Many departments offer classes or seminars that give academic credit for undergraduate research. To find out more information, contact your department or division adviser and check the course catalog and webpage for your department. Some of these options may fill your senior exit requirement, which is designed to integrate the knowledge and skills learned throughout the curriculum. This capstone requirement may be a senior thesis, senior seminar, comprehensive examination, or some other integrative experience designed for the major. Choices for satisfying this requirement are specified with the requirements for each major. (excerpted from the UCSC Catalog)
Also see:
The Independent Project Option
Corporate Sponsored Senior Project Program