Honors Project Requirements & Graduation Criteria

Why an Honors Project?

An honors project is a capstone experience that demonstrates a students ability to conduct independent research, solve complex problems, and communicate findings at a scholarly level. Successful completion of the project not only deepens subjectmatter expertise but also provides a valuable credential for graduate school applications and the job market.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must meet the following conditions before enrolling in an honors project:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Complete at least 60 credit hours of coursework.
• Have a clean academic standing (no disciplinary holds, academic probation, or pending investigations).
• Secure a faculty advisor who agrees to supervise the project.
• Submit a formal proposal that outlines the projects scope, methodology, and anticipated outcomes.

Note: Students who change majors after the third semester must receive departmental approval before proceeding with the honors project.

Project Structure and Deliverables

The honors project consists of three major components, each with specific deliverables:

1. Proposal (Fall Semester, Year 3)

• Title page, abstract (150250 words), and a literature review (57 pages).
• Clear statement of research questions or design objectives.
• Methodology section detailing data sources, experimental design, or software tools.
• Proposed timeline and a realistic budget (if applicable).
• Approval signatures from the advisor and the departmental honors committee.

2. Progress Report (Spring Semester, Year 3)

• Updates on data collection, preliminary analyses, or prototype development.
• Revised timeline and any emerging challenges.
• Feedback from the advisor that must be incorporated before the final phase.

3. Final Thesis and Defense (Fall Semester, Year 4)

• Full written thesis (minimum 30 pages, excluding references and appendices).
• Formal oral defense before a committee of three faculty members.
• Public presentation (poster or 10minute talk) at the departments honors symposium.

Evaluation Process

Each deliverable is graded on a rubric that aligns with university standards. The rubric addresses:

• Originality and significance of the research question.
• Depth and relevance of the literature review.
• Rigor of methodology and appropriateness of analytical techniques.
• Clarity, organization, and academic writing style of the document.
• Effectiveness of oral communication during the defense.

The final grade for the honors project is a weighted average: 20% proposal, 30% progress report, and 50% final thesis & defense. A minimum overall score of 85% is required to pass.

If a student receives a score below 70% on any component, the project must be retaken or replaced with an alternative honors experience (e.g., a published article or a senior design project).

Typical Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my project topic after the proposal is approved?

Minor adjustments are permissible with advisor consent. Substantial changes (e.g., new research question or methodology) require reapproval by the honors committee.

What if I need to take a leave of absence?

Students must notify the department early. The project timeline can be extended, but all deliverables must still be completed before graduation.

Do I have to write the thesis in APA style?

The department uses the latest APA (7th edition) guidelines for citations and formatting. Exceptions are granted for disciplines that follow MLA, Chicago, or IEEE standards, provided the choice is documented in the proposal.

Is collaborative work allowed?

Projects must be primarily the work of a single student. Joint research is acceptable only if each participant submits an independent thesis and defense, with clear attribution of contributions.

What resources are available?

The university offers research grants, access to specialized labs, statistical consulting, and a writing center. Students are encouraged to use these services early in the process.