# Research Thesis and Research Distinction

**Source**: https://ugresearch.osu.edu/current-researchers/research-thesis-and-research-distinction
**Parent**: https://ugresearch.osu.edu/get-involved/frequently-asked-questions

An undergraduate thesis is an official, academically-integrated undergraduate research project with a formal written outcome. Completing a thesis is permanently recognized on a student's diploma as graduation with "Research Distinction" or with "Honors Research Distinction."

The requirements for graduating with research distinction vary by college, but generally include submitting an application to complete a thesis at least a semester prior to graduation, enrolling in thesis course credit hours, submitting a written thesis manuscript and completing an oral examination or defense to a faculty panel. Students should discuss their interest in completing a research distinction project with their research advisor and academic advisor as early as possible.

Theses are permanently stored in the [University Library's Knowledge Bank](https://library.osu.edu/kb); so, they are also considered to be a published material.

## Research Thesis and Distinction by College/Program

Please contact your academic advisor if you are interested in completing a research thesis or distinction program.

College of Arts and Sciences

- [Graduation and Research Distinction Guidelines](https://artsandsciences.osu.edu/advising/research-distinction-research-thesis)

Fisher College of Business

- [Research Distinction (Honors and Non-Honors)](https://fisher.osu.edu/undergraduate/academics/honors/research-distinction)

College of Education and Human Ecology

Students should contact their academic advisor for information on graduating with Research Distinction or Honors Research Distinction.

College of Engineering

- [Undergraduate Research & Distinction](https://advising.engineering.osu.edu/current-osu-students/undergraduate-research-distinction)

College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences

- [Honors and Research Distinction (including Non-Honors)](https://students.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/academics/undergraduate/graduation/honors-and-research-distinction)
- [Guidelines for Research Distinction](https://students.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/sites/ap/files/site-library/site-documents/Honors/Research_Distinction_Guidelines%20Proposed%20Revision%20December%202018%20%28no%20highlights%29.docx)

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

- [Research Distinction](https://hrs.osu.edu/academics/research-distinction)

John Glenn College of Public Affairs

- [Honors Distinction and Thesis](http://glenn.osu.edu/undergraduate/honors/)

College of Nursing

- [Undergraduate Research, Independent Study, and Honors Program](https://nursing.osu.edu/research/student-research-opportunities)

College of Pharmacy

- [Research Distinction (Honors and Non-Honors)](https://pharmacy.osu.edu/dashboard/current-student-dashboard/bsps-students)

College of Public Health

- [Research Pathways](https://cph.osu.edu/students/undergraduate/research)

College of Social Work

- [Honors Research and Thesis Requirements](http://csw.osu.edu/degrees-programs/undergraduate/curriculum/honors-program/)