Acadia University

An honours degree (typically completed in four years of study) is a challenging but rewarding option for undergraduate students. The honours degree includes the elements of a bachelor's degree, plus a thesis/research project that is typically completed in your third and fourth years of study. In an honours program, you'll research a topic that captures your interest. It may be something from your classes that you want to study more closely during your time at Acadia, or something that you feel wasn't explored in your classes that inspires your curiosity. With the help of a faculty supervisor, you'll conduct research and develop a thesis, your first major scholarly work.

An honours degree is often required for admission to graduate programs (e.g., master's and doctoral degrees) because it builds research skills and requires more intensive, focused coursework. Completing honours research shows that you have the initiative, responsibility, and ability to undertake and critically evaluate a substantial project. In some cases, you may even explore your research topic at Acadia in the same field with the same supervisor at the graduate level.

You can apply for an honours scholarship at the end of your second year, which can help you secure funding to conduct research in the summer between your third and fourth years. You do not need to apply for an honours program when you first apply to Acadia. There are also no additional tuition costs.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

The Honours History program at Acadia was a fundamental step in my academic career. It provided me with an early foundation in research and historiography, which proved invaluable as I continued my studies. After completing my Honours History degree at Acadia, I went on to earn a MLitt in art history and, most recently, a PhD in history. The experience I gained through the Honours program, particularly in thesis writing, research, and defence prep, equipped me with the skills and confidence needed for my future academic work. Equally important was the support of the professors within the program. The time, care, and guidance my honours supervisor invested in me were instrumental in shaping my academic path and setting me up for future success.

- Laura Oland (BA with Honours)

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (Honours)

I chose the honours program because I wanted to challenge myself, and it helped me grow as a student in numerous ways. I learned invaluable research skills, how to collaborate and self-motivate, and it made me feel much more connected to my department. My honours work laid the foundation for feeling prepared and confident in grad school and I’m constantly drawing from that skillset – I think of it like a mini-masters!

- Carys McMurray, MSc BIOL

Professional Studies with honours

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Bachelor of Business Administration

Bachelor of Community Development

Bachelor of Community Development with Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Bachelor of Computer Science

Bachelor of Kinesiology

My experience in the honours program was an exceptional part of my time at Acadia, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in research. This program provided me with countless opportunities to engage in professional development, such as conferences, and learn new skills. My supervisor mentored me and had my best interests at heart, and I am forever grateful for my time in this program.

- Ngaire Leach (BKIN with Honours)

Honours Thesis

How to finalize and submit your honours thesis

Ensure your final draft is complete and properly formatted, as per the Honours Thesis Regulations.

Have your Thesis Supervisor and 2nd Reader review the draft Thesis for content and formatting.

Make the agreed changes/edits, which are then checked and approved by the Supervisor.

Upload the signed checklist and the unsigned FINAL Thesis to the Library, using your Acadia student email account.

Electronically share the same final version of the Thesis with your Supervisor, and with your home Department or School, if requested. A hardcopy of the Thesis will be printed by Library staff. Acadia theses are located in Special Collections on level B1. Theses are non-circulating, but can be viewed in the Kirkconnell Room.

The Chair of Honour’s Committee is Dr. Jennifer MacDonald. Enter her name on page iii.

If the deadline for submission cannot be met, you can complete and submit an Extension Form to Graduate Studies. The form must be submitted no later than two (2) days before the deadline date and the final thesis and checklist form must be uploaded to the Library no later than one week prior to the "Last day to receive grades for graduands" deadline as listed in the Calendar Dates on the Registrar’s Office website.

Any questions regarding regulations, deadlines, extensions, etc. should be directed to the Graduate Studies office at theresa.starratt@acadiau.ca

Templates

Please note that templates may be provided by your Department/School, however it is the responsibility of each student to ensure that their thesis conforms to the formatting required by the Graduate Studies office as outlined in the Honours Thesis Regulations.

Dates:

April 13, 2026 – Deadline for approved honours theses for Spring graduands

Documents and links:

Honours Thesis Regulations Title and signature Page Example Thesis Checklist Form Second Reader's Assessment of Honours Thesis Extension of Honours Thesis Submission Thesis Publication Withhold Request Form Request for Co-Authorship of Honours ThesisHonours Titles (2025 Convocation)

Funding Your Research

Honours Summer Research Awards (HSRA)

The following information applies to the 2025 application deadlines. Deadlines for 2026 are yet to be confirmed.

Deadline: Thursday, February 27, 2025

Acadia HSRA funding (up to $5200 per awardee) supports both salary and mandatory employer related costs for up to 10 weeks at ~30 hours per week.

2025 Application

A copy of the student’s unofficial Acadia transcript is also required. Students can obtain this through their Colleague Self-Service portal.

At the time of application, eligible applicants must:
• Have completed two or three years of full-time university study;
• Be registered in an honours program at Acadia with graduation planned for 2026 or planning to undertake honours summer research and related courses following Spring 2025 graduation from their current program of studies at Acadia (e.g., seeking a second degree or Honours conversion); and
• Have a competitive GPA within their Faculty and discipline.

In support of Acadia’s commitment to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion, several of the HSRA awards will be allocated to under-represented or under-served groups, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and other equity-deserving groups. All applicants will be contacted soon after the application submission due date with a link to a form to voluntarily and confidentially self-ID.

The application form contains sections for both the student and supervisor to complete. The student’s supervisor must submit the completed HSRA application to Research, Innovation & Graduate Studies (theresa.starratt@acadiau.ca) by Thursday, 27 February 2025.

Evaluation of the applications will be based on student academic performance and research potential, clearly articulated proposed research, and the plan for student supervision and advising. Results of the HSRA competition will be communicated in March.

Evaluation Criteria:
1. Academic Record (Part 1; 40%), based on awards, accomplishments and relevant experience; transcripts and Cumulative GPA
2. Quality of the proposed research and proposed student activities (Part 1; 20%)
3. Student's research potential, independence and initiative, and suitability for the research project (Part 2; 20%)
4. Research supervision and work environment, planned advising and/or training (Part 3; 20%)

Webster Undergraduate Research Awards

The Webster Undergraduate Research Awards have been made possible through the generous support of the R. Howard Webster Foundation. The Foundation makes grants to outstanding Canadian charitable organizations offering unique and inspiring programs or projects for the benefit, improvement, and development of Canadian society.

The Webster Undergraduate Research Awards are designed to support the engagement of Acadia’s most promising undergraduate Honours students in unique research work of their design. The Fund provides a total of $18,000 to support three awards ($6,000 each) to honours students in their 3rd year of study at Acadia University. Recipients are chosen from the applications for the Honours Summer Research Awards. One student from each Faculty is selected by the HSRA adjudication committee based on their academic record and the quality of their research grant application.

NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)