Briefly speaking: Advantages of an honors thesis

Attending a research university comes with many benefits for students, including the opportunity to conduct original research in fields from microbiology to music. One of the ways students can do research — and earn a distinction on their transcript — is by taking on an honors thesis.

Completing an honors thesis provides students an advantage when applying to graduate or professional school, says Dean Simonton, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychology. The experience also helps students develop research skills and build contacts with faculty members.

"An honors thesis gives students a step up — not only in getting accepted to graduate school, but helping them do well once they are there," he says.

Studies at a high level

Through the honors program in the College of Letters and Science, for example, students pursue studies in their major at a level significantly beyond the normal curriculum. Under the guidance of a professor who is often their major adviser, students must complete a research project, scholarly paper, senior thesis or other project for a minimum of six units over two academic quarters.

To be eligible for the honors program, students must have completed at least 135 units with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in courses counted toward the major.

Francine Freitas, assistant director of undergraduate education for Letters & Science, says of about 2,100 L&S students who filed to graduate from June through December 2007, about 60 were eligible for high or highest honors because they completed an honors project or thesis and had a grade point average that placed them among UC students with the highest standing in the class.

As important as conducting the research is sharing it — through publication or presentation at a research conference. Many students present their research at UC Davis' annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference.

A select few will earn special recognition by being awarded the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research or having their work published in a professional journal.

'The hardest thing I did'

Bayard Nielsen of San Jose, who graduated last June with a degree in psychology, developed his honors thesis to compare two unique creative methods: conceptual and experimental. His findings will be published in the American Psychological Association journal "Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts."

"I would absolutely recommend doing an honors thesis to other students willing to put in the necessary work," says Nielsen, who is employed as a substitute teacher while he prepares for law school.

"It was certainly the hardest thing I did as an undergraduate as far as the time and energy, but well worth it in the long run. I get what it really means to be at a research university," he says.

Simonton encourages students to seek publishing opportunities through a number of research journals on campus, including "Explorations," an undergraduate research journal supported by Advising Services and published by the Office of the Provost.

"Students at major research universities can learn that knowledge is not just learned, but discovered," Simonton says.