Annual Honors Research Conference

Earn Honors Scholarship

Participating in the Honors Research Conference is only one of two ways that students can earn Honors Scholarship, a necessary tier for Honors Distinction. The only other way to earn Honors Scholarship is by completing a Senior Thesis, which also requires you to present at the Honors Research Conference.

Explore a Passion Project

Did you take an Honors course this year that was so impactful, you’ll remember what you learned for the rest of your life? Did you craft an essay that filled you with so much curiosity and pride that you want to share your discoveries with others? The Honors Research Conference is a place to “nerd out” and speak about an essay, research topic, or project that you felt particularly passionate about this year.

Consider it a Thesis “Test Run”

All Honors students need to complete an Honors Capstone experience before graduation. Many students choose to pursue an independent Honors Senior Thesis to achieve this requirement. Participating in the Honors Research Conference mimics the experience of creating a thesis on a smaller scale and can help you decide if creating an Honors Senior Thesis is the right path for you.

Prepare for Grad School

If graduate school might be in your future, the Honors Research Conference is an excellent opportunity to experience what it will be like to share your research with others, discuss methodologies and answer questions, and even simulate a defense of your thesis.

All DePaul University Honors students, regardless of major or year in school, can participate in the Honors Research Conference.

Step 1: Pick Your Paper

Identify a paper that you wrote from an Honors course this past academic year that you are particularly proud of, passionate about, or wish to explore further.

Step 2: Apply to the Conference

Apply to present at the Honors Research Conference. The Honors Program will open the Honors Research Conference application in early Spring. In your application, you will include a brief, 100-word abstract outlining your research methods and conclusions.

Step 3: Create a Poster

If your application to present is accepted, you will then work with Honors faculty and staff to create a poster that visually represents your thesis, methodologies, research, and findings.

Step 4: Present at the Conference

On the day of the conference, you will stand by your poster to discuss your research and answer the questions of conference attendees, including DePaul faculty, staff, students, and guests.

Step 5: Celebrate!

Celebrate your incredible contributions to undergraduate Honors research!

The Honors Program will consider any research paper or project as long as it was completed during the past academic year in an Honors course.

Yes! Once your application has been accepted, the Honors Program will host workshops to help you learn more about what to expect, preparing your poster, and engaging with your audience.

Yes! Participating in the conference will earn you Honors Scholarship, a necessary tier for Honors Distinction.

Email the DePaul University Honors Program at honorsprogram@depaul.edu.