Honors Program

• Write a research proposal during your Research Methods** (SOCI 313) course (sophomore or junior year)
• Choose a topic that corresponds with an upper division elective you plan to take in an upcoming semester
• Conduct research in conjunction with upper division elective or Applied Methods** (SOCI 325) course

**Note that these two courses are required for SOCI students only, and that HHSC and NGO majors should consult with their departments and thesis advisors for any methods course recommendations.

• Click here for the application (due last Friday in March of junior year)

• Choose an advisor and submit Honors Thesis Intent form: You and your advisor must sign the Honors Thesis Statement of Intent form and turn it in to soci@dornsife.usc.edu no later than the last Friday in September of your senior year (but earlier if possible).
• Create and follow a meeting and deadlines schedule with your thesis advisor.
  • We recommend creating a schedule of when you will check in with your advisor (at least 2-3 times per semester). Please respond promptly to any feedback you receive from your advisor.
• Attend honors thesis workshops and check USC email for announcements/reminders
• Adhere to the due dates established by the Honors Program committee
  • Draft due: To your advisor no later than the second Friday in March of senior year
    • While the length of honors theses will vary, they are generally between 30-45 pages, including graphs, tables, references, and appendices
  • Suggested revisions: Should be given by advisor no later than the last Friday in March of senior year
  • Revisions due: No later than the second Friday in April of senior year
  • Evaluation: By advisor (and possibly members of the undergraduate committee)
  • Advisor must sign the Honors Thesis Statement of Completion form, which student turns in to soci@dornsife.usc.edu no later than the last day of spring classes.

• See requirements here
• For ideas on writing a thesis, see this thesis guide for additional information.