To download an Honors Thesis Student Sponsor Contract, click here

Description

The Philosophy Department offers its eligible majors an opportunity to complete their degree programs with departmental honors.  An Honors Degree in Philosophy/Philosophy Pre-law requires that students register for PHIL A498 and successfully complete an Honors Thesis in their senior year. 

Eligibility

Students who have attained Junior status, have completed 18 credits towards a major in Philosophy (PHIL) or Philosophy Pre-law (PHPL), and have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.5 in their major, are eligible to undertake an Honors Thesis.

Schedule

In the second semester of his or her junior year, a student should propose a research topic to a faculty member, who will then serve as supervisor for the thesis project.  In consultation with the faculty sponsor, the student will submit a thesis proposal that includes a thesis schedule and summer reading list.  Upon approval by the faculty sponsor and the Department Chairperson, the student will be permitted to register for PHIL A498 in the Fall semester of his or her senior year.

Grading

Students will receive a grade for PHIL A298 on the basis of the quality of the thesis that is submitted at the end of the semester.  In order to receive a degree in Philosophy or Philosophy Pre-law with departmental honors, a student must maintain a grade of A in PHIL A498.

Criteria for Honors Theses

The Honors Thesis ought to be a carefully researched, original, and well articulated work, between 30-40 pages in length, that approaches publishable quality.