Psychology is an empirical, STEM-aligned discipline that uses data to understand the mind, brain and behavior.
For Barrett Honors College students pursuing a psychology-focused thesis, the Psychology Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence provides a structured, yearlong opportunity to design and complete original research under the guidance of psychology faculty, alongside a cohort of peers engaged in the thesis process.
This seminar sequence is distinct from the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence in both timing and structure. Students who plan to complete an honors thesis outside the seminar sequence should review honors thesis options outside the seminar sequences.
Apply to the Psychology Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence
A new Psychology Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence sequence begins each spring semester and runs through the following fall semester.
Application deadline: November (Friday before Thanksgiving)
What is the Psychology Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence?
The Psychology Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence is a yearlong program that supports students as they design, conduct and complete an original, empirically based honors thesis alongside a cohort of peers.
The sequence follows a calendar year (spring through fall) and provides structured guidance at every stage of the research process — from developing a research question and prospectus to completing a written thesis and oral defense.
Coursework
Students admitted to the seminar sequence complete 12 honors credits across four courses:
- PSY 492: Directed Independent Honors Study (3 credits)
- PSY 493: Psychology Honors Thesis (3 credits)
- PSY 497: Honors Thesis Seminar (3 credits, spring; 3 credits, fall)
Why choose the Psychology Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence?
Students in the seminar sequence benefit from:
- A clear, structured timeline with defined milestones
- A supportive cohort of honors students conducting psychology research
- Guided instruction through an honors thesis seminar
- Close mentorship from psychology research faculty
- Strong preparation for graduate school and professional programs
The seminar sequence is intended for highly motivated honors students who demonstrate strong academic preparation and engagement with psychology.
Preparation and requirements
Timeline
Students traditionally enter the Psychology Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence midway through the junior year. Because the program follows a calendar year rather than an academic year, students typically defend their honors thesis during the fall semester of the senior year.
Transfer students and students who declare psychology at the upper-division level may still be eligible, but should plan carefully with academic advisors. Additional coursework or research experience may be required before applying.
Eligibility
Before applying, students are expected to have completed the following coursework with a minimum 3.5 GPA:
- PSY 230 or PSY 231: Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)
- PSY 290: Research Methods (4 credits)
- At least 6 credits of upper-division psychology coursework (not including supervised research through PSY 399 or PSY 499)
Students are encouraged, but not required, to complete advanced statistics coursework (PSY 231 rather than PSY 230, when available) and to enroll in honors sections of core courses, such as PSY 351 (Social Psychology), when offered.
Research experience
Across the year, students develop a research question, write a prospectus, collect and analyze data, and complete a written honors thesis and oral defense.
To prepare for this work, students typically complete some supervised research experience in a faculty member's lab before beginning the thesis sequence. Students are encouraged to explore psychology research labs and contact faculty whose research aligns with their interests. Many labs accept volunteer research assistants, and course credit (PSY 399 or PSY 499) may be available.
Application process
- Identify a faculty mentor whose research aligns with your interests.
- Complete the Psychology Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence application.
- Receive permission to enroll in PSY 497 and PSY 492 after admission.
Common questions
Begin by reviewing psychology research labs and identifying faculty whose work connects to the questions you want to explore. When reaching out, focus on explaining your interests and how they align with the faculty member’s approach to research, rather than proposing a fully formed project. A clear, professional introduction helps open the door to productive mentoring conversations.
No. The Psychology Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence begins in the spring semester and runs through the following fall. Because psychology research often involves human or animal subjects and requires extensive planning and data collection, projects are structured across two semesters of academic work.
Yes, with careful planning. Many students study abroad during the fall of their junior year or during the summer before or after junior year. Applications may be submitted while abroad, provided all preparation requirements are met.
Students double majoring in psychology and neuroscience should choose the sequence that matches the primary emphasis of their research project. If you are unsure, speak with your Thesis Director or a Faculty Honors Advisor for guidance.
Resources
Psychology Faculty Honors Advisors
Mary Davis, Professor
[email protected]
William Corbin, Professor
[email protected]
Michelle "Lani" Shiota, Professor
[email protected]
Jinni Su, Associate Professor
[email protected]