Resources for Honors Students
Undergraduate honors thesis
To graduate from Western Michigan University’s Lee Honors College, all students must complete and successfully defend an honors thesis. Each honors student works with one of our nationally and internationally known expert faculty on an original piece of research or a creative activity. Detailed information to guide students through the process is available in the Lee Honors College student thesis handbook.
The thesis topic will vary depending on the field of study. For example, a traditional research paper, a public performance, a work of art, a design project, a business plan or educational curriculum may be completed for the honors thesis. While it is typical for a student to choose a thesis topic in their major field, it is not essential. The thesis committee chair and the dean or the associate dean of the honors college must approve the thesis topic. For examples of past honors theses, please visit ScholarWorks.
The honors thesis prepares students to stand out in the employment or graduate study application process. According to Lee Honors College alumni, the final product, as well as the thesis process, has been one of the most significant contributors to success after graduation.
It’s never too early to start thinking about a thesis topic, but preparation should begin no later than the start of a student’s junior year.
- Honors Thesis Project Timeline—A proposed timeline for completing an undergraduate thesis at WMU.
- Honors Thesis Protocol Approval—Guidelines on determining whether a project could qualify as human subjects research.
- Human Subjects Information—Instructions and application materials for research involving human subjects.