Senior Honors Thesis Program

The Honors College is vested with the responsibility of overseeing undergraduate thesis work throughout the University and ensuring its quality. The total amount of work required for a thesis should be roughly equivalent to six hours of coursework (250-300 clock hours). You will sign up for a total of six credit hours (3399H and 4399H) for your thesis. Generally the hours will count toward your major degree requirements. You will receive an "IP" (in progress) grade for 3399H, which will be changed to a letter grade when you have finished the thesis. Students who complete a Senior Honors Thesis will graduate with a particular Honors designation, which will be noted on the transcript.

Honors Distinctions for Thesis Students
University Honors with Honors in Major — Member of the Honors College, student has completed 28-36 hours of Honors coursework, including the Human Situation Sequence, and has completed a thesis
Collegiate Honors with Honors in Major — Member of the Honors College, student has completed 22 hours of Honors coursework or an Honors minor, and has completed a thesis
Membership in the Honors College with Honors in Major — Member of the Honors College and has completed a thesis
Honors in Major — Student has completed a thesis.

About the Senior Honors Thesis Program
IMPORTANT — READ!! Timeline for Thesis Program: These guidelines will help you plan your thesis project from start to finish.
View this PowerPoint presentation to learn more about the thesis program. 

Requirements for Thesis Program
A 3.25 cumulative GPA and a 3.5 GPA in major are required to participate in the thesis program. Students must also be approved by their academic department and the Honors College to participate.

Required Forms and Deadlines for Enrollment in Thesis Program
Verification of Eligibility Form: Due the last day of the fall or spring semester immediately prior to the semester you begin your thesis project. If you’re starting your thesis project in the fall, your Verification of Eligibility form is due on the last day of the previous spring semester; if you’re starting your thesis project in the spring, your Verification of Eligibility form is due on the last day of the previous fall semester.

Prospectus Form: Due by the first day of the semester beginning the thesis program. 
A senior honors thesis begins with choosing and narrowing your topic, then crafting a prospectus that describes your research and writing plans. A typical prospectus is 3-5 pages and should include a brief bibliography. Writing your prospectus will help you to focus on a specific question or idea. Students who take on a project that is too large in scope often have trouble finishing. And remember, the prospectus does not necessarily reflect finished work; some aspects of your thesis may change as you complete the project. However, if major changes are made to your thesis, they should be reflected in an updated version of the prospectus. The prospectus should serve as a contract or plan-of-action for your thesis. 

Thesis Studio Program
Thesis students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Senior Honors Thesis Studio Program, which assists in the researching and writing of the thesis. 

Getting Started — Choose Your College
Select a link below to learn your college's requirements and how to get started in the thesis program.

Guidelines for Faculty
Faculty Thesis Guidelines

Honors Cords for Graduation
Single red cords for graduation are available for purchasing in the University Bookstore for undergraduate Senior Honors Thesis students. 

Bound Thesis
All UH theses must be maroon with gold etching on the bound cover. Both the University Copy Center and UH Copy, Print and Delivery Services are aware of the UH requirements for bound theses.