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Thesis success in stages (thesis) guide, great minds think a lot..

As an Honors College student seeking an honors degree, your thesis is the chance for you to showcase your intellectual and creative talents. In many ways, your thesis will represent the culmination of your undergraduate experience at Oregon State University, drawing on all of the skills, knowledge, and insights you’ve acquired. Choose your own subject and think critically about social, creative, and scientific issues. Honors thesis topics range from scientific research to artistic creations to service projects, so there's room for you to explore the subject that excites you the most, even if it isn't in your major.

If all this sounds a bit overwhelming, don't worry. The HC provides you with a useful road map to guide you through each stage as you complete your thesis. Using Thesis Success in Stages (TheSIS) as your guide, you'll break the process down into smaller pieces with clear benchmarks to make your thesis journey much more manageable. These stages are called Stage 1: Plan , Stage 2: Explore & Build , Stage 3: Commit , and Stage 4: Compose & Complete .

Take comfort in knowing that you don't have to go it alone. It's OK to ask for help. In fact, we encourage it. Courses are available to help you at every stage of the process, and you'll be guided by a faculty team that's pulling for your success.

Stage 1: Plan

To be completed within the first three terms of joining the HC

Stage 1: Plan , the first stage, involves learning about the thesis requirement and mapping out personalized goals. This stage offers a framework for thinking about the thesis and possible paths to completion. Complete Stage 1 during your first year in the HC. If you are transferring into the HC, you should complete Stage 1 during your first term or as soon as possible.

Stage 2: Explore & Build

To be completed as indicated on your Thesis plan on file in the HC

The second stage, Explore & Build, requires you to explore your thesis interests and begin your engagement with faculty, with the goal of finding a mentor or making significant strides toward finding your mentor.

Stage 3: Commit

In the third stage , you will choose a mentor and work with that mentor to select a topic, develop a research plan, and complete a formal thesis proposal.

Stage 4: Compose & Complete

The final stage supports you in the process of actually writing the thesis, including drafting and revising chapters, presenting your thesis research to an audience of non-experts, planning the thesis defense and submitting your approved thesis.

• Submit or Update Your Thesis Plan
• Formatting Your HC Thesis

Contact Info

Honors College Learning Innovation Center 450

Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331 541-737-6400

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Research Distinction (Research Thesis)

If you are planning to enroll in 4999 and graduate with research distinction, you should submit the Application for Graduation with Research Distinction no later than the following deadlines:

• Students graduating Spring 2024: Application due by  Friday, October 6, 2023
• Students graduating Summer 2024: Application due by Friday, December 1, 2023
• Students graduating Autumn 2024: Application due by  Friday, February 9, 2024

Questions about applying after the deadline may be directed to Ed Quinn ( [email protected] ).

There are three options for students in the College of Arts and Sciences (ASC) interested in pursuing graduation with research distinction or with distinction:

• Graduation with research distinction in [the major field] recognizes those students who demonstrate excellence in the study of a discipline both through major course work and by completing an independent research project culminating in a thesis.
• Students majoring in mathematics may choose the graduate-level course work option to graduate with distinction in mathematics.
• Graduation with research distinction recognizes those students who complete and successfully defend a thesis in a discipline other than the major.

For information about the honors thesis option for students in the Arts and Sciences Honors Program, please see the website for the  Honors Research Thesis .

To graduate with research distinction, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• A student may complete a thesis within his/her major or in other disciplines, provided the student has a  faculty research advisor serving as his/her project advisor  (the faculty research advisor may be tenure-track, clinical, research, or auxiliary faculty). Lecturers and others who do not have tenure-track faculty status may not serve as the designated project advisor.
• Submit the application at least one term before your graduating term.
• Apply to graduate, early in your final term, with your academic advisor.
• Complete a minimum of 60 graded hours at Ohio State.
• Complete a minimum of 4 semester hours (a maximum of 10 hours) of 4999 research credit in the relevant discipline.
• Successfully defend the thesis during an oral examination, typically in the final term.
• Meet any department-specific requirements, which may include a minimum grade point average within the field of distinction.
• Graduate with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

A co-signer from the major department will be required only if the project advisor is affiliated with a college outside of Arts and Sciences, OR if the project advisor is affiliated with a department outside of the department of distinction. The co-signer should be either the departmental advisor or the chair of the department. Students pursuing distinction in an interdisciplinary major (e.g. International Studies, Comparative Studies, etc.) will most likely require a co-signer. NOTE: If you are a Neuroscience major, you must have a Neuroscience advisor co-sign for your research project.

Honors Thesis Option for students in the Arts and Sciences Honors Program

Questions about the application may be directed to Ed Quinn ( [email protected] ) in Arts and Sciences Academic Enrichment.

Abstracts and copies of past honors theses completed for graduation with research distinction are available for examination online through the Ohio State Libraries'  Knowledge Bank  and in the Mortar Board Room (room 202) of the Thompson Library.

They are valuable not only as examples of research undertaken in various disciplines but also as sources of information.

Undergraduate Research Office  - Information and resources on finding and managing research projects

ASC Undergraduate Research Scholarship  - Information on scholarships for undergraduate research projects

Denman Undergraduate Research Forum  - Showcase of student research

Graduating with Distinction in the Arts

The Arts Distinction recognition is for students who are pursuing a degree in the Arts (Art, Art Education, Arts Management, Dance, Design, Film Studies, History of Art, Moving-Image Production, Music, Theatre).

Students earning the distinction are required to complete a creative project or a research project during the last year of their major program. A faculty project advisor is responsible for overseeing the entire project. The student and faculty member should establish mutually acceptable guidelines for frequency of consultation, submission of preliminary drafts, and deadlines for submitting work. When the faculty member and the student determine that the project is complete, the student will schedule the oral defense examination. The exam committee includes the faculty project advisor and two tenure-track faculty members. In most cases, completion of the thesis and oral examination will take place during the semester in which the student graduates.

Distinction candidates earn ‘ with Distinction in [the major field] .’ Distinction candidates in Arts Honors earn ‘ with Honors Distinction in [the major field]. ’

If you need further information, please contact Ed Quinn at  [email protected] .

• Students graduating Autumn 2023: Application due by  Friday, February 3, 2023
• Students graduating Spring 2024: Application due by  Friday, September 22, 2023

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Honors Undergraduate Research

Engineering students have the opportunity to follow their own investigational instincts through participation in undergraduate research. This can be done along with the Honors Contract or instead of the Honors Contract. Those participating in research as an undergraduate student will have the opportunity to:

• Establish a close connection with a research team and/or faculty member
• Specialize in a focused area within their major or even outside of their major
• Learn new skills and methodologies pertaining to their research project
• Develop written and presentation skills through forum presentations and writing a thesis
• Prepare for a future in graduate school or in industry

Research that culminates in the production of an undergraduate research thesis allows the student to receive the designation of “With Research Distinction” or “With Honors Research Distinction” on their diploma, dependent upon their academic performance. Students are encouraged to discuss their plan with an honors advisor early in their academic career.

If you are a current student, please visit advising.engineering.osu.edu  for information about your current program's degree requirements.

Honors Program

Honors Contract

Integrated Business Engineering Honors Program

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Honors Thesis Undergraduate Research in Physics

Physics 4999h: honors thesis undergraduate research in physics, semester(s) offered:, course filters:.

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Honors Program

Honors students majoring in history complete both the major and the College requirements for “Honors in the Arts and Sciences” and may earn the designation “With Research Distinction in History” upon the successful completion of an undergraduate thesis. Students must complete an honors contract approved by the ASC Honors Committee and maintain a minimum 3.4 GPA.

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Honors Thesis Research I

Psych 4999.01h: honors thesis research i, meets the following psychology major goals: , knowledge base in psychology.

• Develop working knowledge of psychology's content domains

Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking

• Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena
• Demonstrate psychology information literacy
• Engage in innovative & integrative thinking & problem solving
• Interpret, design, & conduct basic psychological research

Ethical & Social Responsibility in a Diverse World

• Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science & practice
• Build & enhance personal relationships

Communication

• Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes
• Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes

Professional Development

• Apply psychological content & skills to career goals
• Exhibit self-efficacy & self-regulation
• Refine project-management skills
• Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation

To find course availability and times, please visit the  Ohio State Course Catalog and Master Schedule .

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Honors Research Thesis

RESEARCH PROJECT/THESIS MILESTONES The milestones are designed to guide students as they complete their research project/thesis. Milestones are negotiable with approval of faculty mentor.

First Year (Freshmen)

Second Semester:

• Eligible students Apply to Honors Program

(just prior to start of sophomore year)

2 nd Year (Sophomore)

• Students contact assigned mentor to establish initial meeting
• Students meet regularly with mentor to identify and plan research experience
• Begin research project
• Possible needs: CITI Certification, COI Disclosure, IRB approval of study
• Admitted students assigned faculty mentor

3 rd Year (Junior)

• Conduct/complete research project
• Meet regularly with mentor – may need to meet more frequently than in sophomore year
• Identify possible opportunities to disseminate findings (MNRS, Denman Undergraduate Research Forum, other professional conferences)

 4 th Year (Senior)

• Write thesis with guidance of faculty mentor
• Have thesis approved by faculty mentor
• Identify Second Reader  (faculty member) to serve as thesis committee member
• Send thesis (mentor-approved draft) to Second Reader for review
• Defend thesis orally  to mentor & Second Reader; option to defend thesis at university undergraduate research events (Denman, spring or fall Undergraduate Research Festivals
• After oral defense : Make final edits
• Submit thesis to Knowledge Bank (See Appendix)
• Send electronic copy of thesis to  Honors Program Director

HONORS RESEARCH THESIS Honors Program Thesis Policy At the conclusion of the research project, each Honors student will write a formal thesis under the supervision of the faculty mentor and orally defend the thesis before the 12th week of the final semester.

Research Project/Thesis Procedures 1. Student and mentor meet regularly (frequency determined by the mentor) to plan and complete a research project (during sophomore, junior and senior years). 2. Ideal plan is to complete the research project (including data analysis) by end of junior year. 3. During senior year, student writes the thesis that includes a description of the research project and results, and an explanation of findings. 4. Mentor and student select a second faculty member to serve as a Second Reader for the thesis and as a member of thesis committee. 5. After approval by faculty mentor, the thesis is sent to Second Reader by the student for review. 6. Second reader completes thesis review within 2 weeks after receiving same. 7. Student’s oral defense of thesis is completed by 12th week of final semester (Time, place, details of oral defense determined by faculty mentor) 8. Final thesis edits completed by student. 9. After final draft of thesis is approved by faculty mentor, student submits thesis to the Knowledge Bank by last day of classes during final semester. *Theses may be embargoed at the mentor’s discretion for 1-5 years. 10. Faculty mentors inform Director of Honors Program of thesis defense outcomes and send electronic copy of written thesis to the Director.

College of Nursing Thesis Guide (Recommendations) Title page Abstract Chapter I: Statement of the Problem (up to 4 pages) Introduction Background of the Problem Purpose of the Study Significance of the Study Conceptual Frame of Reference (Theory) Aims/Research Questions Definitions of Terms Chapter II: Review of the Literature (up to 5 pages) Introduction Body Chapter Summary Chapter III: Methodology (up to 4 pages) Research Design Population and Sample Design Data Collection Procedures Data Collection Instruments Chapter Summary Chapter IV: Results (up to 4 pages) Chapter V: Conclusions and Recommendation (up to 4 pages) Summary of Findings Conclusions Limitations Implications of this Study Recommendations References APA format 21 page limit (excluding title page, abstract and references)

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2024 Honors & Awards Ceremony

Welcome to the 2024 Honors & Awards Ceremony page. Awardees will be listed under their award category. Congrats to all of our winners!

Here are pictures from the event.

Outstanding Research

The purpose of the Outstanding Research Award is to recognize students for their research contributions within the department.

Outstanding Researcher

Mechanical engineering outstanding academic achievement awards.

The Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards are given to students who excel in academics among others in their graduating class. It is to reward them for their hardwork and efforts in their classes.

Top Academic Award - Mechanical Engineering Major

Aerospace engineering outstanding academic achievement awards, top academic award - aerospace engineering major, aerospace engineering outstanding senior award.

The Outstanding Senior in Aerospace Engineering is presented to an aerospace engineering student who has not only excelled academically, but has also demonstrated a great deal of leadership and community involvement.

Outstanding Senior

Madi Herrmann

Rob Wolf Outstanding Senior Award

Each year this award is presented to a senior mechanical engineering student in memory of Rob Wolf, a 1997 graduate of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. It was created to recognize students who excel academically while taking an active role in department, college, university or community organizations. The award is sponsored annually by the Wolf family.

In order to be considered for the award, students must have a 3.0 minimum cumulative point-hour ratio and meet at least two of the following criteria: be active in a professional or honorary society; have demonstrated leadership in a campus activity or done community service; have participated in campus-wide activities; and have worked during academic year to defray costs.

Each year a committee is formed to select two finalists and one awardee.

Rob Wolf Outstanding Senior Award Finalists

Michael Valcarcel  Andre Macarini Mascarenhas   

Rob Wolf Outstanding Senior Award Winner

Carter Taylor 

Graduate and Undergraduate Teaching Associate Award

These awards are intended to recognize exceptional teaching provided by a graduate teaching associate and undergraduate teaching associate in mechanical or aerospace engineering.

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Associates

Outstanding undergraduate teaching associates.

Anastasia Anikina

Stillman Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award

The Stillman Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to retired or emeritus alumni who have distinguished themselves over their lifetimes by contributing to the advancement of their chosen profession. Robinson joined Ohio State in 1878, and was the founding chairperson of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.  He was also one of the founders of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and received an Honorary Doctorate of Science degree from Ohio State in 1896. This was previously known as the Charles Kettering Lifetime Achievement Award.

2024: Kenneth Diller

Rudolph Charles Edse Award in Space Engineering

The Rudolph Charles Edse Award in Space Engineering is presented to Aerospace Engineering Program alumni who have made significant contributions to successful engineering and/or scientific advances in space related products or programs.  Edse moved to Ohio State in 1950, becoming the director of the Rocket Research Laboratory. His research developed several possible propellant combinations, and determined their combustion characteristics and combustion stability limits.  He was also one of the first to study cryogenic rocket propellants.

2024: Ken Davidian

Garvin L. Von Eschen Award for Leadership in Aeronautical Engineering

The Garvin L. Von Eschen Award for Leadership in Aeronautical Engineering is presented to Aerospace Engineering Program alumni who have demonstrated technical and administrative excellence in leading successful aerospace projects and organizations. Von Eschen joined Ohio State in 1946 as the first chairman of the newly established Department of Aeronautical Engineering. During the next three decades, he provided vision and guidance to the growing department as it established highly rated undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as laboratories for aerodynamic and rocket research.

2024: Joseph Connolly

Thomas French Achievement Award

The Thomas French Achievement Award will be presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves as scholars and educators. French, a 1895 graduate of Ohio State, served as a professor of engineering drawing at his Alma Mater, introduced new teaching methods, and authored a popular textbook. He was awarded the Lamme Medal in 1943 for his achievements.

2024: James Schmiedeler

Ralph Boyer Young Achiever Award

The Ralph Boyer Young Achiever Award is presented to alumni who have risen rapidly in their chosen profession, and made significant contributions to engineering products and/or programs before the age of 40. Boyer, a 1930 graduate of Ohio State, achieved chief engineer status, and contributed significantly to his company while still a young man.

2024: Charles Muse and Sarah Watzman

Marion Smith Service Award

The Marion Smith Service Award will be presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves by providing a level of service to the community, the university, and/or society above and beyond what is expected in their position as they made significant career contributions.  Smith received his master’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1947 from Ohio State.  He served for more than 37 years as a faculty member and associate dean of the College of Engineering, giving generously of his time to students and alumni.

2024: Colonel John Cherry

E.G. Bailey Entrepreneurship Award

The E.G. Bailey Entrepreneurship Award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurship as they invented new products, processes, or procedures that have been successfully manufactured, adapted, or utilized. This award honors E.G. Bailey, a 1903 graduate of Ohio State, and inventor of the Bailey meter. Bailey left an engineering job to develop and manufacture his meter which dramatically improved boiler efficiency and has been used world-wide.

2024: Sampriti Bhattacharyya

Alan Gregory Loofbourrow Business Achievement Award

The Alan Gregory Loofbourrow Business Achievement Award is presented to alumni who have been recognized for their significant contributions in guiding a successful product or service business, major industrial organization, or government entity. Loofbourrow, a 1925 graduate of Ohio State, was elevated to chief engineer of the Chrysler Division by 1945.  Continual advances took him to the position of vice president and director of engineering, to vice president in charge of quality and reliability, and to Chrysler’s Vice President of Engineering, from which he retired.  During his career, he was one of the industry’s foremost spokespersons for the engineering profession.

2024: Andrew Orben

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