The Senior Thesis: Guided Pathway provides an opportunity for Honors College students to complete the thesis requirement in a structured, classroom-based environment. Students will complete 4 credits of SCHC 499 across two semesters. The pilot is open to students of all majors, with the exception of those pursuing a BARSC degree, who have completed at least four semesters of coursework at USC.
Questions about the Senior Thesis: Guided Pathway can be directed to Dr. Tracy Skipper or Dr. Andrea Tanner Kornegay.
Guided Pathway Timeline
In Fall 2026, students will enroll in SCHC 499: Guided Pathway, Part I. The course introduces social science research methods and explores possibilities for applying those methods to a topic connected to the pathway’s theme. Students will work in small groups (3 or 4 students) to develop a proposal for a research study or a creative/applied project.
In Spring 2027, students will enroll in SCHC 499: Guided Pathway, Part II and work with their teammates to execute the study or project proposed in Part I. Students will also participate in a public showcase of thesis projects at the end of the spring semester.
FAQs
This opportunity is designed for students who have not yet committed to a thesis director or a specific project, missed enrollment in or did not successfully complete SCHC 390, are open to completing a thesis grounded in social science research methods and willing to participate in a team-based thesis project. Students who have already completed SCHC 390 may participate in the pilot but will be required to complete a new proposal as part of SCHC 499 Senior Thesis: Guided Pathway, Part I.
The Guided Pathway program will be offered during the 2026-2027 academic year. Students who want to participate in the pilot must be enrolled in classes on the USC Columbia campus for both the fall and spring semesters. Students must commit to enrolling in Part I (Fall 2026) and Part II (Spring 2027) in order to be accepted into the Guided Pathway program.
In Fall 2026, the class will meet on MW from 1 to 1:50 p.m.
Students who are interested in enrolling in the Senior Thesis: Guided Pathway pilot should complete the interest form by Sunday, April 5.
Students will be notified of their acceptance into the program and given permission to enroll in SCHC 499 Senior Thesis: Guided Pathway, Part I during priority registration week. Preference will be given to students who will be entering their final year of undergraduate study in Fall 2026 with an intended graduation date of May 2027. Students who are not accepted into the pilot will be placed on a waitlist, with priority determined by anticipated graduation date and application submission date.
Dr. Sei-Hill Kim, Eleanor M. & R. Frank Mundy Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication, College of Information and Communications
Dr. Kim’s research interests are at the intersection of the media and social issues. He examines how the issues are presented in the media and what the effects are on the audiences. Specific research areas include public health, science, politics and public relations. Kim has extensive experience directing undergraduate and graduate research and has taught several courses in the South Carolina Honors College.
Dr. Tracy Skipper, Senior Thesis Director
Dr. Skipper guides the Senior Thesis program for the South Carolina Honors College. She has taught writing at the college level and has more than 20 years of experience in writing, editing, and publishing educational and social science research. Her scholarship has focused on college student transitions, learning, and development.
Guided Pathway Interest Form
The deadline to complete this interest form is Sunday, April 5.