Innovations in Honors Program

Honors Thesis

Innovation Scholars will complete an honors thesis (4 hours) - either a Departmental Honors Thesis in the major (departmental course 4995) or an Honors College Thesis, UHON 4995r.

Experiential Option

IIH students must also complete either a Brock Scholars Seminar that may fulfill general education requirements, or an approved credit-bearing experiential option. All experiential options will include a final written summary and a reflection piece; all experiential options must be approved by the Dean or Associate Dean of the Honors College. Possible credit-bearing experiential options may include, but are not limited to the following:

• A study abroad or domestic study-away experience
• An independent undergraduate research project or experience
• An extensive, self-directed community service project
• An application for a national scholarship or fellowship

Leadership Requirement

Students in the Honors College are required to assume a leadership role while at the University; such a requirement could be met in a myriad of ways including, participation in UTC’s Student Government Association; a leadership position in any other student organization; an RA position; leadership in a research environment; leadership in a local organization or community agency; leadership within the Honors College itself, particularly as part of the Honors College Student Council. Completion of the Leadership Requirement will be determined by the quality of the leadership reflection essay included in the student’s learning portfolio.

Learning Portfolio Requirement

Each student in the Honors College will maintain an electronic portfolio that will be the repository of their reflection essays on all academic course work and out-of-classroom, experiential, research, and leadership experiences. Portfolios will also include relevant assignments, including a copy of the honors thesis.