Honors Contracts must be completed by the student. Current Honors students can access contract applications in the Honors College Canvas Community.

Your faculty partner will review the project and notifies the Honors College of whether or not it meets the instructor’s standards for Honors credit when course grades are submitted.

What is an Honors College Contract?

Upper-level Honors contracts are advanced academic agreements between students, faculty, and the Honors College that provide an opportunity for students to engage in in-depth, independent study or research projects within their chosen discipline. These contracts are typically designed for upper-level undergraduate students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement and are seeking additional intellectual challenges and opportunities. Upper-level courses are those within the 3000 & 4000 level. No more than 2 contracts can be completed within a single semester.  

Upper-level Honors contracts provide motivated and academically driven students with an enriched academic experience that fosters intellectual growth, independent research skills, and specialized knowledge in their chosen discipline. They offer a platform for students to pursue their intellectual passions and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field while receiving mentorship and recognition from the Honors College and faculty advisors.

Upper-Level Honors Explanation 

Upper-level Honors contracts are advanced academic agreements between students, faculty, and the Honors College that provide an opportunity for students to engage in in-depth, independent study or research projects within their chosen discipline. These contracts are typically designed for upper-level undergraduate students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement and are seeking additional intellectual challenges and opportunities. Upper-level courses are those within the 3000 & 4000 level. No more than 2 contracts can be completed within a single semester.   

Upper-level Honors contracts provide motivated and academically driven students with an enriched academic experience that fosters intellectual growth, independent research skills, and specialized knowledge in their chosen discipline. They offer a platform for students to pursue their intellectual passions and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field while receiving mentorship and recognition from the Honors College and faculty advisors. 

Key features and benefits of upper-level Honors contracts: 

Upper-level Honors contracts allow students to design and pursue a customized learning experience tailored to their academic interests, goals, and career aspirations. Students have the flexibility to explore specialized topics, delve deeper into their major field of study, or explore interdisciplinary connections.
The main component of an upper-level Honors contract is typically an independent study or research project. Students work closely with a faculty mentor to develop a research question, design a study plan, and conduct original research or in-depth analysis. This provides students with a unique opportunity to engage in scholarly work and contribute to the knowledge in their field. 
Upper-level Honors contracts involve close collaboration with a faculty mentor. This mentorship provides valuable guidance, expertise, and support throughout the project. The faculty mentor helps students refine their research objectives, navigate the research process, and provide feedback and mentorship to ensure academic rigor and success. 
Engaging in an upper-level Honors contract cultivates and enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Students learn to independently navigate scholarly literature, collect and analyze data, and make evidence-based conclusions. These skills are highly valued in academic and professional settings and contribute to students’ overall intellectual development.
Successful completion of an upper-level Honors contract often results in special recognition and distinction on students’ transcripts or diplomas, such as graduating with Honors or receiving departmental Honors. This recognition signifies the students’ commitment to academic excellence, independent research, and advanced scholarship, which can enhance their resumes and future academic or career opportunities. 
Engaging in an upper-level Honors contract may provide opportunities for students to present their research findings at conferences, publish their work in scholarly journals, or participate in other professional development activities. These experiences contribute to students’ networking, establish connections with experts in their field, and enhance their credentials for future academic pursuits or professional careers. 
If the department has Upper Level Departmental Honors options in place, the student should consider those options. For Individualized Upper Level Honors, any 3000 or 4000 course–typically in the major, minor, or a related field–can be an Upper Level Honors course as long as a contract is signed by the student, the instructor, and the Honors College Dean 
The Honors Contract does not affect the student’s grade in the course. To receive honors credit for the course, the student must complete the contract satisfactorily. If a student does not complete the work specified in the contract, they do not receive honors credit, but the course grade is not affected. At the completion of the contract the Honors Office notifies the Registrar to add the “honors” notation to the course if the contract has been successfully completed.

Upper-Level Honors Requirements

The specific requirements for upper-level Honors contracts can vary depending on the faculty partner. However, here are some shared elements and requirements associated with upper-level Honors contracts:

Students are required to have completed a certain number of credit hours or reached a specific point in their academic program to be eligible for upper-level Honors contracts. This ensures that students have a solid foundation in their major field of study before embarking on advanced independent research or study. Contracts can only be completed in a 3000 or 4000 level course
Students are required to secure a faculty mentor or advisor who specializes in the field or topic of their research or study. The faculty mentor guides and supports the student throughout the contract, providing expertise, feedback, and mentorship.
Students are required to develop a detailed research proposal or study plan outlining the objectives, methodology, and timeline for their project. The proposal should clearly articulate the research question or study focus, describe the methods or approach to be used, and demonstrate the feasibility of the project.
Students are often expected to conduct a comprehensive literature review related to their research topic or study area. This involves identifying and critically analyzing existing scholarly works, theories, and research findings relevant to their project. The literature review demonstrates students’ understanding of the existing body of knowledge in their field and informs their research design or study approach. 
The core component of an upper-level Honors contract is typically an independent research project or in-depth study. Students are expected to conduct original research, collect and analyze data, or engage in advanced scholarly inquiry. Alternatively, in disciplines that do not emphasize research, students may pursue an advanced creative activity in a specific area.
Students are required to meet regularly with their faculty mentor to discuss their progress, receive feedback, and address any challenges or questions that arise. Additionally, students may be asked to submit periodic progress reports or updates detailing their accomplishments, challenges faced, and next steps.
At the conclusion of the upper-level Honors contract, students are required to present their research findings or submit a final product, such as a research paper, thesis, or creative work. The presentation or product is evaluated by the faculty mentor and the Honors College Committee.
Students who have completed a lower-division Honors component comparable to Tarleton’s Honors Core at a community college or another four-year institution, including the Tarrant County College Honors Program and the McLennan Community College Honors College are eligible to complete Upper-Level Honors Contracts