, physics, quantum mechanics, and electrical engineering. They will also build valuable general life skills by participating in seminars on topics ranging from the college admission process to how to communicate scientifically.

The program is open to rising 10th through 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

29. Summer Science Program (SSP)

Duration: Varies depending on location and field of focus

Students in the SSP get the chance to work in small teams on a real research project and gain firsthand experience taking and analyzing data. Research opportunities are offered in three fields—astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics—and are held at a variety of institutions, including University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Georgetown University , Purdue University , and New Mexico State University .

The program is open to high school juniors, although a small number of exceptional sophomores have attended the program. You must be between 15-19 to participate, and have completed prerequisite coursework, which varies by field. Financial aid is available for this program.

30. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

Application Deadline: January 29

Location: Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, CT

Duration: 10 weeks (June 1 – August 10)

Students immerse themselves in genetics and genomics research while learning about laboratory discovery and scientific communication, as well as building professional skills. Over the course of the 10-week program, students work with a mentor to develop a research project, implement their plan, analyze their data, and report their results.

This prestigious program is competitive. Just 40 students are selected to participate annually. Participants receive a $6,500 stipend and have their room, board, and travel expenses covered.

31. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

Application Deadline: March 31

Location: Seattle, WA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 24 – August 16) 

This full-time, paid internship opportunity offers students a chance to immerse themselves in activities at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, one of the top cancer research centers in the world. The program begins with two weeks of laboratory training and is followed by six weeks of mentored activities, research seminars, workshops focused on college and careers, and social activities.

The program is open to high schoolers entering their senior year with a strong interest in science and high academic achievement, and is specifically aimed at students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. Interns receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.

How to Find Research Opportunities in High School 

Define your area of interest .

Before you start looking for opportunities, narrow your area of interest a bit, whether it’s cancer, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or something else entirely. Also bear in mind that while there may be more STEM opportunities available for high school students, research isn’t limited to these fields—research is also a key component of the social sciences, humanities, and other non-STEM fields. 

While you should be somewhat specific about what you’re hoping to research, don’t narrow your scope so much that it’s impossible to find a valuable opportunity, especially since opportunities for high schoolers in general are more limited than they are for students who have completed at least some college.

Talk to People in Your Immediate Circle 

Teachers, neighbors, your family, parents of friends, friends of your parents—any of these people could know about a research opportunity for you, or at least know someone else who does. Throughout your life, you will find that networking is often the key to finding career opportunities. 

Leveraging your network can help you uncover unique opportunities crowdsourced by the people who know you best—the best opportunities aren’t always hosted by large universities or programs. 

Reach Out to Local Institutions and Laboratories 

In addition to networking with your immediate circle, reach out to local facilities, such as labs, hospitals, clinics, and universities that conduct research. Even if opportunities aren’t publicized, these institutions and laboratories may be willing to make room for you. Remember: when pitching your idea, don’t make it too niche—this will make it more difficult to find a fit and market your skills to labs. 

Cast a Wide Net 

Research opportunities are hard to secure, especially when you’re a young student, so you need to be persistent. You may need to write a hundred emails, but if you put in the effort and cast a wide net, you’ll vastly improve your chances of landing a great opportunity. 

Try not to be too picky, either. Of course, you shouldn’t just accept any offer , especially if it doesn’t appeal to you. But even if the opportunity doesn’t align perfectly with your skills and interests, it can still be a great chance to gain experience and make you a better candidate for future experiences.

How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances? 

How much participating in research enhances your college admissions profile depends on many factors, including the scope of the project, the prestige of the program or institution, your individual role and performance, the institution’s connections to or sponsorships by certain colleges, and even how much weight a college places on extracurricular activities in general. 

Generally speaking, there are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges think about when reviewing applicants’ activities. Selective, competitive, and prestigious activities are often found in the top tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 includes things such as being a highly recruited basketball player or an award-winning national science fair competitor. 

Tier 2 is similar, but is usually reserved for activities that are less exceptional than those in Tier 1. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurricular achievements, such as holding school leadership positions or being a member of a debate team.

Research usually falls into Tier 2, and some particularly prestigious opportunities could even be Tier 1. That’s because it’s somewhat unusual for high school students to conduct research in professional and collegiate settings, so it’s more likely to impress colleges than other kinds of extracurricular activities.

Do you want to find out the impact research and other extracurricular activities might have on your chances of admission to top colleges and universities? Try using CollegeVine’s free chancing calculator ! 

Our tool evaluates your admissions profile, by accounting for factors like your grades,standardized test scores, and extracurriculars (including research!) to show you how you stack up against other applicants and how likely you are to get into hundreds of different colleges and universities. You’ll also receive tips on how to improve your profile and your odds—all for free.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

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Pursuing STEM Careers: Perspectives of Senior High School Students

Profile image of Clarisse Yimyr De Guzman

2020, Participatory Educational Research

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Jurnal Penelitian dan Pembelajaran IPA

Clarisse Yimyr De Guzman

STEM education faces monumental challenges which are aggravated by the Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 and the current COVID-19 global contagion. These challenges also affect how students learn in the STEM discipline in the senior high school. This qualitative study employed a case research design which sought to investigate nature of the challenges in STEM learning among senior high school students in the Philippines. Semi-structured interview guide was used in gathering the qualitative data from the 20 STEM learners in a government-run secondary school in Zambales, Philippines. Findings showed that the students encountered challenges in the STEM program. Ten themes emerged based on the students&#39; responses. These challenges encountered by the students revolved around three categories - course-related challenges, individual challenges and socio-cultural challenges. The study recommends that schools offering STEM academic strands may reframe and rethink their processes, practices ...

business research topics for senior high school students

Rosette Mallare

Journal of Science Learning

Danilo V . Rogayan Jr.

Choosing a career path is difficult for students, especially in their transition from senior high school to college. Students struggle to select the most viable program that suits their interests, skills, and passion. Hence, most students end up shifting among courses and, at worst, dropping out of their program. This qualitative study explores the reasons prospective teachers specialize in General Science in a teacher education program. The data were gathered through interviews and were treated through thematic analysis. Eight themes emerged including (1) alignment to chosen senior high school strand; (2) personal choice and interest; (3) passion for science; (4) personal knowledge and skills; (5) inspiration by teachers; (6) encouragement from family; (7) challenge to oneself; and (8) non-availability of a preferred course. The study has established important implications for admission policies in terms of the selection process for students enrolling in the General Science program. Higher education institutions (HEIs) should support the continuous improvement of the science education curriculum, campus and physical facilities, and student services, which are at the heart of education in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world.

Malaga Xerxes

The Philippines recently adopted the K to 12 program in basic education. Under this program, students can choose their track and strand relative to their interests or career choices when they reach senior high school. However, issues surfaced when the K to 12 graduates were admitted to the college courses not aligned with the strand they have completed. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the difference in the academic self-regulated learning and performance of the STEM (Science and Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and non-STEM graduates in senior high school among freshmen nursing students in a city-subsidized college in the Philippines. The Academic Self-Regulation Learning Scale and grades of students in the first semester were used and analyzed in this study. Results showed that there was a significant difference in the academic self- regulated learning (p=0.045) and academic performance (p=0.000) of freshmen nursing students when grouped according to ...

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The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between career intention to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and attitudes, social influence (SI), and career self-efficacy (CSE) in STEM SHS students from a private educational institution in Manila, Philippines. The online survey drew a total of 103 purposively selected SHS students. The findings indicate that respondents have a strong intention to pursue a career in medicine, a favorable attitude toward MD careers, a moderate to a high SI, and a high CSE. The Spearman Rho Correlation revealed that their attitude, career self-efficacy, and social influence were all statistically significant factors of their intention to pursue a career in medicine. A positive attitude, combined with a high level of career self-efficacy and supportive family, teachers, and peers, all contribute to a student&#39;s decision to pursue a career in medicine.

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Choosing a senior high school career or tracks to pursue is one of the most challenging decisions any junior high school student may undertake. As a response, the objectives of this research were to investigate junior high school student's career preferences for senior high school studies, as well as the determinants that may influence their career selection. Using a stratified random sample technique, a total of one hundred sixty-six students were chosen at random. To quantify the influence of the indicated career selection determinants on students' career preferences, the researchers used a descriptive and predictive correlational research design. The required data was gathered using a standardized survey questionnaire. Personality, parents, job opportunities, and interest were found to be statistically significant in influencing and predicting students' career preferences, out of the five career selection determinants. In the model, only the peer component (LRT p-value = 0.110) was shown to be statistically insignificant. Among the career selection determinants, the variable interest was found to have the strongest influence on students' course preferences. It can be inferred that diverse career selection factors have statistically significant effects on students' senior high school career choices. Since students' preparation in senior high school is crucial to their subsequent studies in tertiary education, or employment after senior high school, the study gives vital inputs for students, parents, and school officials on how to lead and develop their career plans. A similar study may well be conducted using additional course selection characteristics discussed in the study, or this study could be conducted in a different location to corroborate or refute the findings.

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Several studies have reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected nurses’ and educators’ physical and psychological well-being. Hence, this study aimed to describe the experiences of part-time nursing clinical instructors, including the challenges they experienced with their situation. Five part-time nursing clinical instructors were interviewed virtually through the usage of Zoom online conference. The informants in this study were part-time nursing clinical instructors. Due to the pandemic, the researchers had a small number of informants and it only covered the area of Tarlac City. Semi-structured guide questions were used as an effective tool in gathering data from the informants, aided with cloud recording. The transcribed information was then systematically analyzed. Thematic analysis was used to form themes and patterns, and the categories that emerged were examined. Results revealed that the informants have such motivations in pursuing their careers. A significant response from their shared experiences was the dilemmas they encountered in which they formed strategies to adopt the new normal set-up in both medical and educational institutions. The findings conveyed that the new educational system also provides advantages to clinical instructors. The study presents recommendations for the government, educational and medical institutions to provide an improved support system for them.

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Despite reforms, policies, and initiatives implemented worldwide to increase STEM students' interest, attrition is a problem that beset Science education and STEM-related workforce. In the Philippines, the first K to 12 Senior High School (SHS) entrants in 2016-2017 who enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and graduated in April 2018 did not all continue to STEM-related courses in college. Henceforth, this qualitative study used a phenomenological approach purported to describe and give meaning to the lived experiences of the first K to 12 STEM graduates who opted for non-STEM field courses in college. The study employed a purposive selection of the 10 K to 12 STEM graduates for an in-depth interview. A model labeled Follow Through model describes the participants' narration of their experiences from the STEM strand to non-STEM field course. The model conceptualized under three emergent themes Going in (why the students chose STEM track/strand), Going out (coping mechanisms and reasons for leaving STEM), and Going On (students' life after leaving STEM). The study results showed that socioeconomic factors, personal goals, and interactions with people around them impact the K to 12 students' beliefs, behaviors, and experiences in choosing STEM. All-encompassing curriculum implementation policies must be clear and appropriately implemented to avoid wasting money, time, and effort.

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https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/08/20/gcse-results-day-2024-number-grading-system/

GCSE results day 2024: Everything you need to know including the number grading system

business research topics for senior high school students

Thousands of students across the country will soon be finding out their GCSE results and thinking about the next steps in their education.   

Here we explain everything you need to know about the big day, from when results day is, to the current 9-1 grading scale, to what your options are if your results aren’t what you’re expecting.  

When is GCSE results day 2024?  

GCSE results day will be taking place on Thursday the 22 August.     

The results will be made available to schools on Wednesday and available to pick up from your school by 8am on Thursday morning.  

Schools will issue their own instructions on how and when to collect your results.   

When did we change to a number grading scale?  

The shift to the numerical grading system was introduced in England in 2017 firstly in English language, English literature, and maths.  

By 2020 all subjects were shifted to number grades. This means anyone with GCSE results from 2017-2020 will have a combination of both letters and numbers.  

The numerical grading system was to signal more challenging GCSEs and to better differentiate between students’ abilities - particularly at higher grades between the A *-C grades. There only used to be 4 grades between A* and C, now with the numerical grading scale there are 6.  

What do the number grades mean?  

The grades are ranked from 1, the lowest, to 9, the highest.  

The grades don’t exactly translate, but the two grading scales meet at three points as illustrated below.  

The image is a comparison chart from the UK Department for Education, showing the new GCSE grades (9 to 1) alongside the old grades (A* to G). Grade 9 aligns with A*, grades 8 and 7 with A, and so on, down to U, which remains unchanged. The "Results 2024" logo is in the bottom-right corner, with colourful stripes at the top and bottom.

The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A, while the bottom of grade 4 is aligned to the bottom of grade C.    

Meanwhile, the bottom of grade 1 is aligned to the bottom of grade G.  

What to do if your results weren’t what you were expecting?  

If your results weren’t what you were expecting, firstly don’t panic. You have options.  

First things first, speak to your school or college – they could be flexible on entry requirements if you’ve just missed your grades.   

They’ll also be able to give you the best tailored advice on whether re-sitting while studying for your next qualifications is a possibility.   

If you’re really unhappy with your results you can enter to resit all GCSE subjects in summer 2025. You can also take autumn exams in GCSE English language and maths.  

Speak to your sixth form or college to decide when it’s the best time for you to resit a GCSE exam.  

Look for other courses with different grade requirements     

Entry requirements vary depending on the college and course. Ask your school for advice, and call your college or another one in your area to see if there’s a space on a course you’re interested in.    

Consider an apprenticeship    

Apprenticeships combine a practical training job with study too. They’re open to you if you’re 16 or over, living in England, and not in full time education.  

As an apprentice you’ll be a paid employee, have the opportunity to work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific skills, and get time set aside for training and study related to your role.   

You can find out more about how to apply here .  

Talk to a National Careers Service (NCS) adviser    

The National Career Service is a free resource that can help you with your career planning. Give them a call to discuss potential routes into higher education, further education, or the workplace.   

Whatever your results, if you want to find out more about all your education and training options, as well as get practical advice about your exam results, visit the  National Careers Service page  and Skills for Careers to explore your study and work choices.   

You may also be interested in:

  • Results day 2024: What's next after picking up your A level, T level and VTQ results?
  • When is results day 2024? GCSEs, A levels, T Levels and VTQs

Tags: GCSE grade equivalent , gcse number grades , GCSE results , gcse results day 2024 , gsce grades old and new , new gcse grades

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