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The thesis is a substantial piece of research and writing carried out over two or more semesters. Such an accomplishment, distinguishing its author as an outstanding student, will provide a very impressive credential for those applying to graduate school or law school. The experience of thesis research and writing will also serve as valuable preparation for graduate-level coursework.

The Distinction Thesis in History

Beginning the Project: Students who wish to undertake a thesis should first locate a faculty advisor who agrees to supervise the project and approves the topic. This should normally be done during spring of junior year, but in no case later than early September of senior year. (For December graduates, it should be done at least one year prior to graduation.) Students who will be seniors next year need to be making these arrangements now. Students should have a GPA of at least 3.4 when beginning thesis work, and must end with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or better in order to earn distinction.

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Completion and Defense: The completed thesis will be read and evaluated by a committee consisting of the advisor and two other faculty readers. At least two of the three evaluators must be members of the History Department. At the end of the final semester, students must give an oral presentation (“defense”) based on their thesis work and take questions from their committee. The thesis draft for the oral defense should be completed and submitted no later than the last day of classes for that semester. The committee will then judge the thesis as either “Satisfactory” or “Not Satisfactory” for purposes of meeting the Department’s standards for Distinction. The final thesis should be submitted no later than the date final grades are due.