Honors College

Thesis

An Honors thesis is ...

  • the hallmark of a quality honors education around the world
  • a common feature of the finest honors programs in the U.S.
  • your unique opportunity at the WSU Honors College to explore questions that intrigue you, working side-by-side with the University's world-class research and teaching faculty

All academic disciplines lend themselves to thesis work. Your thesis will be tied to an existing body of knowledge and can ...

  • involve your original creative work in the visual or performing arts
  • evidence your research in the world of business or the physical, biological, or social sciences
  • highlight your historical research in an archive or library that is tied to your own hypothesis

You can explore a problem within a single discipline or pose an interdisciplinary question.  Or you can incorporate your study abroad experience into your thesis.

In all cases, though, your thesis must be presented as a significant piece of writing and a public oral presentation that places your work within an academic framework. The written work must provide a synthesis of the relevant scholarly literature and analyze your work within that context.  A Thesis Evaluation Rubric is available to help you prepare to be evaluated on your work.

Students may be nominated for the designation "Pass With Distinction" on their Honors thesis by their advisor; the Honors Council of faculty makes the final decisions.  This special award is recognized in numerous ways. 


Your Thesis Handbook

While each student's thesis topic is unique, there are procedures and timelines that apply to all theses.  These are detailed in the Thesis Handbook.


University Honors College, Washington State University, PO Box 642012, Pullman WA 99164-2012, 509-335-4505, Contact Us