Honors Thesis Pathways

Founders Lab is a 2-semester, 6-credit thesis pathway hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship and New Business Design at the W. P. Carey School of Business. It empowers Barrett students to build entrepreneurial confidence while developing critical thinking, business writing, and communication skills by launching a real venture. Students will identify an opportunity, engage with a target audience, and create something of real value that their audience is willing to exchange value for.

Who Can Apply: Open to students of all majors.

Program Timing:

• Runs Fall through Spring each year.
• One cohort per year, starting each September.
• Applications close in August. Completed applications are reviewed in the order they are received for the next September-starting cohort.
  • Example: An application submitted in January 2026 is considered for the September 2026 (Fall 2026) cohort.
  • An application submitted in September 2027 (after the August deadline) is considered for September 2028 (Fall 2028).

Program Logistics:

• ~100 students form teams of 1–5 to design and launch a user-focused venture, culminating in a semester-two defense.
• Credits: 3 for semester one (WPC 492) and 3 for semester two (WPC 493).
• Students will be assigned a second committee member and will submit their prospectus during the first semester.
• Full commitment is expected across both semesters.

Apply: Complete the Founders Lab Interest Form.

Questions? Contact Jared Byrne, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and New Business Design.

Two-semester asynchronous honors thesis pathway designed for BSN students (NUR) and Community Health and pre-health students (HCR) using asynchronous modules and one-on-one mentorship. 

NUR/HCR 492 focuses on developing a research question and designing a feasible, methodologically sound project. NUR/HCR 493 focuses on writing, revising, and presenting the final thesis. Students may work independently, in groups, or on faculty-led research projects.

This pathway emphasizes steady progress, mentorship, and strong critical thinking. Although this thesis pathway is primarily focused on research-oriented theses, all types and formats of thesis design are welcome, encouraged, and supported.

Apply: Enroll in either NUR 492 (74034) or HCR 492 (69736)   
Questions? Contact Dr. Barret Michalec at [email protected]
Location: iCourse

Thesis Pillars: All

For Barrett Honors College students pursuing a neuroscience-focused thesis, the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence provides a structured academic-year experience that supports students as they design and prepare to complete original, research-based work under the guidance of neuroscience faculty. 

This seminar sequence is distinct from the Psychology Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence in both timing and structure. Students whose research aligns more closely with psychology should review the Psychology sequence page. Students interested in completing an honors thesis outside a seminar sequence, or studying through ASU Online, should review honors thesis options outside the sequences.

Apply here:  https://psychology.asu.edu/student-life/the-undergraduate-experience/honors-thesis-program/neuroscience-honors-thesis-seminar-sequence 
Application deadline: March (Friday before Spring Break), this course runs from fall to spring

Fall 2026: NEU 494 (80131) 
Topic: Research in Neuroscience Jessica Verpeut – Tempe 

Thesis Pillars: Research 

For Barrett Honors College students pursuing a psychology-focused thesis, the Psychology Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence provides a structured, yearlong opportunity to design and complete original research under the guidance of psychology faculty, alongside a cohort of peers engaged in the thesis process.

This seminar sequence is distinct from the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence in both timing and structure. Students who plan to complete an honors thesis outside the seminar sequence should review honors thesis options outside the seminar sequences.

Apply here: https://psychology.asu.edu/psychology.asu.edu/student-life/the-undergraduate-experience/honors-thesis-program/psychology-honors-thesis-seminar-sequence
Application deadline: November (Friday before Thanksgiving), this course runs from spring to fall

Thesis Pillars: Research

Join one of Barrett’s most sought-after thesis pathways! The Women’s Power & Influence Index team at The Difference Engine is accepting applications for their Fall 2026–Spring 2027 cohort.

This unique two-year honors thesis experience allows you to complete your thesis as part of a collaborative research team evaluating large companies for gender equity. Participants earn 12 honors credits.

Year 1: Join as a researcher expanding the nation’s most comprehensive measure of workplace equality through data collection and analysis.
Year 2: Step into a leadership role while completing your honors thesis with built-in mentorship.

What You’ll Experience:

• Work directly with corporate executives
• Present at national conferences
• Travel for special events
• Join a growing network of WPI alumni

Open to juniors in Barrett from all majors who want to make workplace equality more transparent and measurable.

Spots are highly competitive. 

Apply by April 20, 2026.