University of Arkansas

Walton College

The Sam M. Walton College of Business

Thesis Grants

Thesis Grants

The Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality and the Workplace offers honors thesis grants for University of Arkansas students who choose to pursue thesis research on topics that relate to our mission (see Tyson Center homepage for our mission statement). We also offer awards for honors thesis faculty advisors.

Award Amounts

  • Student Awards: Students receive up to $1,500 in total award money, allocated as follows:
    • All award recipients receive a $750 scholarship
    • Award recipients also are eligible for up to $750 in funding to cover the costs of thesis research-related activities
  • Faculty advisor awards: Faculty advisors supervising the theses receive $1,000 in development funds

How to Apply?

In order to be eligible for the grant, students must submit the following:

  1. A description (maximum two pages, single-spaced) of the thesis proposal. This description must outline the objective of the thesis, the proposed methodology, and a brief overview of the literature that the student is drawing on to develop their ideas.
  2. A statement of support from the student's thesis supervisor AND a letter of reference from a second faculty member.
  3. A budget that describes and lists the funds required to conduct the research.
  4. A cover letter from the student that describes how their thesis relates to the mission of the Tyson Center.

Student Application Deadlines

Fall 2020

Fall 2020 application dates TBD.

All application materials and letters of recommendation should be emailed to Tyson Center Director Dr. Denise Breaux Soignet.

Not Sure if Your Thesis Topic Relates to Our Mission?

Topics may include, for example, research related to managing faith diversity in the workplace, the impact of religious beliefs on work performance, how organizational strategy is influenced by faith backgrounds, and many more. Proposals that are focused on the advocacy of any specific faith perspective will not be funded.

Students should email any questions related to their thesis topic or application to Dr. Denise Breaux Soignet.

Recent Award Recipients and Topics:

Title: The Effect of Religion on Macroeconomic Policy in Developing Nations: An Analysis of Kenya, Morocco, and Nepal

Award Recipient: Hunter Hall


Title: How Faith Influences Organizational Decision Making and Culture – a Qualitative Study of Hindu, Muslim, and Christian Orphanages in India.

Award Recipient: Allison Vincent

To learn about more honors thesis research grant opportunities, please visit the University of Arkansas Honors College Research Grants page.