Student Research and Honors

Many of our courses actively encourage students to engage in research. Requirements for entering the Honors program include an academic average of at least 3.5 in Geography and an overall average of 3.33. Students must apply to the program at least two terms prior to graduation after discussion of the potential topic with a supporting major advisor. Each student then submits a detailed research proposal that includes a literature search, discussion of data availability, an outline of the methodology to be used, and a clear statement of questions to be raised by the research. The proposal is carefully evaluated by the entire faculty, screening for potential problems and producing department-wide advice for the student. A thesis may also be prepared by a student who does not qualify academically for the honors program or one who does not want to undergo the rigorous review of the honors thesis; such non-honors theses involve similar research activities but do not require the public presentation or faculty defense and do not carry honors credit. See thesis rules for more details.

Competitive funding is available to support student research. There are several College-wide endowed sources of funding on campus to which students may apply, including Richter and Waterhouse funds through the Rockefeller Center for the Social Sciences for honors or off-term field research, Mellon Foundation funds for research on environmental topics, and Steffenson funds through the Dickey Endowment for research in Arctic environments. Our own department's endowment from Guido Rahr and family provides some research support for those students needing assistance. Here are some examples of recent student theses projects.