Now accepting proposals to complete an Honors Senior Thesis in Fall 2026. Proposals due Monday, June 1.
All Honors students must complete a capstone experience before graduation. The Senior Thesis is one option that fulfills this requirement. It also fulfills Honors Scholarship, a necessary tier for Honors Distinction. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, students will research, write, edit, and revise their thesis over the course of two quarters. The first quarter is dedicated to identifying a research topic, connecting with faculty members to guide you as you complete your project, and beginning preliminary research. The first quarter ends with the creation and submission of your Thesis Proposal. During your second quarter, you will work closely with your faculty mentors to research, draft, revise, and complete your project. The experience culminates in a presentation of the final paper and its findings at the annual Honors Research Conference. The Senior Thesis is open to all Honors students in their final year at DePaul, but it is especially recommended for anyone considering graduate school, seeking an independent and self-directed academic experience, or wishing to explore a personal research interest. Projects may take many forms, including creative works, research connected to one’s major, or explorations of ideas developed through Honors and other coursework.
To successfully complete an Honors Senior Thesis, you must follow the four steps outlined below. You will download the Thesis Materials Packet, submit your Thesis Proposal, create and finish your thesis in accordance with the Thesis Timeline, and present your final project at the spring quarter Honors Research Confernce.
Step 1: Download and read the Thesis Materials Packet
The Honors Senior Thesis Materials packet contains an explanation of the format, guidelines, ideas, and timeline for the Thesis. Please read the entire packet before you submit your proposal to ensure that you will be able to successfully produce an Honors Senior Thesis.
Step 2: Submit your Thesis Proposal
Before you can begin, your thesis proposal must be accepted by the DePaul University Honors Program.
Deadline to Submit a Thesis Proposal:
June 1 – for a thesis to be completed by the end of Autumn Quarter
November 4 – for a thesis to be completed by the end of Winter Quarter
To request an extension for a proposal, contact Dr. Keith Mikos (kmikos@depaul.edu). Extensions may be granted in light of extenuating circumstances.
Step 3: Follow the Thesis Timeline outlined below
The creation of a Senior Thesis spans across two consecutive quarters. Each quarter is dedicated to different steps to help ensure you stay on track to complete your project.
Quarter 1: Preparation
- Identify your topic and thesis type
- Locate a thesis director and faculty reader
- Establish a timeline and schedule for your thesis’ specific needs
- Begin preliminary research by locating and evaluating potential sources
- Create your Thesis Proposal
- Submit your Thesis Proposal
Quarter 2: Completion
- Meet regularly with your thesis director
- Research, read, draft, write, and create your thesis
- Submit a draft to your faculty reader for suggested revisions
- Revise based on feedback
- Submit your final thesis to your director, faculty reader, and the Honors Program
Step 4: Present at the Honors Research Conference
The 2026 annual Honors Research Conference will take place on Friday, May 29 from 3:00-6:00pm. RSVP information to come. Learn more about the conference here.
Consider Checking Out…
Honors Research Conference Archive
Recommend a Professor to Teach for the Honors Program
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you just want to discuss your thesis, email the Honors Program at honorsprogram@epaul.edu.