Writing a Thesis in the English Department
The Joy of Writing a Thesis
Writing a thesis can be the capstone to a wonderful educational experience. This is an opportunity to work with an individual faculty member on an idea that is your own. Whether you are a BA or a BSE in English--and whether or not you are in the Honors College-- a thesis may be a great way to finish up your educational experience at Millersville.
Honors College Thesis
Honors college students may complete their honors college thesis in English. Please coordinate closely with your adviser to have an optimal learning experience.
To sign up for a thesis, use the Request for Special Study form; choose INDEPENDENT STUDY (ugrd – use 499, for Univ Hnrs College Thesis) to ask for your thesis course. Submit this form to your chosen English faculty adviser for signature and then bring the form to the English Chair.
Writing a Departmental Honors Thesis in English
English majors may choose to write a departmental honors thesis as their capstone experience in the major. To understand the expectations of the honors thesis, students should work closely with an English faculty adviser of their choice. The student should select an adviser who has expertise in the area that they plan to write in, explain the project to that professor, and ask if the professor would be willing to advise on the project.
When writing an honors thesis, English majors will work closely with an English professor, typically over the course of a year. If the thesis is done over one semester, students should commit to working with a professor weekly. Students should select and ask two other committee members if they are willing to serve on the committee.
Students register for a departmental honors thesis by submitting a Request for Special Study form; choose INDEPENDENT STUDY (ugrd – use 499; for Dept Honors Thesis) to ask for your thesis course. Submit this form to your chosen English faculty adviser for signature and then bring the form to the English Chair.