During the spring semester, students work actively on their research projects, learn more about regional science, prepare their draft and final reports, and often present their research at a conference. Faculty mentors also help students prepare their manuscripts for possible journal publication. Students learn general research skills, including writing well and acquiring and using data, while they learn about the research process and the variety and range of regional research. Students learn the core theories and methods of regional science. Topics include regional growth and decline, industrial location, migration, labor markets, and several methods of quantitative regional analysis.
Students conduct research with their faculty mentors.
Typically, they join an on-going research project. They serve initially as research assistants, working toward the point when student and mentor can define an independent research role for the student. The final product is a scholarly research paper written by the student. In addition, participants choose other courses consistent with their plan of study and career objectives. In some cases financial aid can be transferred from the students' home institutions.