THE SENIOR HONORS THESIS PROGRAM HNRS 3399 & 4399 The University of Houston The Honors College Office of Undergraduate Research

What is the Senior Honors Thesis Program at UH? The Senior Honors Thesis program provides 6 hours of credit to complete a research paper or a creative project in the sciences, social sciences, or the humanities.The Senior Honors Thesis program provides 6 hours of credit to complete a research paper or a creative project in the sciences, social sciences, or the humanities.

What is the Senior Honors Thesis Program at UH? The thesis project can be in in your major or outside of your major under the direction of a thesis director with appropriate expertise.The thesis project can be in in your major or outside of your major under the direction of a thesis director with appropriate expertise. Many students in the program are members of The Honors College, but you don’t have to be part of The Honors College to participate in the program.Many students in the program are members of The Honors College, but you don’t have to be part of The Honors College to participate in the program.

Why a Senior Honors Thesis? The Senior Honors Thesis is a capstone program for your undergraduate career, and allows you to graduate with an honors distinction.The Senior Honors Thesis is a capstone program for your undergraduate career, and allows you to graduate with an honors distinction. Many UH students say this is the most memorable aspect of their undergraduate experience.Many UH students say this is the most memorable aspect of their undergraduate experience. Prepares you for graduate and professional school.Prepares you for graduate and professional school. Hones your writing and interviewing abilities.Hones your writing and interviewing abilities. Allows you to take ownership of your field and studies.Allows you to take ownership of your field and studies. Fosters a mentor relationship between you and your thesis director.Fosters a mentor relationship between you and your thesis director.

Honors Distinctions If you participate in the thesis program, you will graduate with honors in one of the three distinctions: University Honors/Honors in Major - member of The Honors College and thesis completed in majorUniversity Honors/Honors in Major - member of The Honors College and thesis completed in major Honors in Major - thesis completed in majorHonors in Major - thesis completed in major University Honors - thesis completed outside of majorUniversity Honors - thesis completed outside of major

Steps for Success 1.START by thinking about potential topics. It is a good idea to read theses in your major to get an idea of what students in your discipline have done in the past. 2.TALK to faculty in your department or faculty members that have expertise in your topic. The first person you speak with may not be able to be your thesis director, but they may direct you to someone else who will be.

Steps for Success cont. 3. DOWNLOAD the verification of eligibility form from the Office of Undergraduate Research’s website. -you must have a 3.2 gpa to participate -the director of undergraduate studies in your department approves your enrollment in program by signing this form 4. DOWNLOAD the prospectus form from Office of Undergraduate Research’s website

What should be included in my prospectus? Outline of goals and objectives and the way in which they will be accomplished.Outline of goals and objectives and the way in which they will be accomplished. Timeline in which you intend to have each section completed.Timeline in which you intend to have each section completed. Include a bibliography of sources you will use, and a listing of any other references or materials pertinent to your project.Include a bibliography of sources you will use, and a listing of any other references or materials pertinent to your project.

Use Your Prospectus! Once you develop a timeframe and calendar for your thesis, use these parameters to stay on schedule.Once you develop a timeframe and calendar for your thesis, use these parameters to stay on schedule. If you make a change to the content of your thesis, make the change to your prospectus as well. The prospectus is your outline for what you intend to cover and should reflect the final product.If you make a change to the content of your thesis, make the change to your prospectus as well. The prospectus is your outline for what you intend to cover and should reflect the final product.

Final Step for Success SUBMIT the eligibility form, prospectus, and prospectus form before the start of the semester to the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Helpful tips Keep your committee updated on your progress and on any changes you may have made to the original prospectus.Keep your committee updated on your progress and on any changes you may have made to the original prospectus. Your committee is there to assist you with your project. If you find yourself “stumped”, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.Your committee is there to assist you with your project. If you find yourself “stumped”, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Stay on schedule. The thesis project is a major time commitment. Schedule your time accordingly to ensure completion. It is a good idea to divide your thesis into chapters and subsections early on in the process.Stay on schedule. The thesis project is a major time commitment. Schedule your time accordingly to ensure completion. It is a good idea to divide your thesis into chapters and subsections early on in the process. Schedule every component of your thesis project EARLY.Schedule every component of your thesis project EARLY.

The Defense The defense is the presentation of your work given to all three members of you committee once you have completed a draft of your thesis. Typically at the defense students present their thesis, and then engage in a question and answer session with their committee members.The defense is the presentation of your work given to all three members of you committee once you have completed a draft of your thesis. Typically at the defense students present their thesis, and then engage in a question and answer session with their committee members. Plan the defense at least 6-8 weeks before graduation.Plan the defense at least 6-8 weeks before graduation. Give all three members of your committee a copy of your thesis at least a week before the scheduled meeting.Give all three members of your committee a copy of your thesis at least a week before the scheduled meeting. Allow yourself plenty of time to make revisions after the defense to ensure you meet your college’s binding deadline.Allow yourself plenty of time to make revisions after the defense to ensure you meet your college’s binding deadline.

Questions??? For more information about the Senior Honors Thesis program, please contact:For more information about the Senior Honors Thesis program, please contact: Karen Weber The Office of Undergraduate Research The Honors College 211 MD Anderson Library