Program Overview

Introduction to the Senior Honors Thesis Program

The Senior Honors Thesis Program at the University of Houston is a two-semester, six-credit-hour capstone research experience completed under the guidance of a faculty mentor. This program is open to students of all majors, and membership in the Honors College is not required.

Program Overview

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards collaborates with the Honors College and the college of the student's major to oversee the thesis process and approval. Students who successfully complete the Senior Honors Thesis program will graduate with an Honors in Major designation noted on the official transcript. Additionally, students will receive 3 points towards the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement transcript designation.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Senior Honors Thesis Program, students must meet GPA considerations as well as departmental and Honors College approval. The application and preparation process occurs the semester prior to beginning the thesis course hours. A student's registration in thesis course hours does not guarantee enrollment in the Senior Honors Thesis Program.

Application Process

The application process involves several steps, including:

• Submitting the Verification of Eligibility form by December 1 or May 15 of the semester prior to beginning the thesis.
• Submitting the prospectus, Prospectus Approval Form, and the Thesis Checklist to the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards prior to the start of the semester in which the student begins the thesis coursework.

Thesis Requirements

The standard senior honors thesis course consists of two semesters, with each semester being three credit hours, for a total of six credit hours. The thesis must be defended prior to the defense deadline, and the final thesis must be submitted to the college thesis liaison by the college-specific filing deadline.

Thesis Director and Committee

In most cases, students pursue a thesis working with a professor in their major department. However, in some circumstances, a student may have clear reasons to pursue a thesis with a director outside of their major department. The thesis committee makeup and course registration procedure may be affected in such cases.

College-Specific Information

Students should review the College-Specific Information page for details specific to their discipline, including:

• Thesis length and format
• College contact information
• Filing deadlines

Defense and Graduation

The defense-ready thesis must be submitted to the committee a minimum of two weeks prior to the defense. After a successful defense, the Final Defense and Evaluation Form must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards.

Honors Designation

Students who successfully complete the Senior Honors Thesis program graduate with an Honors in Major designation on their official transcript. They are also invited to the Honors College Medallion Ceremony held in May.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Am I eligible for the Senior Honors Thesis Program?
  • Students must meet GPA eligibility requirements, secure a thesis director, and gain approval from both the department and the Honors College.
• I do not have any research experience. Can I participate in the thesis program?
  • The Senior Honors Thesis program does not require formal research experience, but it offers an opportunity for students to gain this experience.
• Do I have to pay for a bound copy of my thesis?
  • The Honors College does not require a printed and bound copy of the thesis, but some colleges or departments may require it.
• Do I have to be a member of the Honors College to receive the Honors in Major designation?
  • No, prior membership in the Honors College is not required to be part of the Senior Honors Thesis Program.