Signature Honors Project

Students are asked to work with a faculty mentor to develop a thesis or creative portfolio and present their work through the Signature Honors Project. This can be done at any point prior to graduation. If your discipline offers a similar capstone project, students are allowed to double-count these projects.

Are you a faculty mentor or an advisor? Visit our mentor website!

There are two different types of Signature Honors Project paths you can choose from:

  • Thesis-based
  • Creative endeavor-based

For more information on the Signature Honors Project, please consult the manuals listed below. You and your faculty mentor will also need to complete a contract for your project, which can be found below.

FAQ for the Signature Honors Project

Do I need to come up with my own thesis?

You don’t have to come up with a fully-formed thesis idea on your own. It’s important to have a general area of interest or a topic that you want to work in, but your mentor is there to help you refine your idea. They can guide you toward relevant research questions, help shape your proposal, and ensure the project aligns with both your interests and academic requirements. You’ll have plenty of support in developing your thesis.

Do I need to enroll in HNRS 4500?

The Honors College prefers you take an independent study course in your major. HNRS 4500/4550 are reserved for those students whose major doesn’t offer independent study or the major class isn’t a good fit for the project.

Where do I get the forms?

These forms are available on this page, students will receive them when taking HNRS 4000, and they will be available in the Canvas course for SHP completion. If you need assistance or need to be added to the course, contact Jim Ellis.

What are the requirements for the Signature Honors Project?

In brief, you will need 6 credit hours of research/creative endeavor experience, at least 1 presentation, and a final writeup. For more details on these requirements, see the Signature Honors Project manual.

Do I need to meet with an Honors College representative before I start my project?

Before beginning your Signature Honors Project, it’s strongly recommended to complete HNRS 4000, a 1 credit asynchronous course that will help you prepare and complete the SHP contract.

Do I need to present at Research and Creative Achievement Week (RCAW)?

It’s strongly recommended.

When can I complete my Signature Honors Project?

Anytime during your stay at ECU but it should be started no later than the first semester of your senior year.

How do I complete my paperwork?

You will need to work closely with your faculty mentor to determine the questions you will be asking and how you will address them. All of this will be reviewed in HNRS 4000 as well.

I have a more specific question that isn’t listed here.

For any additional questions about the Signature Honors Project, please contact Jim Ellis at ellisja@ecu.edu.