Honors Theses

What is an honors thesis?

An undergraduate thesis is a traditional mechanism to provide a capstone experience for undergraduates pursuing honors. In many instances, this experience is a opportunity to showcase the knowledge and skills one has acquired in their respective degree program, culminating in a written document, called a thesis.

Honors theses may differ substantially across disciplines but typically in the Bumpers College Honors Program, students complete a research or creative/experiential honors thesis. All honors thesis types typically involve developing an introduction; literature review;  methodology section or development plan; results, design process and creative works, or reflection section; and likely, conclusions and recommendations. The labeling or organization of these sections may differ slightly by project type and by academic unit. 

Honors theses which address topics or concerns for local, national, or global communities could qualify for service learning designation! If you believe that your honors thesis qualifies for a service learning designation on your transcript, you can visit the Service Learning Initiative website.

Requirements for Honors Thesis Proposals and Finished Honors Theses

Students are required to develop an honors thesis proposal by taking AFLS 341H3 - Honors Proposal Development and Research Methods, a course dedicated to teaching academic and scientific writing. Following this course, all students are required to hold a proposal meeting with their committee to gain approval to conduct their project. After holding a proposal meeting, students will conduct their project and write their final sections. Research, creative, and group/team honors theses all have unique requirements:


Although the specific formatting may be geared toward discipline-specific content, student theses should follow a general formatting pattern that includes the following:

  • All honors theses should be at a minimum 12-15 pages of text (excluding the cover page, table of contents, and project summary, citations, tables, figures, and appendices). The page count measures from the first page of the Introduction to the final page of the Conclusions/Implications/Recommendations.
  • All documents should utilize Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced, with 1 inch margins or a similar legible, simple, and professional font. 
  • We recommend students follow the APA 7 Student guidelines. If a mentor prefers a different citation style, we ask that each mentor ensure the accuracy of the student's work and provide  the student with resources for that citation style.

 

The research honors thesis represents a scholarly report on the research conducted by an honors student. In cooperation with a faculty mentor, the student will design, research, execute, analyze, critique and report on a project that is relevant to their respective major or research interests. Although research projects may differ substantially across disciplines, they typically involve a literature review, hypothesis development, research, data collection, data analysis, and thesis preparation.

Bench Sciences

The research honors thesis proposal within the bench sciences should include the cover page, headings for the table of contents and abstract, the introduction, literature review, methodology, and references.  The finished honors thesis should include all of the required sections listed below.

  • Cover Page with the student's title, the student's name and university name
  • Table of Contents 
  • Project Summary, Abstract, or Executive Statement 
  • Introduction (Begin page numbers here)
    • Background and Need
    • Problem Statement
    • Purpose Statement
    • Research Objectives and/or Hypotheses
  • Literature Review
    • Thematic or chronological organization is encouraged, using subheadings to clearly label various subsections. 
  • Materials and Methods (or Methodology)
    • Data Collection and Analysis (further subheading organization is encouraged, but may differ by project/discipline).
  • Findings/Results
  • Discussion/Conclusions/Implications/Recommendations
  • References
  • Appendices as needed (Tables, Figures, Charts, Graphs, Sketches)

Social Sciences

The research honors thesis proposal within the social sciences should include the cover page, headings for the table of contents and abstract, the introduction, literature review, and methodology.  The finished honors thesis should include all of the required sections listed below.

  • Cover Page with the student's title, the student's name and university name
  • Table of Contents 
  • Project Summary, Abstract, or Executive Statement 
  • Introduction (Begin page numbers here)
    • Background and Need
    • Problem Statement
    • Purpose Statement
    • Research Objectives and/or Hypotheses
  • Literature Review
    • Thematic or chronological organization is encouraged, using subheadings to clearly label various subsections. 
  • Materials and Methods (or Methodology) - suggested subheadings are  encouraged, but may differ by project/discipline.
    • Research Design
    • Rigor
    • Population and Sampling
    • Instrumentation
    • Data Collection and Analysis
  • Findings/Results
  • Discussion/Conclusions/Implications/Recommendations
  • References
  • Appendices as needed (Tables, Figures, Charts, Graphs, Sketches)

 

The creative honors thesis represents a scholarly report on the inspiration, process, and outcomes of the creative project constructed by the student. A creative thesis should include the design procedures and methodology the student used in carrying out the project. In addition, the student will describe the fabrication or materials used for the project's production. 

The creative honors thesis proposal should include the cover page, headings for the table of contents and abstract, the introduction, literature review, methodology, and references.  The finished honors thesis should include all of the required sections listed below.

Required Components for Creative Honors Theses

Although the specific formatting may be geared toward discipline-specific content, student theses should follow a general formatting pattern that includes the following:

  • Cover Page with the student's title, the student's name and university name
  • Table of Contents 
  • Project Summary, Abstract, or Executive Statement 
  • Introduction (Begin page numbers here)
    • Background and Need
    • Problem Statement
    • Purpose Statement
    • Research Objectives and/or Hypotheses
  • Literature Review
    • Thematic or chronological organization is encouraged, using subheadings to clearly label various subsections. 
  • Development Plan
    • Further subheading organization is encouraged but may differ by project/discipline. Suggested subsections include describing motivations for the project, describing preparation, implementation, or evaluation project phases, and/or describing the necessary materials.
  • Design Process and Creative Works
  • Discussion (regarding value of the project)
  • Conclusions/Implications/Recommendations
  • References
  • Appendices as needed (Tables, Figures, Charts, Graphs, Sketches)

The experiential honors thesis is a type of undergraduate honors thesis in which students integrate their academic knowledge with a practical experience such as clinical fieldwork, capstone, practicum, internships, study abroad, a community development project or service learning. 

Approval Procedures for Experiential Honors Theses
The qualifying experience may take place on or off campus or in a combination of both, as determined by the academic unit. Students may receive academic credit for either the thesis, the experiential component, or both, depending on the unit guidelines.
 
Approval Requirements for Experiential Honors Theses
Before engaging in the experience, students must gain approval from their thesis mentor and the Honors Director.
 
Approval will be based on:
1) The number of hours dedicated to the experience.
2) The type of activities that will take place in the experience.
3) The educational value of the experience in strengthening the student’s skill set.
 
In the Honors Thesis Credit Hours Request Form, the student and mentor provide a detailed explanation of how the proposed experience and requested credit hours go beyond the minimum degree requirements (e.g., internships). The description should also include a specific plan for how the student’s work will be assessed. Credit hours approved for the honors experiential thesis should not also be counted as internship credit hours.
 

Required Components for Experiential Honors Theses

The experiential honors thesis proposal should follow the expectations of the academic unit. The finished honors thesis must include all the required sections listed below. Although the specific formatting may be geared toward discipline-specific content, student theses should follow a general formatting pattern that includes the following:

  • Cover page with the thesis title, the student’s name, and university name
  • Table of Contents
  • Project Summary, Abstract, or Executive Statement
  • Introduction (Begin page numbering here): The introduction should describe the purpose of the experience, the importance of the experience, and how this experience will prepare you for your future profession or graduate/professional school.
  • Literature Review: The literature review should include includes a review of the academic and/or technical literature most relevant to your experience.
  • Methods and Results: This may be called different things in different units based on type of experience but it essentially includes a description of the procedures, techniques, and/or activities and what was or was not accomplished by the end of the experience.
  • Reflection: The reflection should present an analysis of the experience such as: were any of the results of this experience unexpected; what were the challenges; what were the lessons learned, what are the recommendations for those who led the experience and/or for other UA students who might consider a similar experience in the future.
  • References 
  • Time Log if required by academic unit based upon the type of experience.
  • Appendices as needed (Tables, Figures, Charts, Graphs, Sketches)

Best Practices for Experiential Honors Theses

  • Obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval if any data collected is related to human subjects for the research objectives and will be reported as part of the final thesis. Follow your Honors Thesis Mentor's guidance to navigate research ethics and compliance.
  • Consult the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for any projects utilizing animals in the research.
  • If industry and/or non-profit partners are involved, it is important for the Honors Thesis Mentor and Honors Faculty Representative for the academic unit or program to ensure the written and presented materials have been reviewed and approved by the partners in writing (e-mail acceptable).

For more information departmental procedures, deadlines, and additional expectations, for the experiential honors thesis, please contact your honors departmental representative. 

 

Students may, upon approval by their common mentor, work on a group project subject to the following minimum terms.

  • There shall be 2-3 students in a group with justification required for more than 3.
  • There shall be multiple project objectives and each student must be responsible for at least one unique objective.
  • An expectation agreement prepared by the mentor that clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of each student for the completion of the overall project must be in place at the beginning of the project.
  • Students must meet with the mentor a minimum of 2 times per semester, times and dates to be established by the mentor.
  • Each member of the group will complete an individual thesis in accordance with the existing college honors guidelines for research and creative honors theses.
  • The group will present their project together at the proposal and final defense with each member responsible for their individual objectives of the project.

Seeking Funding for your Honors Thesis

Bumpers College Honors Program students and their Honors Honors Thesis Mentor may apply for research awards to support students' honors thesis project expenses as described in their grant proposal. Potential funding sources include the Bumpers College Undergraduate Research and Creative Project Grants which are awarded in the fall and spring, SURF grants which are awarded during fall semesters, and Honors College Research Grants which are awarded in the fall and spring.

For more information please visit:

Proposing and Defending Your Honors Thesis 

All students in the Bumpers College Honors Program will hold a proposal meeting with their committee prior to conducting their project and a defense meeting with their committee at the conclusion of their project.

A student's honors thesis committee should include their  Honors Thesis Mentor and a minimum of two additional members. The Honors Departmental Representative is required to sign Form #2 (Honors Thesis Proposal Meeting and Committee Selection Form) and Form #3 (Honors Thesis Defense Meeting and Examination Form) to confirm that the respective meetings have taken place, but is not required to be an active committee member. 

Students are encouraged to select members for their committee who can provide insight on their honors thesis topic and provide additional support throughout the research or creative process. Additional committee members can include but are not limited to University appointed teaching faculty, non UARK faculty (including faculty from overseas or from a different University), or a business professional in the students' area of study. 

A student’s honors thesis proposal meeting must be completed before the completion of 90 credit hours OR by the designated deadline for their intended term and year of graduation.  In a proposal meeting, students are expected to present their proposal (typically 15-20 minutes), via a PowerPoint slideshow, including an introduction, literature review, and research or creative methods. As professional courtesy, students should send their committee their written honors thesis proposal 1-2 weeks prior to the set meeting date. All committee members are required to attend the proposal meeting, review the student's written honors thesis proposal, and sign Form #2 to indicate their approval or disapproval of the student's honors thesis proposal.

Traditional Defense

A student’s honors thesis defense meeting must be completed by the designated deadline for their intended term and year of graduation, (spring - Apr. 1, summer - July 1, or fall - Nov. 1).  In a defense meeting, students are expected to present their proposal (typically 30 minutes), via a PowerPoint slideshow, including an introduction, literature review, and research or creative methods, plus any results/reflections/conclusions. As professional courtesy, students should send their committee their written honors thesis 1-2 weeks prior to the set meeting date. Committee members are also required to attend the defense meeting, review the student’s final written honors thesis, and sign Form #3 to indicate their approval or disapproval of the student's final honors thesis. Following the defense, students are expected to upload their final honors thesis to ScholarWorks by the designated submission deadline for their intended term and year of graduation (spring - Apr. 15, summer - July 15, or fall - Nov. 15).

Poster Defense

This option will go into effect for the 26-27 academic year. The poster defense is an optional alternative to the traditional oral defense for AFLS Honors students, depending on the department in which your major is housed and advisor approval. It allows students to demonstrate mastery of their research through a structured poster presentation and committee examination at a designated research symposium.

The rigor of examination is equivalent to the traditional defense. Students who cannot satisfy all eligibility requirements below must complete a traditional oral defense instead.

Eligibility: Important! The poster defense is not an option for students with majors housed in the Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences (ESWS & CPSC), regardless of the home department of their honors thesis mentor.

  • The student must obtain written approval in the form of an email from their honors thesis mentor and committee before pursuing the poster defense option, and all must agree to attend the symposium. The Honors Coordinator (aflshonors@uark.edu) must be copied on the email.
    • All committee members must attend the designated symposium in person. Remote attendance is not acceptable.
    • If any committee members fail to attend, the poster defense is considered a failure, and the student must complete a traditional oral defense.
  • If the student cannot participate in either designated symposium in a given academic year, they must complete a traditional defense.

Additional Poster Defense Guidelines

  • The student must notify the AFLS Honors Coordinator of their intent to defend via registration for the poster symposium. A specific question on the registration form will indicate this option.
  • The completed written thesis must be provided to all committee members at least two (2) weeks before the symposium. Failure to meet this deadline renders the student ineligible to defend at that semester’s symposium, unless written approval for a shorter interval (i.e., 1 week in advance) is received from all committee members.
  • The student is responsible for bringing Form 3 to the symposium, and Form 3 must be signed and submitted to the AFLS Honors Coordinator by end of the event.
  • Upon arrival, the committee members must pick up a printed copy of the rubric from the AFLS Honors Coordinator, which will serve as formal confirmation of their attendance.

Only the following designated research symposia are acceptable venues. Professional meetings, external conferences, and any other events do not qualify under any circumstances.

    • Spring: AFLS Poster Symposium
    • Fall: AFLS Poster Symposium, when offered. If this symposium is not held during the fall semester, students must complete a traditional defense.
    • Summer: The poster defense is not an option for those defending during the summer term. These students must complete a traditional defense.
  • Recommended size: 36” x 48”
  • A research poster should include the following sections:
    • Introduction/Background
    • Research Objectives
    • Methods
    • Results/Findings
    • Conclusions
    • References
  • A creative/experiential poster should include the following sections:
    • Introduction/Background
    • Objectives
    • Development Plan
    • Design Process and Creative Works
    • Conclusions
    • References
  • Content must be reviewed and approved by the honors thesis mentor prior to printing.

  • The committee must convene at the student’s poster at a pre-arranged time during the poster symposium, confirmed in advance. The defense consists of two parts:

    • Presentation: The student delivers an approximately five-minute summary of their research. This is a rough guideline, not a hard limit.
    • Committee Q&A: All committee members must actively participate in questioning. Each committee member is expected to question the student for a minimum of 5 minutes. The committee may ask follow-up questions, and each member is not limited to one round of questions. This is the primary examination period and should reflect the rigor of a traditional defense.
    • Committee Coordination: Committee members should arrange in advance to arrive at the student's poster at the same time, if possible. If a committee member arrives while the student is actively presenting or being questioned by another committee member, they must not interrupt. They should only rejoin when that full exchange is complete (i.e., presentation and questions). Each committee member must hear the student's full presentation independently if they are unable to arrive together.
  • Each committee member independently completes a rubric, scores the student out of 16 (12 points are required to pass), then marks the final “Presentation Acceptability” determination based on the numerical score.
  • If any committee member marks the presentation “Not Acceptable,” the poster defense is not passed. The student must then complete a traditional oral defense no later than the degree completion deadline for their intended semester of graduation. If a deadline extension is needed to complete the traditional defense, the student is responsible for requesting an extension from the Honors Coordinator (aflshnrs@uark.edu).
  • If all committee members mark “Acceptable,” the poster defense is passed. Form 3 is signed and submitted to the Honors Coordinator, along with each committee member’s completed and signed rubric, by the end of the event.

Submitting your Honors Thesis to the UA Library 

All honors students are required to submit a copy of their honors thesis to the UA library to be entered into the catalog of information. These theses are searchable through the library information system and available world wide to anyone using the UA library system.  Students should submit their honors thesis to the library only after it has been approved by their committee and Honors Thesis Mentor, and undergone a formatting review by a Bumpers College Honors Program staff member.

Prior to submitting:

  1. Save your honors thesis as a Word or PDF document (Save as a PDF by using the "save as" function in your word processor and try to avoid scanning your thesis.)  Use CTRL+F to ensure that your PDF is searchable. 
  2. Have your Title, Abstract, Keywords, relevant Disciplines and any additional files ready.
  3. Follow the instructions for submitting your honors thesis electronically. 

Submitting an Article to the Discovery Journal

Undergraduates conducting research in cooperation with a faculty mentor are encouraged to submit a journal article to the Discovery Journal. All submissions must follow Discovery Journal article guidelines. Note:  Unedited honors thesis will not be accepted. Students who have received a Bumpers College Undergraduate Research Grant are expected to submit an article based on their project.

Instructions for submitting your research or creative article to the Discovery Journal

Published Honors Thesis Examples

  • For examples of all recent undergraduate honors theses from all departments within the School of Human Environmental Sciences, visit the school's webpage on ScholarWorks.