Thesis format

The Honors Thesis is prepared in a form similar to a social work or other social science journal article, and includes a title, abstract (approximately 200-250 words), introduction (literature review, statement of research question and hypotheses, when applicable), a methods section (participants, design, procedure, measures), a complete results section (all analyses and results, with tables and figures to illustrate), a discussion section (outlining implications and conclusions), references, and where appropriate, acknowledgments of funding sources or conflicts of interest. The format of the Honors Thesis must follow APA style. Per University Honors policy, the thesis must be completed “with distinction.” Students will receive guidance and feedback on drafts as deemed necessary by the Faculty Research Advisor.

Who is eligible to be a faculty thesis mentor?

Career-line faculty and tenure-line faculty are eligible to be a faculty thesis mentor.

In cases where a faculty member leaves the Uniersity before a thesis is complete, the faculty can remain faculty mentor, or the student may find a new thesis advisor. These transitions will occur with consultation from the Honors Faculty Advisor.

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 allowed in the College of Social Work. However, if two students wish to collaborate on a thesis, they will need to develop a detailed plan for assesing and documenting collaborator contributions. These decisions will be guided by the thesis mentor and approved by the Honors Faculty Advisor.

Are joint theses permitted?

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

A joint thesis is permitted in the College of Social Work.

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

A BSW honors thesis can consist of an in-depth clinical case study project, a policy- relevant project, an emperical project, or a systematic review. These options can all easily relate to the BSW social work curriculum.

Additional information for students

Reach out to the Honors Faculty Advisor during your junior year for support and instructions on what to expect during your senior year. Follow the instructions in the BSW Honors Thesis Guide.