The results of the 3 semester hours of study must be presented in the form of a senior thesis. The thesis must be presented orally at the Departmental seminar, at a professional meeting such as that of the Geological Society of America, at the University's annual Undergraduate Research Fair, or at another acceptable forum. A written copy of the thesis must be presented to the Department of Geological Sciences. Before registering for a course in the honors program you must receive permission of a professor who is willing to work with you on your proposed project. When you approach a professor with a request to work with him or her on a given project, you should expect questions about your interests, career goals, and past course work.
Research projects demand time from the professor and also require expensive supplies and equipment.
The professor will want to be assured that such investments can be justified. Once you and a professor have agreed upon a prospective project, you must submit a proposal describing your project to the Director of Undergraduate Geology Studies. A special form for this proposal is presented in the appendix of this handbook. The undergraduate program committee must approve your proposal before you register for the courses necessary for the Honors Program.