The Department of English encourages our best juniors and seniors to undertake original and independent work in our field through the Honors Undergraduate Thesis 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 published online through the UCF Libraries.
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 3.4
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honors Undergraduate Thesis?
HUT (formerly 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 pursue the HUT?
The Honors Undergraduate Thesis application process has two parts. The first part is the Burnett Honors College Eligibility Form. Once you are found to be eligible, you complete the Department of English HUT application, which involves submitting a brief writing sample (or personal statement) and have a faculty member email a letter of recommendation to the HUT Liaison (Tison.Pugh@ucf.edu). The application packet is read by a committee of English faculty who then inform you of the decision. You can download the application form (below). Once approved by the Department of English, the Burnett Honors College will be notified.
Where can I find an application?
Download the application. BHC applications are available from the BHC website linked above.
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 HUT work. Keep in mind, however, that the application process is faster in the fall and spring semesters than in summer—if you are able, apply for fall HUT admission at the end of spring semester or early in the summer rather than during the summer B semester. BHC deadlines are available on the BHC website.
How long does it take to complete the HUT portion of my undergraduate degree?
At a minimum, two semesters after your acceptance into the program.
More Information
- Honors Undergraduate Thesis information from Burnett Honors College
- BHC Honors College
- HUT Department of English Liaison: Cecilia Rodríguez Milanés (Cecilia.Milanes@ucf.edu)