Selecting a topic that will be the focus of your research thesis or creative project is exciting as well as challenging given the range of possibilities. The following questions and considerations may help you determine your Honors in the Major topic and plan your work.

• Learn about basic types of research that are typical in your major. Sciences are usually involved with experimental research, often done in labs. Research in the humanities usually involves critical analysis or interpretation of a text or work of art. Social sciences study human behavior and conduct research by gathering and analyzing data. The web site http://dianahacker.com/resdoc/ gives a useful summary of different types of research in various disciplines.
• As you begin to learn about research, think about the specific types of research you might enjoy? Look at sample research by searching online, and by reading journals in special libraries throughout campus. A list of resources is given below.
• If you are an art, dance, film, music, or theater major you may consider a creative project or performance, be it an art show, a film, a recital, a composition, or a theatrical role. In such cases a written report on the project is required.
• Talk to professors and graduate students involved in research about what they do.
• Look at examples of Honors in the Major work in your field; see additional resources below.
• What interests you? What do you feel passionate about? If you begin a project you don't care about, you could be less inclined to complete it.
• What type of project will benefit you most personally, academically, and professionally?
• How long should your project take and how much time will you have? The time you have remaining before you graduate may help determine your topic.
• What are possible new and significant areas in your field? Talk to faculty in your area, especially those you think you might like to have on your committee
• If you have a thesis director in mind, what does that person suggest?

This is not an exhaustive list of ways to find a topic for your honors project, but it should help you get started. If you need more guidance, you can discuss other ideas or questions you have during your initial interview with the Honors in the Major administrative coordinator. Some additional resources for research and creative projects are listed below. See also the tutorial section on Prospectus-Thesis-Defense

Current Students: Speak with students who are currently participating in research or are working on creative projects. See the Student Council for Undergraduate Research and Creativity (SCURC) http://undergradresearch.fsu.edu/council.html

Current Undergraduate Research and Archived Honors Theses: Go to http://undergradresearch.fsu.edu/about.html for information on undergraduate research opportunities and awards. Read about current research by FSU undergraduates at http://undergradresearch.fsu.edu/FSURJ/index.html

The FSU D-Scholarship digital collection is FSU's institutional repository consisting of digital collections that include research, presentations, and scholarly output of Florida State University. This link will take you to the collection of most Honors in the Major theses from 2004 to the present.

Research presentation opportunities may also be found through your department and discipline specific honors societies. Please contact your departmental liaison for specific information.