Departmental Thesis Requirements

The thesis is a written document and should be submitted in PDF format.

- See the Honors College webpage for the Thesis Template (https://www.honors.utah.edu/thesis/)

- Make sure all figures are of sufficient size and quality.

- All captions need to convey the message of what the figure demonstrates (the takeaway message) and what the figure is (e.g. axis labels, data content, statistical information, etc.).

Each academic department submits the specific requirements that must be met for a successful Honors thesis in its respective major. If you are seeking more information on your department’s thesis requirements, please contact your Departmental Honors Liaison and/or the Honors Thesis Team in the Honors College.

Faculty Thesis Mentors

Any Mechanical Engineering professor (tenure-line or career-line) is eligible to be a thesis mentor. In specific situations, a professor from another engineering discipline can serve as a faculty mentor. Contact the Department Honors Liaison (Dr. Shad Roundy) if your preferred faculty mentor is not in Mechanical Engineering.

If your faculty mentor leaves the University, contact the Department Honors Liaison who will help you find a replacement thesis mentor.

Collaborative Theses

The Mechanical Engineering Department does not permit collaborative theses. Each honors student must submit his or her independent honors thesis.

Joint Thesis

Mechanical Engineering does allow joint theses. If you plan to pursue a joint thesis, contact the Department Honors Liaison as soon as possible.

How does the Honors Thesis relate to other aspects of the major, like a Capstone Project?

It is possible to do an Honors Thesis linked to your senior Capstone project. However, the thesis should constitute an extended individual project that goes beyond the team Capstone project. If you would like to combine your Honors Thesis with your Capstone project, you need to fill out an application form on the Mechanical Engineering Honors Community Canvas page (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/970648). If you have any questions, please contact the Department Honors Liaison.

Additional information for students

Mechanical Engineering maintains an Honors Canvas page (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/970648) that contains up to date information and more detailed instructions for your thesis. If you do not already have access to that page, contact the Department Honors Liaison or the your undergraduate advisor.