Overview

All of the Nicholas School’s degree programs offer a Graduation with Distinction option. The projects typically include a 25-50 page written manuscript and a poster summarizing its findings. To earn the honor, students must also have a 3.0 grade point average overall and a 3.2 grade point average in their major.

Requirements

Courses

Students normally enroll in an Independent Research Study course (ENVIRON/ECS 393 [one semester] or preferably 393 and 394 for [2 semesters]) supervised by the research advisor. Only a second Independent Research Study course can be used to satisfy the major requirements, if allowed by their major advisor. The grade assigned by the faculty advisor for the independent research study course is independent of the committee’s determination of whether to award Graduation with Distinction. 

Thesis & Poster

Participants write a substantial (25-50 page) thesis describing their completed research. The format of the thesis is determined by the advisor. Students must also present a poster of their completed research, usually in mid-April, which is evaluated by a three-member committee. The committee is composed of the research advisor/mentor, a member of the Nicholas School faculty, and the Director of Undergraduate Studies or Director of Undergraduate Programs. 

Guidelines for Poster Preparation

Workshops

The student is expected to participate in bimonthly workshops about topics relevant to the research process through their senior year. Duke Libraries offer special privileges to students working on honors theses. Learn more

Deadlines

	December 2022 Grads	May 2023 Grads
Submit application for GWD	September 21	October 3
Submit draft of introduction to Research Supervisor	October 5	January 17
Submit draft of figures/tables to Research Supervisor	October 26	February 27
Submit first full draft of thesis to Research Mentor	November 2	March 10
Submit an abstract and title to undergrad office	November 11	March 22
GWD poster session	November 16	April 6 & April 7
Final thesis due	December 9	April 26

How to Apply

Interested students with a 3.0 grade point average overall and a 3.2 grade point average in their major should apply at the beginning of their senior year by submitting the Graduation with Distinction Application to the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) by the deadlines shown above.

Note that your major GPA is calculated using only core and focus study courses (excluding independent research study courses) and not co-requisites.  More information about calculating GPA can be found on the Office of the University Registrar’s site.
 

Apply Now

Contact Us

Undergraduate Program Office
Nicholas School of the Environment
Box 90328 Durham, NC 27708
LSRC A106A
(919) 613-8060
undergradadmin@nicholas.duke.edu