Current Students

Academic Requirement

COURSES

Honors courses introduce and develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills, in an intimate setting conducive to building relationships and promoting collaboration. 

For First Time in College (FTIC) Students:

FTIC STUDENTS WILL COMPLETE:

  • IDH 2010 Acquisition of Knowledge
  • IDH 4200 Geographical Perspective
  • 2 additional Honors courses (1 if in College of Engineering)
  • 2-semester Thesis Research Track

or

  • IDH 2010 Acquisition of Knowledge
  • IDH 4200 Geographical Perspective
  • 3 additional Honors courses (2 if in College of Engineering)
  • 1-semester Capstone Research Track

For Upper-Level Admission Students:

UPPER-LEVEL ADMISSION STUDENTS WILL COMPLETE:

  • 2 Honors courses 
  • 2-semester Thesis Research Track

or

  • 3 Honors courses 
  • 1-semester Capstone Research Track

RESEARCH TRACK

All Judy Genshaft Honors College students must complete a Research Track, consisting of either Thesis or Capstone.

THESIS

Thesis provides students a 1-to-1 mentoring experience, similar to a graduate program, with faculty selected by each student based on their area of inquiry. The goal of the Thesis is to experience building knowledge through integrative and applied learning following a specific research idea, social issue to be investigated, or creative project unique to each student. The key feature is the process of establishing a meaningful working relationship with the thesis chair(s) in order to effectively support the student’s curiosity and scholarly work, encourage interdisciplinary approaches to solving problems, and share the ongoing academic journey together.

THESIS COMPLETION OPTIONS:

  1. Honors College Thesis → Students will enroll in two semesters of Honors Thesis coursework to conduct an original inquiry or investigation in the form of a creative, applied, or scholarly research project. The first semester is for students to find a thesis chair and complete a prospectus (a plan of action) by generating a research question, conducting a literature review, examining methodological approaches, and beginning the preliminary inquiry. In the second semester, students will execute the project and submit the final digital artifact (written, audio, or video) appropriate to the main disciplinary practice. For more information, click here.

  2. Thesis through Departmental Honors Program → Some academic departments offer their own honors programs, which include a thesis. Honors College students have the option of completing thesis through their departments in order to meet Honors College requirements.


CAPSTONE

Capstone courses bring honors students together to take an interdisciplinary approach at solving real-world problems through undergraduate research and practical application. Instructors select engaging topics of interest and use an experiential learning model to guide students through structured, collaborative group research projects. Capstone course topics vary from semester to semester - please check the honors courses webpage for Capstone descriptions and any special application instructions.

CAPSTONE COMPLETION OPTION:

Capstone → Students will enroll in an Honors Capstone class, plus one additional core Honors course of their choice.