Honors Projects

The Honors Program provides qualified students the opportunity to complete a two-semester, six-credit research project under the supervision of a faculty advisor, fulfilling the Sociology major writing and COLL 400 requirements. Each Honors project culminates in a thesis and oral defense.

In order to pursue a ssenior Honors in Sociology a student must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (or a 3.0 for the junior year alone), and work with a faculty advisor to design and submit the project for approval. If you are interested in completing an Honors project, it is important to begin the process in your Junior year by first meeting with a potential faculty advisor, following the above timeline. Here are some important resources to help you through the process:

• Sociology Department Honors Guidelines
• Charles Center Honors Guidelines
• Application Form for Sociology Honors
• Application Form for Charles Center
• (Optional) Application for Charles Center Honors Fellowship
• Example Honors Thesis Initial Proposal (Example 1 and Example 2)
  
• Example Completed Honors Theses (Print copies of older theses are also available in the department)
• Swem Library Research Guides and Librarian Appointments

Completing an Honors project can be one of the most academically rewarding experiences of a student's undergraduate career. Take a close look at the department guidelines to get the process started.

Sociology Honors Thesis Timeline

1) Junior Year: Fall Semester - Meet with Faculty Advisor
2) Junior Year: Spring Semester - In January, submit initial application to pursue Honors in Sociology
3) Junior Year: Spring Semester - In early February, confirm Chair of Honors Committee
4) Junior Year: Spring Semester - Fill out Charles Center Honors Application form
5) Junior Year: Spring Semester - Optional, apply for an Honors Fellowship through Charles Center to support summer research

6) Senior Year: Fall Semester - Register for SOCI 495 (You will receive override from Charles Center)
7) Senior Year: Fall Semester - End of semester, submit and defend formal Honors Thesis Proposal
8) Senior Year: Spring Semester - Defend Thesis: See Charles Center website for official thesis submission and defense deadlines.