Psychology is an empirical, STEM-aligned discipline that uses data to understand the mind, brain and behavior. For Barrett Honors College students who want to move beyond coursework, the Psychology Honors Thesis Sequence offers a structured, yearlong opportunity to design and complete original research under the guidance of psychology faculty.
This sequence is designed specifically for psychology majors in the Department of Psychology. Students interested in the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Sequence, or in completing an honors thesis outside of the formal sequence, can explore those options through the related program pages.
Apply to the Psychology Honors Thesis Sequence
A new Psychology Honors Thesis Sequence sequence begins each spring semester.
- Application deadline: November (Friday before Thanksgiving)
- Sequence start term: Spring
What Is the Psychology Honors Thesis Sequence?
The Psychology Honors Thesis Sequence is a cohort-based, yearlong program that supports psychology majors as they design, conduct and complete an original, empirically based honors thesis.
The sequence runs from spring through fall of the same calendar year and provides structured guidance at every stage of the research process — from developing a research question to completing a written thesis and oral defense.
Why choose the Psychology Honors Thesis Sequence?
Students in the 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 sequence is intended for highly motivated psychology majors who demonstrate strong academic preparation and engagement with the discipline.
Preparation and requirements
Timeline
The sequence begins in the spring semester of the junior year and concludes in the fall semester of the senior year. Because the program follows a calendar year rather than an academic year, students typically defend their honors thesis during the fall semester of their senior year.
Eligibility
Before applying, students are expected to have completed the following coursework:
- PSY 230 or PSY 231: Introduction to statistics (3 credits)
- PSY 290: Research methods (4 credits)
Applicants must have:
- A minimum 3.4 GPA in required psychology courses.
- At least 6 credits of upper-division psychology coursework completed with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
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
Students in the sequence develop a research question, write a prospectus, collect and analyze data, and complete a written honors thesis and oral defense. Before beginning the thesis sequence (PSY 492/493), all students are expected to complete a supervised research experience through PSY 399.
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.
Coursework
Students admitted to the Psychology Honors Thesis 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 and again 3 credits fall)
Application process
Students must download and complete the Psychology Honors Thesis Sequence application. Identifying a faculty mentor before applying is strongly encouraged. Once admitted, students will receive permission to enroll in PSY 497 and PSY 492.
Common questions
No. The Psychology Honors Thesis 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.
Transfer students and students who declare psychology at the upper-division level should plan carefully with academic advisors. Additional coursework or research experience may be required before applying.
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]
Quick links
- Psychology research labs
- Getting started: Barrett Honors thesis
- Neuroscience Honors Thesis Sequence
- Psychology Honors Theses outside the formal sequence