Senior Thesis

The capstone of the Plan II education is the senior thesis. This is a year-long project that the student designs (with faculty approval) themself. It reflects the culmination of all their coursework and is usually an interdisciplinary research question or creative endeavor about which they are deeply passionate and curious. So, a Plan II student double majoring in Engineering might write a senior thesis about music, and a Plan II/Business student might look into ethical questions or current social dilemmas. A full explanation of the senior thesis requirement, along with the manual, can be found on the Plan II thesis page.

Each student works with two UT faculty members on their senior thesis, providing them with a unique opportunity for close mentorship with both professors. Their research may shape their post-graduation career plans, but it doesn't have to. The year-long experience gives students outstanding research, writing, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills that benefit them in any career field or possible future studies.

In addition to their written thesis, Plan II students give short oral presentations about their senior thesis research at the Thesis Symposia each November and April. This is an opportunity for students to improve presentation skills and share their ideas with a broad audience. Past Symposium programs can be viewed on the Symposia website. Symposia are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

Each year, the Plan II associate and assistant director choose 10-15 theses that represent first-rate work submitted by Plan II students with a variety of interests.  These students, whether or not the student is completing another major in combination with Plan II Honors, are engaged in different areas of research, from economics to architecture, literature to fine arts, history to religion. Of the many excellent theses we receive each year, the directors choose the strongest to serve as examples for future generations of thesis writers. Past model thesis and thesis prize winners can be viewed on the Model Thesis index page.