Abstract
Although higher education aims to provide holistic learning and career preparation, there is growing skepticism about its value, with segments of the public scrutinizing concerns about tuition, student loan debt, and job prospects. Between 2015 and 2020, Florida Gulf Coast University implemented a quality enhancement plan (FGCUScholars) that worked to integrate undergraduate research throughout the curriculum to enhance career-ready transferable skills in response to institutional assessments and employer feedback. Results from annual assessments indicated that research participants demonstrated higher skill levels relative to students who completed alternative capstones. Furthermore, continual exposure to research skills throughout the four-year curriculum and emphasis on information literacy led to higher skill levels. This study highlights some positive impacts of undergraduate research on transferable skills, emphasizing their relevance across disciplines.
