Thesis format

Traditional long-format thesis containing novel empirical or theoretical findings in Finance or Financial Economics. Examples of acceptable theses from previous years will be provided to the student on request.

Who is eligible to be a faculty thesis mentor?

Tenure-line faculty under usual circumstances. Career-line faculty under exceptional circumstances such as a very close research match. If a mentor leaves the University they can continue as the mentor or a new mentor can be found.

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 generally not permitted.

Are joint theses permitted?

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

The joint thesis is allowable for dual majors as long as it is more extensive and makes unique contribution to both fields. For the joint thesis, the Departmental Honors Liaison role is to ensure distinct contribution to their subject area in addition to coordinating with the other Departmental Honors Liaison when needed.

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

FINAN 3021 - Honors Principles of Finance
3 credits
Entry point to the Finance honors track, building the analytical foundation and technical fluency for FINAN 4031 (Honors Corporate Finance), FINAN 5031 (Honors Valuation), and advanced electives. A deeper introduction to core finance—financial analysis, time value of money, capital budgeting, risk–return, and cost of capital—taught with honors-level expectations and rigor.

FINAN 4031 - Honors Corporate Finance
3 credits
FINAN 4031 is the honors core in corporate finance, deepening and extending FINAN 4030 with a rigorous, applied toolkit for valuation and financing decisions.

FINAN 5031 - Honors Valuation
3 credits
FINAN 5031 is the highest level honors course in valuation, building on FINAN 4031 to apply rigorous valuation and financing frameworks, especially for new ventures, via case studies and financial modeling.

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.

The thesis must be a separate project with separate contribution from any other research work within the major.

Additional information for students

The Finance honors liaison and the honors thesis administrative support will provide all additional information to complete the Finance honors thesis.