Thesis format

Honors theses in Economics are usually "article-based theses."  Two typical forms of "article based theses" in economics are "data-driven" and "theoretical/literature review" theses.  Length may vary depending on topic, but 20-30 pages (not including references/graphs/figures) is typical.  Additional detail on the structure of standard theses is provided below. Students seeking to pursue an alternative format should consult the department honors liaison as well as their faculty mentor well before the thesis registration form is due.

Data-driven thesis:
• Abstract (150-200 words)—summarizes the research question, why it is important, what others have found, data/methods used by thesis, how the thesis findings add/alter earlier findings.
• Introduction—motivates the research project, referencing the key studies, and highlights gap(s) in the scholarship that the thesis aims to address
• Literature Review/Background—reviews relevant literatures (conceptual, methodological and/or empirical), and ends with a thesis question.
• Data/Methods—clear description of data and methods to be used to analyze the question
• Findings—report of research findings
• Discussion—summary of main findings and how they relate to the scholarship, contribution of the thesis (e.g. new results, a new measure), limitations/weaknesses of the study, and future research others could take up based on the study.
• Conclusion—implications of the thesis (practical/policy or empirical)

Theoretical/literature review thesis:

• Abstract (150-200 words)—summarizes the research question, why it is important, what is the debate, how the thesis adds/alters scholarship
  Introduction—motivates the research project, referencing the key studies, and highlights gaps in the scholarship
• Literature Review/Background—reviews theories/concepts on the research topic
• Analysis—Evaluation/synthesis of theoretical ideas
• Discussion—summary of main conclusion and how they relate to existing scholarship, contribution of the thesis (e.g. a new understanding of a conceptual problem), how the revised ideas might be tested empirically.
• Conclusion—implications of the thesis for future research or policy

Who is eligible to be a faculty thesis mentor?

Tenure-line and career-line faculty members may serve as thesis mentors.  Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the Honors Liaison for potential mentors who have appropriate alternative experience and training.  If a student's faculty mentors leaves the University before the thesis is complete, the student should consult with the Department Honors Liaison to make arrangements for an alternative faculty member to complete supervision and approval of the thesis.

Are collaborative theses permitted?

A collaborative thesis is one where an Honors student works with one or more collaborators on the thesis.

Collaborative theses are not permitted.

Are joint theses permitted?

A joint thesis is a single thesis that satisfies the requirements of multiple majors.

Joint theses are permitted.

How does the Honors Thesis relate to other aspects for the major?

To complete the honors thesis successfully, students will need a solid grounding in the relevant theory and methods for their topic. In addition, Honors students should arrange to have a course schedule in their senior year that reflects the amount of effort they will need to devote to the thesis itself.  Ideally, honors students should plan to complete the intermediate theory sequence (Econ 4010 and 4020, or 4011 and 4020 for those doing the BEA emphasis) prior to the start of their thesis. If they expect to do a data-driven thesis, they should complete relevant statistical and econometric coursework (Econ 3640 and Econ 4650 (4651 for those in the BEA emphasis)) prior to the start of their thesis.

Major-specific Thesis Proposal Process

The Honors College requires Thesis Proposal/Registration by the end of the third year. If your major has a separate additional Thesis Proposal Process, it is detailed here.

This major does not have a separate, additional Honors Thesis Proposal process.

Additional information for students

During the 2025-26 academic year, Lingyi Wei will serve as an honors-specific TA for Economics students.  Lingyi will schedule events and provide resources for students at all stages of the program throughout the year. Lingyi may be reached at Lingyi.wei@utah.edu.