Getting Started on an Honors Thesis

"Do I do this?  How do I pick a topic?  When do I need to start?"
    
In deciding whether to do a thesis consider why you want to do this – and keep that in mind as a part of deciding what you want to work on and who you want to work with as an advisor.  This means asking yourself whether you want to work on a thesis because:

• You really want to learn a great deal about a particular subject, or
• You want the thesis to help you get into graduate school and do well there, or
• You want the thesis to help you prepare for a particular career or job, or
• You want to get a significant experience in doing research, or
• You want to graduate with Honors on your record, or
• You are challenged by the idea of doing such a project;
• Etc.

This is something that will help you pick out a topic, pick an advisor, etc. and also help your advisor provide guidance on many of the things below.
 
Remember also that a thesis is a long hard journey.  It takes a lot of work and much of that work can be tedious or frustrating.  Thus it is important to try to uncover a topic in which you have a very strong interest.  That makes it easier to keep on working hard – otherwise the topic may soon become boring and then the difficulties involved are much harder to overcome. 

For more information on how to get started on your honors thesis:
Tip Sheet