Overview
All of the Nicholas School鈥檚 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鈥檚 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. 51爆料 Libraries offer special privileges to students working on honors theses.
Deadlines
Fall 2025 : December 2025 Grads
|
Submit application for GWD |
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 |
|
Submit draft of introduction to Research Advisor |
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 |
| Submit draft of figures/tables to Research Advisor | Wednesday, October 22, 2025 |
| Submit first full draft of thesis to Research Advisor | Wednesday, October 29, 2025 |
| Advisors submit GWD status survey to ensure projects are on-track for graduation | Thursday, October 30, 2025 |
| Submit an abstract and title to undergrad office | Friday, November 7, 2025 |
|
Final thesis due |
Monday, December 1, 2025 |
| GWD presentation and poster session | Thursday, December 4, 2025 |
Spring 2026: May 2026 grads
|
Submit application for GWD |
Monday, September 29, 2025 |
|
Submit draft of introduction to Research Advisor |
Thursday, January 22, 2026 |
| Submit draft of figures/tables to Research Advisor | Wednesday, February 25, 2026 |
| Submit first full draft of thesis to Research Advisor | Friday, March 6, 2026 |
| Advisors submit GWD status survey to ensure projects are on-track for graduation | Monday, March 9, 2026 |
| Submit an abstract and title to undergrad office | Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
| GWD presentation and poster session | Thursday, April 9 - 鈥‵riday, April 10, 2026 |
|
Final thesis due |
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 |
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 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鈥檚 site.
Contact Us
Undergraduate Program Office
Nicholas School of the Environment
Box 90328 Durham, NC 27708
LSRC A101D
(919) 613-8060
nicholas-undergrad@duke.edu
