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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/MARSCI 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 2023 Grads | May 2024 Grads | |
|---|---|---|
|
Submit application for GWD |
September 13 | October 2 |
|
Submit draft of introduction to Research Supervisor |
October 4 | January 16 |
| Submit draft of figures/tables to Research Supervisor | October 25 | February 26 |
| Submit first full draft of thesis to Research Mentor | November 1 | March 8 |
| Submit an abstract and title to undergrad office | November 10 | March 20 |
| GWD poster session | November 15 | April 4 & April 5 |
| Final thesis due | December 8 | April 24 |
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.
Contact Us
Undergraduate Program Office
Nicholas School of the Environment
Box 90328 Durham, NC 27708
LSRC A106A
(919) 613-8060
undergradadmin@nicholas.duke.edu