The Honors Program has two deadlines specifically related to the thesis.
In your final semester:
- End of 3rd week: Honors Scholar Thesis Plan with thesis title, project description, and approvals from Thesis Supervisor and Honors Advisor.
- Last day of classes: Final thesis approved by your thesis supervisor and Honors advisor is due in the Quest system.
- Extensions: In some cases, you may get an extension providing your thesis supervisor and Honors advisor agree. See the timeline for graduation for more details.
*Please note that your department may have other or earlier deadlines and/or requirements; please discuss this with your Honors advisor.
See the Timeline for Graduation for specific dates, deadlines, and other forms required for Honors Scholar graduation beyond the thesis.
Suggested timeline for completing an Honors thesis
Other than Honors Program deadlines that are noted, this timeline is suggested based on the scope of an “average” thesis project, but it will vary based on your project and major. Please discuss your plans with your Honors advisor and thesis supervisor.
Year 1:
- Ask questions!
- Look for jobs related to research or working with faculty (or volunteer)
- Look for classes related to research
- Get to know your faculty members
- Review departmental websites to learn about current research initiatives
Year 2:
- Keep asking questions!
- Seek out departmental research methods courses
- Start exploring research areas or take an independent study
- Look for on-campus and off-campus research opportunities
- Review thesis examples to learn about the thesis in your major and to look for potential thesis supervisors
Year 3:
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
- File Honors Scholar Preliminary Plan of Study in mid-fall
- Reach out to faculty members and identify a thesis supervisor
- With your supervisor, decide on a thesis topic
- Start working on your thesis research during the spring; even outlining your plan helps!
- Look for Thesis Events geared toward juniors and seniors
- Apply for summer research funding
~~~ Continue to work on your thesis over the summer ~~~
Year 4:
- You still have questions
- Consider an independent study or research course to get credit for your thesis work in the fall
- Start writing while you conduct your research!
- Have regular meetings to get direction and feedback from your supervisor
- Apply to present your research at Fall or Spring Frontiers
- File Honors Scholar Final Plan of Study by end of the fall semester
- File Honors Scholar Thesis Plan by third week of the spring semester
- Complete your first draft as early as possible, possibly as part of a thesis writing course. Leave yourself plenty of time for revisions!
- An approved thesis is due by last day of classes
- Submit your thesis to UConn’s Open Commons
- Celebrate at Honors Medals Ceremony and UConn Commencement
Note: The Honors Program does not define the project as a senior thesis because it can be completed at any point prior to graduation.