College of Education and Human Ecology Honors Program

Students conceptualize, develop and execute their own research thesis under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The undergraduate thesis option is tailored for students seeking to delve deeply into a subject of their choosing, demonstrating their capacity for independent inquiry and scholarly research. As a culmination of their research, students will produce a final thesis that encapsulates their research findings. Students will additionally complete a thesis defense and approval from a faculty committee. This is the only pathway that offers students the Honors Research Distinction upon graduation.

Through faculty-led collaboration and mentorship, students will develop essential research skills, enhance their critical thinking abilities and deepen their understanding of their chosen subject matter. The final product of the undergraduate research project may take various forms, including but not limited to co-authored publications, research papers, visual presentations or other scholarly outputs.

Students pursue an additional internship experience beyond the existing requirements for their major. The internships pursued through this option offer a unique opportunity for specialized skill development and career exploration beyond the basic requirements embedded in the major curriculum. An advanced internship may be completed within the same professional organization as a previous internship but must take place during a separate semester from the internship used for the major requirement. Students will engage in self-reflection and career development and will produce a final visual presentation, impact report or other product showing engagement and achievement throughout their internship.

As the broadest of the ELP pathways, this option allows students to partner with an organization or faculty member to design, plan and implement individual service-learning projects that address pressing issues and contribute to a positive change within their community. Whether collaborating with local organizations or community stakeholders, participants will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference through hands-on, immersive experiences that leverage their academic knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges. The final product of the Community Engagement Project may take various forms, including co-authored publications, research papers, visual presentations, impact reports or other creative mediums.