Honors Project

Honors Project

In order for you to graduate with honors, you will be required to complete an honors project that helps you learn more about your chosen field of study, research or scholarship, and yourself. The honors project involves planning and executing a project that is, for the most part, self-directed.

Toward the end of each semester, you will present your project at the University Honors Poster Presentation.

Project Elements

Timing

The timing of your honors project and subsequent poster presentation depends on several factors. The project intent statement is due two semesters prior to your poster presentation, and the project proposal is due one semester prior. If you find yourself unable to present your poster during your final semester, you will need to move your timeline up one semester (or more) to accommodate for that conflict.

Factors to Consider

Funding

Grants up to $750 are available for your project. Honors students can apply for the Honors program grant and/or the Stewart Research Award. Guidelines and applications can be found on the University Honors Program website.

Human Subjects

If your research involves human subjects (surveys, interviews, focus groups, research subjects), you will need to seek Institution Review Board (IRB) approval if you or your project advisor plan to publish or display your results outside the Iowa State campus. If your research is solely for your honors project and poster presentation, approval is not needed. If you have questions about the IRB role or process, talk to your faculty project advisor. Information on IRB requirements can be found on the Office for Responsible Research website.

Credits Earned

Your faculty project advisor is responsible for determining with you the number of credits to be earned. Credits assigned will depend on the scope and complexity of the project. Your faculty project advisor will be responsible for assigning two-four credits.