HONORS THESIS

What is an Honors Thesis? 

An honors thesis is a substantive research project, undertaken by a student under the supervision of a relevant faculty member, that provides the opportunity for the student to do independent research in a field of interest.  This field of interest does not necessarily have to be related to a student's major or concentration, although it often is.  Usually, the Honors Thesis takes the form of a long research paper, but may include other projects depending on the academic area  in which the student is working.  The Honors Thesis is the culmination of the Honors Program at Queens and must be completed for a student to graduate with Honors.  The best Honors Thesis in a given academic year is singled out by the Honors Director for the Director's Award.   For  a list of recently completed theses, click here.

What Do I Need to Do to Complete My Honors Thesis? 

1.  Complete HONR 110, HONR 210, and HONR 220 in freshman and sophomore years

2.  Complete both HONR 250 (Directed Reading, at least 1 credit) AND HONR 350 (Directed

     Study, at least 2 credits) in junior year

3.  Select a thesis advisor in your area of interest and get agreement from this person

     to serve as an advisor

4.  Submit a detailed proposal for the project to the Honors Director no later

     than April 15 of your junior year. 

5.  Select and get agreement from two other relevant faculty to serve on the committee

     for the oral defense (NOTE:  The Honors Director sits on ALL oral defense

     committees)

6.  Sign up for HONR 490 (Honors Thesis) in the Fall semester of your senior year

     and HONR 491 (Honors Thesis) in the Spring Semester of your senior year.  These

     courses will be worth 3 credit hours.     

7.  In consultation with your advisor complete the project in question.  Give copies to

     ALL members of the committee well in advance of the oral defense date. 

8.  Meet with the Honors Director to schedule a date for the oral defense. 

9.  Defend the project orally before the committee at the end of the Spring Semester

     of your senior year. (NOTE:  The thesis advisor assigns the grade for the project,

     in consultation with the other members of the committee) 

Why Do an Honors Thesis? 

1.  It is the only way to graduate with Honors. 

2.  It gives you the opportunity to bring together the various things you

     have learned over the course of your academic career at Queens and make a

     contribution to knowledge in a specific area

3.  It is a great way to improve your skills in areas such as research, writing, oral

     communication, critical thinking, and many others. 

4.  It is a great addition to applications for graduate school and jobs.

5.  It gives you the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member, benefit

     from his/her expertise in a field of study, and create the conditions for an

     outstanding letter of recommendation.  

Return to Honors Program Home Page