Why undertake an Honors Thesis?

The honors thesis presents both a great challenge and a great opportunity. The preparation for such a thesis, including both research and writing, can help focus your interests, provide perspective on your major, integrate your study, develop scholarly skills, and encourage creativity and independent effort.

The choice of topic, thesis supervisor and second reader is up to you. Your subject should be one you are passionate about, but one that can be treated within the time allowed. Admissions committees in many of the best graduate and professional schools often consider students especially well qualified who have already participated successfully in the original research represented by an honors thesis. The thesis application form must be approved by the director of the honors program.

During your thesis semester you need to enroll in:

HON 4390B, Honors Thesis

To enroll in HON 4390B, you must first have a completed thesis application and met with the University Honors Program director. 

It will be your responsibility to apprise your thesis supervisor and your second reader (if you have one) of your work and progress. Normally thesis students meet with thesis supervisors weekly. Be sure to keep your second reader (if you have one) apprised of your work. All drafts should be given to both your supervisor and second reader. Midway through the semester, you will turn in a rough draft to both the thesis supervisor and the director of the University Honors Program. Should a report indicate that your work is unsatisfactory, you will be asked to drop the course.

Thesis students are required to present at the University Honors Thesis Forum held at the end of each semester. 

What is the role of a thesis advisor?

Your advisor will meet with you consistently to discuss the scope and focus of the work the two of you agree upon.

Your advisor will suggest conference sites or journals where you can send your thesis research for possible publication or presentation.

After your advisor has received the final draft of your thesis and has signed it indicating approval of work, the advisor will report the grade you have earned for work.

Format for the Honors Thesis

Use the documentation format, as well as paper type, margins, and table of contents format followed in completing a master's thesis or its equivalent that is used in the academic department of your thesis supervisor. Follow the format of the sample approval page and title page found on the forms page on our Web site. Completed theses are stored in the University Honors Program office; feel free to stop by to look over a completed thesis.

Turning in the Completed Thesis

Turn in two copies of the signed, final version of your honors thesis to the University Honors Program office. Your supervisor and (optional) second reader should sign the approval page of the two copies of the completed thesis.

After the University Honors Program director reviews your thesis and signs the approval page, you will be contacted to take the signed thesis copies to the circulation desk in Alkek Library. The University Honors Program will pay for the binding of the two copies required by the program. You are responsible for the costs of binding any extra copies. You are also responsible for the costs of the paper for all copies and the cost of the printing of all copies. Extra bound copies may be purchased through the library for $9 each.

The binding process takes about six weeks. Theses will be bound in dark green binding with gold lettering. After binding, one copy of your thesis will be filed in the University Honors Program and one copy will remain in the special collections area of Alkek Library. You will be contacted to pick up additional copies or the copies will be mailed to you based on prior arrangements with the binding personnel.

The Thesis Grade

Your grade for Honors 4390B will be awarded by the thesis supervisor, who needs to send your grade in writing via campus mail or e-mail to the director or associate director. The University Honors Program director is the teacher of record for Honors 4390B. Your grade will be sent to the Registrar by our office after receiving both the grade from your thesis supervisor and the two copies of your honors thesis, signed by your thesis supervisor.