The Honors College Research Track is designed to prepare students for academic research. Through research, you will directly participate in the advancement of knowledge in your area of study. In addition to acquiring the specific skills used for research in your field, you will strengthen broadly transferrable skills in written and oral communication, critical thinking, and information literacy. Research experience will make you more competitive for graduate and professional schools and can enhance your resume in a tight labor market.
Honors College Introduction to Research
HNRS 1500: Introduction to Research—An Interdisciplinary Perspective (3 hours)
This is a lecture and discussion course on the basic principles of research in the physical and life sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Topics covered include critically reviewing scholarly literature, research methods, ethics and values in research, safety issues, intellectual property rights, research funding, research presentations, and publication.
Mentored Research
You can earn credit for working as a research assistant for a UNT faculty member. Mentored research projects require independent student work but the project may be designed and/or executed primarily by the supervising faculty member. You may complete a total of 6 Honors College credits through mentored research (one freshman/sophomore level and one junior/senior level). Learn more about mentored research here.
Complete an Honors College Thesis
An Honors College thesis is an extended piece of independent student research. Completing a thesis is a multiple-semester process. Students typically develop thesis proposals in HNRS 3500: Honors College Thesis Proposal and then finish their theses under the guidance of faculty mentors in their major areas. Students earn 3 Honors College credits for enrolling in their department’s section of Honors College thesis 4951. Students defend their theses at Honors College Thesis Day. A thesis is required for students pursuing the Distinguished Honors College Scholar Award or the Advanced Honors College Scholar Award. Learn more about Honors College theses here.