Honors Thesis
Overview
Fall 2026 Honors Thesis Defense days will be taking place from November 19th-25th. Spring 2027 Honors Thesis Defense days will be held from April 19th-30th.
An Honors Thesis is a significant research project, often serving as the culmination of months of sustained investigation into an area of a student’s academic interest. The Honors Thesis can prepare students for the rigors and expectations of graduate and professional school, going above and beyond a disciplinary product by considering its implications or possible benefits. More information about this can be found on the context and communication page.
The honors thesis is available to students of any major and professional aspirations. All honors theses must be scholarly, polished, original works that are mentored by knowledgeable faculty. An Honors Thesis begins with a project proposal and results in both a written product and public presentation (termed “defense”).
It is recommended that students secure a mentor, engage in preliminary reading and plan the thesis project during their junior year with their final year dedicated to data collection, analysis, and writing.
The Honors Thesis Handbook is a comprehensive guide for starting, completing, and defending a thesis. We recommend reviewing it early and keeping it as a resource to refer to throughout the thesis writing and defending process.
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Considering an Honors Thesis? Wondering how to get started? These videos can help.
What is an Honors Thesis? What is an Honors Thesis? How do I get started? How do I get started?
Want to view examples of past students’ honors theses? Check out the repository on Scholars Junction.
Scholars Junction Scholars Junction
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Honors Thesis Planning
Honors Thesis Interest Form
The Honors Thesis Interest Form serves as a method for students to declare their intention to complete a thesis and should be completed two or more semesters before they intend to defend. Completing the interest form places the student on a mailing list for additional thesis related information, workshops, and advice. Those intending to defend in spring semester will fill out this interest form in the spring semester one year prior with analogous timing for the fall. For example- to defend in spring 2028, this form should be completed by February 15, 2027.
Honors Thesis Interest Form Honors Thesis Interest Form
Securing a Thesis Director
Thesis Directors and students work closely throughout the entire Honors Thesis process. It is important to select an MSU faculty member who has the appropriate research background and knowledge to support the student as they craft their thesis. More information about the role of the faculty thesis director can be found on the Thesis Directors’ responsibilities page. Additional resources for faculty mentors are available on the mentor resources page via the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Discovery website. Questions about eligibility or about the role of the thesis director should be sent to Associate Dean Elder.
Thesis for Course Credit
Students may opt to take a credit bearing course, HON 4093, while completing their honors thesis. The HON 4093 course is created as a special section (per student) dedicated for the honors thesis and is handled like a DIS (directed individual study). These courses are set up upon the request of a student after the honors thesis proposal has been approved. The expectations and grading will be determined by one’s thesis director. Weekly meetings and writing deadlines are strongly recommended.
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Honors Thesis Proposal & Pathway
Honors Thesis Proposal
Submitting an honors thesis proposal is a mandatory step in the Honors Thesis process and must be completed by all students. This is done once some preliminary work and planning, including securing the participation of an eligible thesis mentor and discussion of a project of reasonable scope has been completed. The proposal requires a description of the importance and motivation of the project, presentation of a question or topic to explore, relevant methods and data sources, consideration of regulatory compliance training and requirements, and a general timeline for completion.
Students intending to defend their thesis during the spring semester should submit their thesis proposal at the latest by September 15th; those intending to defend their thesis during the fall semester should submit their thesis proposal at the latest by February 15th. Students who do not submit proposals in a timely manner are at risk of not being recognized as completing an honors thesis.
Requirements:
- Honors Thesis Signature Page: Only the student and the thesis director's signatures, typed names, and NetIDs are required at this stage. It will be signed by the Honors College Associate Dean after submission if it is approved.
- Detailed proposal: 3-5 paragraphs describing the research project (see the handbook for guidance). Note: This project summary must be approved by the thesis director (faculty research mentor) prior to submission.
- Attach both documents to the Honors Thesis Proposal Submission Form (included below).
Submit Your Proposal Submit Your Proposal
Honors Thesis Pathway on Canvas
Students whose proposals have been approved will be enrolled into a non-credit producing Canvas portal (the Honors Thesis Pathway) which provides guidance through the steps necessary to successfully submit an Honors Thesis in a timely manner. It is expected that all students fully participate in the Honors Thesis Pathway on Canvas.
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Honors Thesis Defense
The Shackouls Honors College hosts the Honors Thesis Defense Days every fall and spring semester during which students defend their thesis to their committee and a public audience.
In the Fall semester, Honors Thesis Defense Days typically fall near the end of the term before the end of classes. In the fall this typically falls immediately before Thanksgiving. Spring Thesis Defense Days typically occur in the last two weeks of April and the first few days of May each year. Students schedule their thesis defense through the Honors Thesis Pathway Canvas.
Consider attending these thesis defenses and supporting peers in their research and creative endeavors!
The Honors Thesis documents are revised one last time after the defense. These documents are turned into the Shackouls Honors College and made available online. Be sure to review the completed works of other successful honors thesis students via the Scholars Junction repository.
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For any further questions, please contact thesis@honors.msstate.edu.