1. University Honors Program
  2. Academics in the Honors Program
  3. Honors Baccalaureate Thesis

Honors Baccalaureate Thesis

The Honors Baccalaureate Degree is a great way to really dig into research in your field as an undergraduate student.

The Honors Baccalaureate Degree is an optional advanced academic track available to all Honors students. It represents a culminating scholarly experience of the University Honors Program for students who wish to pursue original undergraduate research or creative work through a mentored thesis process. 

Students who choose this pathway complete a faculty-guided thesis in addition to their regular Honors Program requirements, earning the Honors Baccalaureate Degree in their major.  

Why Pursue an Honors Baccalaureate?

Completing an Honors Baccalaureate will:

  • Help you decide if advanced academic research is right for you
  • Establish a close mentoring relationship with faculty
  • Strengthen graduate or professional school applications
  • Provide recognition for your scholarly work
  • Help cultivate a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created in your field

Eligibility & Requirements

To qualify for the Honors Baccalaureate Degree, students must meet all standard University requirements for a bachelor's degree and complete the following additional Honors-specific components: 

  • Complete all University Honors Program requirements
  • Complete HONR 497: Thesis Preparation
  • Complete at least 1 credit hour of HONR 498: Honors Thesis Preparation II
  • Complete at least 2 credit hours of HONR 499: Honors Thesis
  • Successfully defend a formal Thesis Proposal, conducted by the thesis committee under the oversight of the Honors Program 
  • File a formal application for the Honors Baccalaureate Degree with both the Academic Dean and the Director of Honors by the deadline listed in the University Calendar
  • Successfully defend the final thesis project, conducted by the thesis committee under the oversight of the Honors Program 

These requirements ensure that students complete a full cycle of scholarly development--from initial planning through proposal defense, project implementation, and final thesis defense. 

The Honors Thesis Experience

Together, HONR 497, HONR 498, and HONR 499 guide students through a developmental process: 

  1. Explore- Identify interests and potential research paths
  2. Plan- Define a topic, secure mentorship, and write a prospectus
  3. Design- Establish a committee, finalize methods, and defend a proposal
  4. Execute- Carry out research or creative work
  5. Synthesize- Complete the full thesis document, including results and discussion
  6. Reflect- Use the IDP process to assess growth and receive faculty feedback 
  7. Present- Defend the final thesis

Questions?

Contact us if you have need any assistance with the process.

Emily Sandoz
Emily Sandoz
  • Director of the University Honors Program
  • Professor
  • Graduate Coordinator

Dr. Sandoz is the Director of the University Honors Program and a Full Professor in the Psychology Department.