THE%20SENIOR%20HONORS%20THESIS%20PROGRAM

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THE SENIOR HONORS THESIS PROGRAM
The University of Houston The Honors
College Office of Undergraduate Research

• HNRS 3399 4399

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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.

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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.
• Many students in the program are members of The
  Honors College, but you dont have to be part of
  The Honors College to participate in the program.

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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.
• Many UH students say this is the most memorable
  aspect of their undergraduate experience.
• Prepares you for graduate and professional
  school.
• Hones your writing and interviewing abilities.
• Allows you to take ownership of your field and
  studies.
• Fosters a mentor relationship between you and
  your thesis director.

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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 major
• Honors in Major - thesis completed in major
• University Honors - thesis completed outside of
  major

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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.

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Steps for Success cont.

• 3. DOWNLOAD the verification of eligibility form
  from the Office of Undergraduate Researchs
  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 Researchs website

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What should be included in my prospectus?

• Outline of goals and objectives and the way in
  which they will be accomplished.
• 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.

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Use Your Prospectus!

• 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.

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Final Step for Success

• SUBMIT the eligibility form, prospectus, and
  prospectus form before the start of the semester
  to the Office of Undergraduate Research.

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Helpful tips

• 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, dont
  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.
• Schedule every component of your thesis project
  EARLY.

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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.
• 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.
• Allow yourself plenty of time to make revisions
  after the defense to ensure you meet your
  colleges binding deadline.

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Questions???

• 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
• 713-743-3367
• kweber_at_uh.edu