Honors Project
Your Topic
When it comes to your Honors Project, there are no formulas or limits. Students have produced short documentaries; mounted photography, sculpture, and art exhibits; written poetry manuscripts, novellas, and scientific papers; designed an aerodynamically advanced golf putter; and explored topics such oyster microbiomes and limb rehabilitation in stroke patients. Above all, it should be one that challenges you creatively and intellectually, that captures your heart and mind, and is your original work.
We encourage you to think about your project as early as possible. Think about the classes that especially intrigue you. Get to know the professor and find out what research and creative work he or she is doing. Cultivate academic relationships with potential faculty sponsors early and keep those relationships alive.
You may do your Honors Project in your major, your minor, or any other area of interest. For example, a Biological Sciences major has done a project in photography, and a Marine Affairs major has done a project in philosophy. The norm, however, is for students to propose topics within their major or minor field of study. Ideally, it will focus your attention on a topic of your own selection about which you feel passionate.
In selecting your topic, think about what you want to learn, how you want to be different, what skill sets you want to attain. Talk to as many people as possible, including faculty who are familiar with the subject matter you have chosen to learn about. Make an appointment with people in the field of study who may be able to offer ideas and support. Review the Honors Project abstracts and summaries from previous years on Digital Commons.