Research and Write Your Thesis

While students are actively engaged in the research and writing stages of their thesis, they must complete an HONRS 499R contract (see forms) to enroll and complete at least 3.0 and up to 6.0 credits of HONRS 499R, working under the direction of their thesis committee chair. This is a variable credit (1-6 credits), independent, pass/fail course, and requires an approved thesis prospectus prior to registration. Students receive a “T” (temporary) grade until after they have successfully defended their thesis (grade changes to a Pass) or have graduated without completing the thesis (grade changes to a Fail). Together with HONRS 320, HONRS 499R is certified to meet the University GE Advanced Writing & Oral Communication requirement for students who complete both courses (including a successful defense).

Conduct Research/Project

Once a thesis prospectus is approved, the student begins work on the thesis project. It will necessarily involve research and may involve collaboration with peers or research subjects. It will certainly involve collaboration with and tutelage by faculty on the thesis committee. Research methodologies are necessarily specific to each field of research and topic. Students should adhere to all discipline-specific norms, requirements, style guides, and protocols. Students are advised to follow a detailed timeline with interim steps and checkpoints, and to coordinate regularly with their faculty committee chair throughout the research and writing period. Typically, students spend 2 to 3 semesters after the prospectus is approved completing the project and revising multiple drafts of the written thesis.

Write Your Thesis

Writing the first draft of a thesis can be the most challenging aspect of the whole research process as students pull all of their work and experiences together to create something meaningful. Prior preparation and organization will pay off here. Students upload drafts in the Honors Thesis Tracker as they complete each part, keeping in mind that faculty may require numerous intermediate drafts. Faculty committee members, the chair in particular, provide feedback, request revisions and add comment to drafts. It is the student’s responsibility to upload revised drafts to the Thesis Tracker throughout the process, and keep the committee informed of progress. We recommend regularly scheduled meetings at intervals determined by the faculty chair.

When the thesis committee chair is satisfied with the thesis draft, other members of the thesis committee review the thesis. Additional revision may be required before all committee members agree the thesis is ready to defend. With that in mind, students should allow ample time ahead of defense deadlines for multiple drafts and be mindful of committee members’ time and schedules. Remember, departments may have earlier deadlines than the Honors Program and faculty are not expected to compensate for delays or last-minute requests on a students’ part. Students (particularly those planning to graduate in June or August) should also be aware that faculty may not be readily available during spring and summer terms and plan accordingly.