Honors Thesis Pathways
An honors thesis pathway is a structured thesis experience for those who prefer a little more support and guidance through the thesis process. There are a few variations:
- You might join a cohort of students, all working on their own individual thesis projects with the same director. These groups will meet regularly to learn how to complete a thesis and support one another through the successes and challenges.
- Similarly, you might join a cohort of students who are all working on thesis projects on a particular theme (e.g., Science and Society; Screenwriting; Environmental Justice). There is one professor acting as director to all projects, and the group meets regularly to check in on each person’s progress.
- Another version provides the opportunity to turn select honors seminar courses (HON 394) into your thesis with approval from the professor teaching the course. In this case you would take a special topics class one semester and then complete HON 493 with that professor on a topic related to the course. Students enrolled in an HON course in the fall who are confirmed for the thesis option by the faculty member can expect to defend and submit their thesis in the spring.
- Students who have successfully completed The Human Event or History of Ideas may participate in a HON thesis pathway, regardless of the topic.
To get started, look for HON 394 and HON 492 options. It is important to be proactive in engaging the professor about the thesis opportunity and understanding the thesis expectations for enrollment.