Research and Training Expectations
Graduate research at Oklahoma State University is conducted within a framework of ethical standards, federal regulations, and university policies. Students, faculty, and staff engaged in research are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and compliance.
This page provides an overview of required research training and regulatory approvals that may apply to thesis, dissertation, formal report, or creative component projects. Students should consult their advisor and graduate program early in the research planning process to ensure that all training and approval requirements are met before beginning research activities.
Responsible Conduct of Research
All graduate students must complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training requirements before the submission of a Plan of Study. Students should consult their graduate coordinators about what these requirements are in their graduate programs. Graduate programs may impose more stringent requirements. A Plan of Study will not be approved by the dean of the Graduate College until the graduate program has certified RCR completion.
OSU Responsible Conduct of Research Policy
Research Involving Human Participants
If the thesis, dissertation, formal report, or creative component involves human subjects, the research project is subject to federal regulations requiring review by the OSU Institutional Review Board (IRB). Approval to conduct the research must be obtained from the IRB before the research is started.
Failure to obtain IRB approval will result in the University’s rejection of the thesis, dissertation, or formal report. While the Graduate College does not monitor the process resulting in a creative component, this does not relieve the student of responsibility for obtaining IRB approval if human subjects are involved in that creative activity.
This section is meant to be informational only and does not contain a complete description of the IRB review process.
Research Involving Live Vertebrate Animals
If the thesis, dissertation, formal report, or creative component involves the use of research animals, the research project is subject to federal regulations requiring review by the OSU Institutional Animal Use and Care Committee (IACUC). Approval to conduct the research must be obtained from the IACUC before the research is started.
Failure to obtain IACUC approval will result in the University’s rejection of the thesis, dissertation, or formal report. While the Graduate College does not monitor the process resulting in a creative component, this does not relieve the student of responsibility for obtaining IACUC approval if research animals are involved in that creative activity.
This section is meant to be informational only and does not contain a complete description of the IACUC review process.