Research and the Honors Thesis
All Schreyer Scholars are required to complete an undergraduate honors thesis. This work represents the culmination of a student's honors experience. Through the thesis, the student demonstrates a command of relevant scholastic work and a personal contribution to that scholarship.
The thesis project can take many forms - from laboratory experiments all the way to artistic creations. The thesis document captures the relevant background, methods and techniques, as well as describing the details of the completion of the individual project.
Two Penn State faculty members judge the merits of this Scholar's honors thesis: the student's self-selected thesis supervisor and the department-selected honors adviser in the student's area of honors.
Honors Thesis Guides
The Thesis Project Guide
This guide presents some details for the step-by-step process students usually undergo while doing thesis projects and writing an honors thesis.
The Thesis Formatting Guide
This guide will assist you in proper formatting of your electronic thesis.
The Thesis Submission Guide
This guide will assist you in fulfilling the final requirement to graduate with honors – the submission of your thesis document.
Questions about your thesis format or submission?
- Send email to SHCRecords@psu.edu
- Schedule an appointment
Links to Thesis Forms and Resources
- Thesis Proposal: The Thesis Proposal must be submitted one year before your intended graduation date.
- The electronic Honors Theses Archives provide a searchable database of honors theses submitted since Fall 2009.
- Outstanding Thesis Award: annual competition sponsored by Penn State University Libraries
- SHC Statistical Consulting Center (SCC) offers statistical consulting services for Schreyer Scholars working on thesis research in the spring semester.
- Career Services, Resources for Undergraduate Research
- undergraduate research opportunities
- financial support for students conducting research
- research exhibition and publication