How to Apply
Before You Apply
- Develop an idea for your project. Talk over topic ideas with friends and professors. Develop some research questions to guide you. Identify the sources you could use to answer those questions. Decide how you would approach those sources. Plan the shape of your final project.
- Find a faculty member to help you with the project. Your primary advisor must be a full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty member in AMST.
- Check with the Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement (CUSE) , the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), and other campus resources to identify fellowships, scholarships, and internships that could help fund your research.
Application Process
Applications are due to the department by April 1 of the student’s junior year and should include:
- a working title
- one paragraph explanation of the project’s central research question(s), general scope, approach, primary source base, and final format
- names and signatures of primary advisor
- list of potential grants and sources of funding with deadlines
Once You're Accepted
Confirm your plans and project with your primary advisor.
Be sure to register for:
- Fall - The Senior Thesis: Theory, Method, and Composition AMST 43909 (3 credit hours)
- Spring - Senior Thesis Writing AMST 47910 (3 credit hours)
Basic Requirements and Deadlines:
Size: 50-60 pages is appropriate for a written thesis; projects may vary with advisor’s approval
Final Draft: due to primary and secondary advisors plus the DUS the first week in April
Presentation at departmental celebration of student scholarship: mid-April
Optional (but highly recommended) presentation at ND Undergrad Scholars Conference: late April
One paragraph abstract to AMST DUS for dept webpage and awards ceremonies: May 1
Theses will be evaluated by both the primary and secondary advisors.
Every thesis will be honored at the departmental commencement event