The undergraduate Honors thesis is designed to serve as the capstone work to an undergraduate degree and are one means by which students can demonstrate their readiness to join a graduate program. Through the mentorship of a faculty committee, an undergraduate student will complete a research or creative project and is designed to add to the body of knowledge in their given major or minor. Keep in mind that theses can take a variety of forms – from conducting laboratory research or building an engineering project to arranging a portfolio of original music or writing a novel.
Yes, you can!
The idea of working on an Honors thesis can seem overwhelming to many students. You, however, have resources and support systems which include: faculty, academic counselors, and sometimes money to see your thesis project through to completion. Most importantly, you have your undergraduate career to build upon – the skills you’ve developed, the theoretical and applied lessons learned, and the relationships you have built. You are your greatest asset!
Do I have to enroll in a class?
While enrolling in the HON 4993 course to write a thesis proposal or complete research and writing of a thesis is the most common approach (and recommended), students may elect to work on a thesis project without enrolling in a thesis course. While satisfying the hours require for your degree should remain your first priority, completing the thesis stands alone as a benefit itself. Should you find yourself concerned about going beyond the 150 credit-hour ceiling, you may elect to conduct a thesis project without enrolling in the course. Keep in mind that, unlike traditional classes, you will meet with your thesis committee at times and for durations of your choosing. Should you choose to do a departmental rather than an Honors thesis (e.g., BIO 4993 v. HON 4993), be sure to let your Counselor know so we can ensure you receive credit – the sooner the better!
Honors College Thesis Handbook
The Honors Thesis Handbook was developed to encourage students to write an Honors thesis that extends students’ work in a specific research project or creative endeavor. This handbook is designed to provide you with helpful information and pointers that will simplify – and de-mystify – the process of writing an Honors thesis. The answer to virtually every question ever asked about an Honors thesis can be found in the Honors Handbook (linked above). You should read this information carefully before you begin the process of developing an idea for your Honors thesis.
Recommended Thesis Proposal and Completion Dates
| Two Semester Thesis | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Proposal | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Thesis Proposal/Thesis Registration Form | Before the second week of the semester | ||
| Submit Complete Draft to Thesis Advisor | Nov 1 | Apr 1 | July 5 |
| Submit Complete Draft to Readers | Nov 15 | Apr 15 | July 20 |
| OUR Conference (Spring) | In April, see Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry Showcase | ||
| Proposal Submitted with Signed Thesis Proposal Approval Form | 5pm Last Day of Finals | ||
| Thesis | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Thesis Proposal/Thesis Registration Form | Before the second week of the semester | ||
| Submit Complete Draft to Thesis Advisor | Nov 1 | Apr 1 | July 5 |
| Submit Complete Draft to Readers | Nov 15 | Apr 15 | July 20 |
| OUR Conference (Spring) | In April, see Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry Showcase | ||
| Thesis Submitted with Signed Signature Page *,** | |||
| Single Semester Thesis | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Thesis Proposal/Thesis Registration Form | Before the second week of the semester | ||
| Submit Complete Draft to Thesis Advisor | Nov 1 | Apr 1 | July 5 |
| Submit Complete Draft to Readers | Nov 15 | Apr 15 | July 20 |
| Video (Fall): Script & Video Aesthetic Plan | Nov 1 | ||
| Video (Fall): Send as Link to OIT Library | 5pm Last Day of Finals | ||
| OUR Conference (Spring) | In April, see Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry Showcase | ||
| Thesis Submitted with Signed Signature Page *,** | 5pm Last Day of Finals | ||
| NO 4993 Course Thesis | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Thesis Proposal/Thesis Registration Form (for records, will not enroll) | After finding advisor | After finding advisor | After finding advisor |
| Submit Complete Draft to Thesis Advisor | Nov 1 | Apr 1 | July 5 |
| Submit Complete Draft to Thesis Advisor | Nov 1 | Apr 1 | July 5 |
| Submit Complete Draft to Readers | Nov 15 | Apr 15 | July 20 |
| OUR Conference (Spring) | In April, see Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry Showcase | ||
| Final Thesis Submitted with Completed Signature Page * | 5pm Last Day of Finals | ||
| Legend |
|---|
| * - The Signature |
| ** - In case of faculty absence, advisor/reader may submit email approval to the Honors Academic Counselor responsible for thesis. |
Opportunities within the Honors College
The Honors College offers students the opportunity to participate in a number of different programs to further expand knowledge, especially in the realms of professional development, leadership development, and public service. Special programs are fully integrated into the Honors College curriculum, making credit transfer simple and ensuring that students are working toward Honors requirements.
