Teaching and Educational Methods

From Zero to Thesis in Two Years: A Curriculum Plan for Engaging Undergraduates in Honors Research

Caleb Stair(a), Xumin Zhang(a) and Misti Sharp(a)
(a)University of Florida

JEL Codes: JEL Codes: A11, A22
Keywords: Honors program, mentoring, project management, thesis, undergraduate research

First Published Online: November 22, 2024

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Abstract

An undergraduate honors program in agricultural economics confers a multitude of advantages, fosters an enriching academic experience, and propels students toward professional excellence within the agricultural sector. A major difficulty that many programs must manage is how to get more students interested and engaged in these programs, particularly as new pathways to our programs are developed. There is a lack of standardization concerning honors content and processes, particularly for transfer students. In programs that are commonly considered “found” majors, students may have the potential for honors research, yet are not sure how to engage in the short two years in the major. This article details existing honor program structures and offers a pathway toward a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum tailored to students who have two years to complete their program. The first year focuses on building a strong foundation in their field. In the second year, students embark on a specialized research project under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors. At the program’s conclusion, participants will have engaged with the complexities of agricultural economics and honed their critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

About the Authors: Caleb Stair is an Instructional Assistant Professor at the University of Florida (Corresponding Author Email: cstair@ufl.edu). Xumin Zhang is an Instructional Assistant Professor at the University of Florida. Misti Sharp is an Instructional Associate Professor at the University of Florida.

Acknowledgments: There are no conflicts of interest or data that involve human subjects in this manuscript. The authors appreciate the interest in our field of creating a pathway for future agricultural economists.

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