Why You Should Write an Honors Thesis

Not many people are aware of the Tulane Honors Senior Thesis, so let me share my experience with you!

I began the project with no clue what to write about. I juggled between multiple ideas and did not realize how long the brainstorming process would be until I landed on my topic of waste reduction education at Tulane, which was inspired by the environmental journalism course I took fall of 2023. The thesis is not traditional because it is written as three journalistic articles (10-15 pages each) explaining what food waste is, what strategies have successfully been used to combat this issue, and a personal narrative exploring my challenges and achievements in this process. In addition to the written piece, I am creating an online training course for food waste education for the Tulane website, and I have produced an attachment for the required freshmen orientation module.

Students are eligible to participate if they have a 3.4 cumulative GPA or above. The course counts for two upper-level major class requirements and, if passed, allows you to graduate with honors on your major degree.

The content of the thesis varies by major, but for Communications, which is my major, it entails a lengthy piece of writing that uses the correct citations. That is the only requirement. Students work with first readers, their primary point of guidance, throughout this process. First readers are Tulane staff members who are versed in the topic and act as mentors throughout this process. Many students pick professors they previously had in class. With your first reader, the student will plan how often to meet and create internal deadlines for themselves.

The thesis is a way to use the skills and knowledge learned throughout your Tulane experience to create meaningful work that is completely student-driven. You are coming up with your own prompt for your thesis. It can be about something you have always wanted to build an expansive project around or something random—whatever you want. Furthermore, organizing time is the most important part of the thesis project, as there are only a few required deadlines throughout the year. This project cannot be left for the last minute and requires students to manage their time effectively to avoid falling behind. Theses build responsibility and accountability. Additionally, Students must demonstrate strong communication skills with their first readers and practice self-advocacy when they are at a point of struggle. This process will build your work ethic and understanding of topics, and it will also look great when applying for jobs (!).

The honors thesis topics can be whatever you want, as long as they relate to your major. It is your chance to take action and explore what you are most curious about. If you have the time, and meet the GPA standards for writing a thesis, I 100% recommend it. The process is an invaluable challenge that will be satisfying at the end of your Tulane academic journey.