Honors in the Major

The Department of English encourages our best juniors and seniors to undertake original and independent work in our field through the Honors in the Major program. This program, established in 1989, is the oldest and most prestigious undergraduate research program at UCF. It's the only undergraduate program that requires students to write, defend and publish an original thesis, the capstone of an exceptional undergraduate career. This thesis is bound and archived in the university library and is available to researchers worldwide through electronic databases.

Benefits

  • Work one-on-one with English Department faculty who specialize in your area of interest
  • Engage in a self-designed independent reading project (3 credit hours)
  • Participate in a graduate seminar or writing workshop (3 credit hours)
  • Write a comprehensive thesis: critical, creative, or technical (3 credit hours)

Requirements

In order to apply, you must:

  • have successfully completed 12 upper-division credit hours at UCF
  • have an overall GPA of at least 3.2
  • have an English Department GPA of at least 3.5
  • identify an English Department faculty member who is willing to serve as your thesis advisor

Application for English Honors in the Major

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Honors in the Major?

    HIM is an opportunity to work one-on-one with a scholar or artist in your field to pursue sustained independent reading and to write a thesis.

  • How do I get to pursue HIM?

    The Honors in the Major application process has two parts. The first part is the English Department application, which involves submitting a writing sample, transcripts, letter of recommendation from a faculty member, and a few other documents. This packet of material is read by a committee of English faculty who then inform you of the decision. You can download the application. The second part is the Burnett Honors College application.

  • Where can I find an application?

    Download the application. BHC applications are available from the BHC website.

  • When is the application deadline?

    Your department application should be submitted at least two weeks before the end of classes during the semester before you intend to begin your HIM work. Keep in mind, however, that the application process is faster in the fall and spring semesters than in summer—if you can, apply for fall HIM admission at the end of spring semester rather than during the summer semester. BHC deadlines are available on the BHC website.

  • How long does it take to complete the HIM portion of my undergraduate degree?

    At a minimum, two semesters after your acceptance into the program. To graduate with Honors in the Major, you will need to complete:

    • one semester of directed readings
    • at least one semester of thesis hours (which cannot be taken until the directed readings semester is successfully completed)
    • one 5,000-level graduate course
    • a successful thesis defense

  • Is there an example of an HIM thesis that I can look at?

    You can view past HIM theses in the UCF library. View the list.


More Information

Department of English • College of Arts & Humanities at the University of Central Florida
Phone: 407-823-2212 • Fax: 407-823-3300 • Website Technical Support: cahweb@ucf.edu