Honors Undergraduate Thesis

Honors Undergraduate Thesis (HUT) is UCF's most advanced undergraduate research program. It is designed to assist juniors and seniors to develop their own independent research project under the direction of a thesis advisor and faculty thesis committee. Students do not need to be Honors students to take advantage of the HUT program; it is available to all qualified UCF students. Over two to four semesters, students work closely with a faculty committee to research, write, defend, and publish an original thesis that serves as an honors capstone product of their undergraduate career. This thesis is published through the university library, UCF's STARS Repository, and is available to researchers worldwide through electronic databases.

The Burnett Honors College partners with all colleges in sponsoring HUT Scholarships. These $1,000 scholarships are awarded every fall and spring on a competitive basis within each college and are available to all students who are enrolled in HUT credit hours.

Next Steps

  1. First, find out if you are eligible and meet the basic requirements by visiting the Honors Undergraduate Thesis admissions page. If you have questions or you almost meet the requirements, stop in and see the great folks in the Office of Honors Research (OHR), now relocated in Trevor Colbourn Hall, Suite 248 (Phone: 407-823-0851). Email HonorsResearch@ucf.edu with any questions. The HUT Coordinator will help you (1) apply for the Honors Undergraduate Thesis program and then (2) help get you registered. Remember you will be taking the Honors in Undergraduate Thesis project credit hours in the following semesters. You need a minimum of two semesters to complete the program. Additionally Dr. Padmini Coopamah Waldron, Director, is a valuable resource to your thesis chair and you.
  2. You will need to gain the permission of a professor to serve as your thesis chair and work with you weekly as part of an independent study or Directed Readings. By the end of the semester of Directed Readings, you should have a 15-20 page proposal (with 15-20 references) outlining the Honors in Undergraduate Thesis project that is approved by your thesis chair, a committee of one additional person, and the Honors in Undergraduate Thesis Coordinator, Dr. Sherron Roberts. If you need help identifying a chair, Dr. Roberts can help.
  3. Obtain all the necessary signatures on your application form and get the ball rolling. Even though you can now use HelloSign to obtain your chair's and Dr. Robert's signature electronically, please go introduce yourself to Dr. Roberts (ED 315T) in person, and seek her help to get started. Congrats!

For resources, videos, and PowerPoints, visit our Student Learning & Licensure (SLL).

Requirements

Honors in Undergraduate Thesis (HUT) is the oldest and most prestigious undergraduate research program at UCF and provides students from all disciplines the opportunity to engage in independent and original research as principal investigators. Over the course of at least two semesters, students work closely with a faculty committee to research, write, defend, and publish an original Honors thesis. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn Honors in Undergraduate Thesis distinction on their diplomas and transcripts. Contact Dr. Sherron Roberts.

At a minimum, the following criteria must be met for admission into the Honors in the Major program:

  • Sixty (60) completed hours of college credit
  • Twelve (12) completed upper division hours of college credit
  • At least a 3.4 UCF or Overall GPA
  • At least two semesters remaining prior to graduation

This GPA is calculated based on all college-level course work regardless of the institution. For the Honors in Undergraduate Thesis program, all GPA's are calculated without rounding.

If you are close to the above requirements, contact Dr. Sherron Roberts.

Application deadlines are typically three weeks prior to the beginning of a semester to give students time to obtain faculty signatures.

FAQs about Honors in Undergraduate Thesis

It is an informational session put on by the College for potential students to learn about becoming a part of the Honors in Undergraduate Thesis program. This is a program wherein you research one on one with a professor and write the equivalent of a Master’s thesis as an undergraduate.
The email was sent to all people who come close to qualifying or qualify because we want to push you harder, raise your GPA to an acceptable level, and then participate!
YES! Contact Dr. Sherron Roberts.
Feel free to come in your daily clothes, or dress up. Two deans will be in attendance, so some folks will be dressed up. You can follow the advice I give my own children. It’s okay to wear jeans, but no writing on the top.
We are happy to have guests, but I really don’t think they will want to come. It’s not like an event where you will be individually recognized and honored. Yummy cookies and such will be served, but no filet mignon.
Nope! There is no cost associated with the meeting or to participate in the program. In fact, you may be eligible for a $1000 scholarship.
Feel free to bring roommates or other interested colleagues. It is a great program wherein undergraduate students participate in Honors in Undergraduate Thesis and graduate from both the College of Community Innovation and Education and The Burnett Honors College. Just send in a little rsvp, so we'll have a head count.