Thesis Information

Honors Independent Research – Thesis/Creative Project

The capstone experience of the Honors College curriculum is the thesis, which students complete over two consecutive semesters. This unique opportunity allows students to conduct scholarly research or create a significant project. They do this under the direct guidance of faculty mentors. For detailed thesis information, students can access resources online or consult with faculty advisors.

Every student graduating from the University Honors College must complete a thesis project. This requirement prepares students for graduate or professional school. It provides a chance to undertake a substantial scholarly or creative endeavor. Furthermore, it offers a fresh perspective by contributing new knowledge to their field of study. As a result, students gain invaluable preparation and a competitive edge when applying to advanced programs.

Recognizing the importance of faculty and student collaboration in research and scholarship, the Honors College collects and preserves theses and creative project papers in a permanent archive. Additionally, the Thesis Defense Room (HONR 203B) features an impressive Honors College Scholarship Display. This showcase includes unpublished creative work alongside published books and articles by both students and faculty. The display is updated regularly, and visitors are welcome to view it throughout the year.

To complete the thesis, students must follow several sequential steps and submit required forms. These are available online or at the Honors College main office (HONR 205). Before beginning their thesis project, students are strongly encouraged to meet with the Honors College advisor, available in HONR 227 or 229, for guidance and support.

Thesis Tutorial (UH 4900)

The Honors Thesis Tutorial is a one-credit, pass/fail course that guides students and their advisors. It helps them through the process of completing a thesis proposal. It helps students transition from traditional coursework to the challenges and excitement of independent research. Hence, students should register for UH 4900 during the second semester of their junior year.

In this tutorial, students focus on narrowing their topic, compiling a working bibliography, conducting preliminary reading, and writing their proposal. A committee—consisting of the Thesis Director, Committee Chair, and, when applicable, a second reader—reviews and approves the proposal. This step precedes the final stage of the Honors sequence, the independent project (UH 4950). To enroll in UH 4900, students must be on track to complete the Honors graduation requirements or the Honors Associate requirements. Moreover, they must maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher.

• Required Elements of the Research-based Thesis Proposal
• Required Elements of the Creative-based Thesis Proposal

Honors Independent Research (UH 4950)

After the thesis committee approves a thesis proposal, students may register for Honors Independent Research, a three-credit-hour graded course, in the following semester. Students are encouraged to begin this phase during the first semester of their senior year. This timing allows an extra semester to complete the project if unforeseen circumstances cause delays.

It is important for students to understand that Honors Independent Research (UH 4950) is a graded course where credit is awarded. If unexpected issues prevent a student from finishing UH 4950 on time, they must drop or withdraw from the course to avoid receiving a failing grade (F). Alternatively, if the student is not graduating that semester, the instructor may assign a temporary grade of Incomplete (I), provided the student plans to complete the project the following semester.

Thesis Scholarship Support

Two major sources of research funding are made available to qualified MTSU students through the College of Graduate Studies. The Undergraduate Research Program offers a series of awards ranging from $700-$3,250. Students are encouraged to apply for funding through these two resources and can also apply for Honors support. 

• Thesis Guide
• Thesis Formatting Checklist
• Thesis Archive (Excel document that you can sort by name or major)
• FAQ for Thesis Directors

Signature and Title Pages

• Signature Page [Word] (Sample Signature Page)
• Title Page [Word]

What to Expect at Your Defense

Prepare to give an overview of your project that is accessible to a multidisciplinary audience without being overly specialized. Be ready to summarize and discuss your methodology, examples, and conclusions. Reflect on whether the project turned out as you expected and share the lessons you learned during the process. Consider what you discovered about yourself through this work and what you would do differently if you could start over. Explain how this experience might impact your future, especially if you plan to attend graduate school.

Expect photos to be taken with your entire committee. While parents and significant others are welcome, they cannot enter the thesis defense room during your defense, but may join afterward for the tolling of the bells and picture-taking. For your thesis defense and the photos afterward, it’s best to dress professionally to make a confident and polished impression. Here are some suggestions:

• For Everyone: Business casual or business professional attire works well. Think neat, clean, and comfortable clothing that shows you take the occasion seriously.
• Options: A blouse or dress shirt paired with dress pants or a skirt, or a professional dress. Avoid overly casual fabrics or flashy patterns. Or, a collared shirt (with or without a tie), dress pants, and a blazer or sport coat if you like. Avoid t-shirts or jeans.
• Shoes: Choose closed-toe dress shoes or clean, polished flats. Comfort matters since you’ll be standing and moving around.

Dressing well not only shows respect for the process but can boost your confidence as you present and celebrate your achievement!

Archives

Honors College thesis archives are maintained in the Thesis Defense Room (HONR 203B).

Thesis Archives Collection at Walker Library

Honors College thesis archives collection (as of Spring 2015) are now preserved online through Walker Library’s institutional repository, JEWLScholar, and are indexed in the library’s catalog. There are two ways to access the Honors Thesis Collection.

One way is to visit http://jewlscholar.mtsu.edu. Under “Collections in JEWLScholar@MTSU,” located in the center of the homepage, click on Theses and Dissertations. Select Honors College Theses to browse submissions from 2015 forward. These items are also searchable by author, title, subject, date, or keyword. When current students prepare a thesis for submission, the homepage will provide a form for the student to sign. This form acknowledges the institutional repository as a platform for online access to the Honors College. Students who do not want their thesis preserved or discoverable online must indicate that on the Honors College thesis submission form in the space provided.

View instructions on how to navigate JEWLScholar and how to use your thesis published in JEWLScholar.