The Honors Program culminates in the Honors Keystone Experience, which serves as a capstone for your program study and as a launching point for your next step.
Students who join the Honors Program during or after the Fall 2026 semester will complete their requirements for the senior project as follows:
- HONR 3335 (Portfolio Development II)
- During the second portfolio development course, Honors students will learn about the options they have for completing their Honors Keystone Experience and they will determine what the best course of action is in light of their own goals. This course should be completed Honors no earlier than the first semester of their junior year and no later than the first semester of their senior year.
- Honors Keystone Experience (3 credits)
- Most students will complete their keystone experience project as a three credit independent
research study in their major field, though exceptions may apply. Students will have
considerable flexibility in determining an appropriate project in consultation with
a faculty mentor. Possibilities include (but are not limited to)
- a traditional article-length research paper
- an internship in an appropriate professional field
- an artistic or creative production
- Most students will complete their keystone experience project as a three credit independent
research study in their major field, though exceptions may apply. Students will have
considerable flexibility in determining an appropriate project in consultation with
a faculty mentor. Possibilities include (but are not limited to)
- Presentation of Honors Keystone Experience
- Upon completion of their senior thesis project, Honors students will present their
work in an appropriate venue. Options include, but are not limited to:
- Presentations at the annual Celebration of Student Scholarship on campus
- Presenting at a local, regional, or national conference
- Poster presentations or performances in a suitable environment
- Upon completion of their senior thesis project, Honors students will present their
work in an appropriate venue. Options include, but are not limited to:
Students who began at Fairmont State University prior to Fall 2026 should see the Honors Director for guidance on completing their senior project.