Honors Thesis: 395

An Honors Thesis is a means by which Honors students can engage in an intensive research project culminating in a comprehensive, written thesis with an oral defense. Students benefit from an independent research project in preparation for graduate-level study or publication. Culminating products reflect the norms of the discipline and are assigned letter grades by the Faculty Supervisor.

Students are expected to develop a unique research agenda under the direction of a Faculty Supervisor. For example, a psychology major might explore cyber-bullying and its effect on self-esteem; a history major might explore a topic utilizing primary resources. Culminating theses should reflect the norms of the discipline, include an oral defense, and are assigned letter grades by the Faculty Supervisor.

Through collaboration with their Faculty Supervisor, students complete the form that details their research agenda as well as expectations for the final assessment. Once the form is submitted, the information is confirmed by the Faculty Supervisor and reviewed by the Honors Program.

Students will be given a "class permission" from the Honors Program in order to register and are responsible for registering for the credit in a timely manner. Students will register for HON 395.xx (based on Department/School) and may choose to register for 1 - 6 hours of credit:

• 1 credit hour; An average of 3 hours per week of work, 45 hours total
• 2 credit hours; An average of 6 hours per week of work, 90 hours total
• 3 credit hours; An average of 9 hours per week of work, 135 hours total
• 4 credit hours; An average of 12 hours per week of work, 180 hours total
• 5 credit hours; An average of 15 hours per week of work, 225 hours total
• 6 credit hours; An average of 18 hours per week of work, 270 hours total

At the end of the semester students are responsible for submitting a reflection on their Honors Thesis experience to the Honors Program. Students will be sent an email with a link to the form during the last week of classes. This reflection is required in order to count the Honors Thesis as an Honors Learning Experience to fulfill Honors Program participation requirements.

Faculty Supervisors are responsible for evaluating the student's performance and submitting a grade. Faculty Supervisors will also have the opportunity to provide comments about the student's performance.