Honors Thesis
Take your anthropology studies further through original research
The honors thesis in anthropology gives motivated students the chance to design and complete an original, faculty-mentored research project. You will spend two semesters developing a focused research question, applying anthropological methods and producing a substantial written thesis. Graduating with honors signals strong academic achievement and advanced research preparation.
Honors in anthropology is earned by:
- Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the anthropology major
- Completing a two-semester senior thesis project
- Working closely with a faculty advisor and a small thesis committee
Students enroll in Independent Study (APY 499) during both the fall and spring semesters of their senior year while completing the thesis.
The honors thesis is a strong fit for students who:
- Enjoy independent research and sustained writing
- Want close mentorship from anthropology faculty
- Are you considering graduate school or research-focused careers
- Want to explore a topic in depth within archaeology, cultural anthropology or biological anthropology
Step 1: Find a faculty advisor
You are responsible for identifying a full-time, tenure-track or tenured anthropology faculty member to supervise your thesis. This usually happens during your junior year as you explore research interests and potential topics.
Your advisor will guide your research, help you refine your topic and support you throughout the thesis process.
Step 2: Form your thesis committee
In consultation with your advisor, you will form a committee that includes:
- Your thesis advisor
- One additional anthropology faculty member
Your committee must be finalized by the end of the spring semester of your junior year.
Step 3: Apply for honors
Students apply to the department by:
- Submitting the application to 380 Academic Center
- Receiving written approval from the supervising faculty member
Applications are due by the end of the junior year, and no later than the course registration period in the first semester of senior year.
These are evaluated by the thesis committee based on:
- Quality of the research and writing
- Strength of the argument and use of anthropological methods
- Overall academic performance in the major
Based on GPA and thesis quality, students may earn:
- Cum laude: cumulative GPA of 3.2
- Magna cum laude: cumulative GPA of 3.5
- Summa cum laude: cumulative GPA of 3.75
Some students may also be asked to give an oral presentation of their thesis.
A detailed roadmap for completing your thesis
These guidelines explain requirements, deadlines and formatting expectations. Students should review them carefully and work closely with their advisor throughout the process.
Committee and preparation
- Identify your advisor and committee during junior year
- Submit the committee form by the end of the spring semester
- Discuss IRB needs and possible summer research with your advisor
Research and writing milestones
Early fall semester
By the second Friday in September, you must submit a four- to five-page thesis outline to your advisor. The outline should clearly address:
- Your research question
- Why the question matters for anthropology
- Your argument
- The methods and anthropological sources you will use
FALL AND WINTER MILESTONES
- Meet with your advisor and committee early in the fall semester
- One chapter is due by the end of November
- A draft of a second chapter is due in January, immediately after winter break
EARLY SPRING SEMESTER
- A complete draft is due to your advisor by February 15
- You must incorporate all required revisions
- Three printed copies of the revised thesis must be submitted to your advisor and committee by the Thursday before Spring Break (March), bound in spring binders
Final Submission
After committee approval:
- Submit one final copy bound in a traditional black spring binder
- Deliver to the Anthropology Main Office in 380 Academic Center
- Deadline:
- First Thursday of May for June graduation
- Second Thursday of January for February graduation
These deadlines are firm.
Some honors projects involve working with people, communities or sensitive data. If your research includes human participants, you must follow ethical research practices.
You are responsible for:
- Obtaining informed consent from participants
- Discussing research plans with your advisor early
When IRB approval is required
Whether you need Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval depends on how you plan to use your research.
IRB approval is required if:
- Your research involves human participants
- You plan to publish your findings or present them publicly, such as at conferences or the Celebration of Academic Excellence
If required, IRB approval documentation must be included with your thesis.
When IRB approval is not required
IRB approval is not required if:
- Your research involves human participants
- You do not plan to publish or publicly present your findings
In this case, you must include the following statement in your thesis:
“The author of the present study has no intent to publish or otherwise disseminate information obtained as a result of this study, and has thus not sought to obtain IRB approval.”
Plan ahead
IRB review can take time, so early planning is strongly recommended. Talk with your advisor as soon as possible to determine what is required for your project.
- Typical length: 40 to 60 pages, depending on subfield
- Maximum length: 18,000 words
- Spacing: All pages must be double-spaced
- Printing: Print on one side of the page only
- Font:
- Times New Roman 12-point for text
- Times New Roman 11-point for page numbers
- Margins:
- Left margin: 2 inches
- Top, bottom and right margins: 1 inch
Follow these guidelines when preparing your thesis:
- Use the American Anthropological Association citation style, based on the Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition, author-date system, or another format approved by your advisor
- Place tables and charts within the text, not at the end of the document
- Submit three printed copies of your thesis to your advisor and committee before the oral exam
- After approval, one final archival copy will be kept in the Department of Anthropology Library
Your thesis advisor is your primary source of guidance throughout the process. If serious problems arise, you are responsible for contacting the Director of Undergraduate Studies to discuss next steps and possible solutions.
If you are ready to deepen your research experience and graduate with distinction, the honors thesis is a powerful way to stand out and prepare for what comes next.
Questions about the honors thesis process? We are here to help.
