Thesis format
Theses can take several forms. They can involve the analysis of qualitative or quantitative data. They can be theoretical or analyses of the literature. They can also be creative projects that do not follow a traditional research paper model. We encourage you to speak to your faculty mentor about how long you can expect your project to take, based on the type of project that you are doing. Every thesis must involve a written component. For some some suggested structures for thesis of the different types please see our department's thesis guidelines.
Who is eligible to be a faculty thesis mentor?
Career-line and tenure-line faculty are eligble to serve as faculty thesis mentors. If the faculty mentor leaves before the thesis is complete, either the student can find another faculty mentor or if that is not possible, the Departmental Honors Liason can step in as their faculty mentor to finish up their thesis.
Are collaborative theses permitted?
A collaborative thesis is one where an Honors student works with one or more collaborators on the thesis.
The Department of Sociology does not allow collaborative theses for Sociology or Criminology as a matter of course, but a student can seek an exception for individual circumstances. Please contact either the Sociology or Criminology Departmental Honors Liason.
How does the Honors Thesis relate to other aspects for the major?
There is no senior/capstone in sociology or criminology, but the thesis could relate to work a student has done in many substanstative courses in the department as determined by the student and their faculty mentor. Additionally, if applicable and desired students can take research course hours in addition to required SOC 4999 or CRIM 4999. This will be determined by the student and their faculty mentor. The potential options are: SOC 4998, SOC 3950, CRIM 3950.
Major-specific Thesis Proposal Process
The Honors College requires Thesis Registration by the end of the third year. If your major has a separate additional Thesis Proposal Process, it is detailed here.
Please see a copy of the Department of Sociology's thesis guidelines for Sociology and Criminology majors.
Additional information for students
N/A