Research and Senior Thesis

Ongoing Research Projects

Several HDFS faculty members are conducting ongoing research projects. See the options at their lab websites listed below. If you want to learn more or ask how you can participate in the research, send an email to the faculty member.

Healthy Aging Lab

Linked Lives

Understanding Adolescent Development

Senior Thesis Forms

Requirements for senior thesis

Prerequisites

  1. Completed Stat 330
  2. Completed HDFS Research Methods Course, HDFS 250
  3. Minimum GPA- 3.0
  4. Senior Standing (or will have Senior Standing when begin thesis process)
  5. Complete the application process - the application packet will include a completed and signed form from a faculty member who agrees to supervise the student's senior thesis. Additional prerequisite if planning to do a qualitative project: Take an independent study or Special Topics course in Qualitative Research Design & Analyses - faculty member must agree to supervise this course. Should take this spring of junior year.

TimelineSemester 1: (recommended Fall Senior year): Take 2 credits Field Experience supervised by thesis advisor (optional)Semester 2: (recommended Spring Senior year): Take 3 credits HDFS 491 Seminar: Senior Thesis supervised by thesis advisor.

Other Guidelines* Senior Thesis Committee: faculty supervisor plus one other faculty member* Faculty Supervisor approval of proposal* Oral Defense of final product in front of the Senior Thesis Committee* Must be research based* Written as a targeted journal article* Provide a final copy to faculty supervisor and a final copy to the department so we can keep it on file