Students demonstrating advanced academic and clinical competencies may complete an honors thesis during their senior year. The thesis consists of original research done under the auspices of the athletic training and human performance faculty. A committee consisting of faculty interested in the student's area of interest will be created to provide guidance and ongoing review of the student's project. Research topics should be appropriate to one of the athletic training domains and is expected to contribute to the body of athletic training knowledge. The research process is designed to facilitate the student's matriculation into graduate studies by exposing the student to the rigors of conducting a professional investigation.

Normally, students pursuing a thesis complete the formal research proposal and data collection during the fall semester of their senior year. The spring semester is spent analyzing data and writing the thesis. The final thesis must undergo committee review and is presented to the department in the form of an oral defense. Successful completion of the honors thesis is recognized with the submission of the final product to the university during the University Honors Convocation.

Students desiring the honors thesis option must apply during their junior year. Application shall include the selection of a committee chairperson and the submission of a prospectus to the University Honors Committee. Students are expected to have a 3.5 major GPA, but exceptions can be made for students with a GPA of 3.2. The thesis is worth 3 credits.