How Do I Choose A Thesis Topic?

It is time to choose your thesis topic. You have reached that great capstone project, the thesis paper, and now need to prove your educational prowess through this lone work. While it is one task to write the thesis, it is a whole other task to choose your topic. This topic will in fact, govern the rest of the project and its outcome. By keeping these thoughts in mind you will be sure to choose a great topic and be off to a great start on your thesis.

Form a Question

There are many things to keep in mind when choosing the topic for your thesis. However, at its core, the thesis is nothing more than a simple question. There are many thought-invoking questions to be pondered. This is your golden opportunity to do just that. Each year, the David M Kennedy Honors Thesis Award, as well as the Firestone and Robert M Golden Awards, are presented to the most exceptional theses. For extra ideas and inspiration, check out some of this year's winners.

Consider Your Audience

Whether it's a thesis topic, or a project at work, it's always wise to know your audience. Which teacher or professor is grading your final product? What are their preferences, ideals, or even aggravations? Playing into these areas with regard to your topic, structure, and style can possibly offer some great, tactical advantages.

Originality, Context, Execution

Originality, context, and execution are absolutely necessary components to a successful thesis paper. In the same respects, these qualities will be found within any good topic. Beginning with originality as a goal, try to recall some things in life you have wondered about that you surmised at the time were probably rare thoughts amongst peers. These small curiosities can lead to the greatest topics. If it's something you hear regularly from others, it's probably not going to pass judgements on originality.

Context and proper execution are also paramount to the chosen topic as well as thesis body. To provide the most relevant thesis, one must stay within proper context of their field of study. Be sure you are aiming for a question within your field and the desired realm of thesis requirements for your particular concentration. Also, consider wording. The execution of the posing of your question can have great effects on the rest of the task.

Consider Your Strengths

Another great consideration in choosing the topic of the thesis is to consider your strengths. This means to consider what you are good at. What are your interests and what are your particular strong suits that can be applied to a research project?

These are not your only strengths, however. Your proximity or affiliations to a person or place of interest can be great strengths. That old bookcase loaded with rarely-tapped knowledge could be a gold mine. What are your available resources? Look around and consider all of the things in your life that can be used as strengths in writing a thesis. In considering all these offerings you have at your disposal, choosing a topic may become much easier.

Follow Your Interests

In conclusion, the ultimate topic for you will be the one that keeps your interests perked and your engagement in this work vivacious. This will produce the very best topic and thesis. Choose a thesis topic with these things in mind, and you will be just fine.