Honors Senior Thesis/Project | University Honors Programs

Honors College Senior Thesis/Project

The Honors College offers an exciting opportunity for students to dive deeply into meaningful research, receive mentorship from faculty, and prepare for advanced studies or professional careers. As part of this experience, rising seniors are required to complete a Senior Honors Thesis/Project.

This year-long project spans the final Fall and Spring semesters of your time at Stony Brook University. man presenting

In the Fall semester, students enroll in HON 495, where they design and conduct an in-depth research or creative project. In the Spring, students continue their work in HON 496, focusing on writing the thesis and preparing their final presentation materials. The project culminates with the submission of a written thesis and an oral presentation at the annual University Honors Programs Senior Symposium.

To participate, students must first identify a Stony Brook faculty mentor who will guide them through the project. Students are also required to submit a Senior Thesis Intent Form to the Thesis Coordinator during the Spring semester of their junior year.

Beyond expertise in their chosen field, students will gain valuable skills in critical thinking, project management, and effective communication—laying a strong foundation for future academic or professional pursuits.

Important Note: Students wishing to complete their thesis/project under a different departmental course must seek prior approval from their respective Honors Program.

Junior Thesis Meeting

Wednesday, Feb 12, 2025
Session via Zoom
Please note this meeting is Mandatory for the Junior Class

Poster Printing Deadline

Monday, April 14th, 2025

2025 Annual Symposium

Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Student Union Ballroom
Session One: 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Session Two: 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Why It Matters?

The Honors Senior Thesis/Project is a defining academic experience that allows students to delve deeply into a subject they are passionate about, conduct original research or creative work, and demonstrate their intellectual and creative abilities. This program challenges students to develop critical skills in research, writing, and public speaking, while earning credits in key Stony Brook Curriculum (SBC) categories, such as EXP+, ESI, SPK, and WRTD.

More than just an academic requirement, the Senior Thesis/Project enriches students’ educational journey and distinguishes them as scholars prepared for the challenges of graduate school and professional life. With guidance from faculty mentors, students design and complete a rigorous research project, refining their ability to articulate and present complex ideas.

Dates and Requirements

Eligibility Requirements:

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and good academic standing as a member of the Honors College
An established faculty mentor and a defined research question that can be addressed in a year-long project.

To pursue the Honors Senior Thesis/Project in Fall 2025, please contact your Thesis Coordinator to confirm your eligibility and obtain the Senior Thesis Intent Form. Submission Deadline: Friday, May 9, 2025

Conferral Requirements:

Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Be enrolled in HON 495 (Fall) and HON 496 (Spring)
Successfully complete the senior thesis paper
Present your project at the anual University Honors Senior Symposium

Program Timeline:

Junior Year: Apply in the spring by submitting the Senior Thesis Intent Form to conduct an independent honors project, securing approval from a faculty mentor.
Senior Year: Complete the project/thesis while enrolled in HON 495 (Fall) and HON 496 (Spring). Present at the University Honors Senior Symposium at the end of the Spring Semester.

For a complete program timeline, please review the details here.

Honors Programs Senior Thesis/Project FAQs

These are the course codes for the two-semester thesis/project sequence. HON 495 focuses on research and data collection, while HON 496 emphasizes writing the thesis and preparing for the oral presentation. A single grade is awarded at the end of the sequence. You will need to be given permission by the Thesis Coordinator to enroll in each of these courses.
Completing the Senior Thesis/Project demonstrates your ability to manage a significant, long-term project, making you stand out to graduate schools and employers. It also allows you to deepen your expertise in an area of passion. You can include your senior thesis/project in your resume and LinkedIn and talk about it in your graduate school or job interviews.

Have more Questions?

Reach out to the Honors Programs Thesis Coordinator:

Kirshani Gunaratnam, M.A

Stony Brook University
Student Union, Suite 111
kirshani.gunaratnam@stonybrook.edu
P: (631) 632-4378