Qualified students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the major. An honors project application, approved by the thesis advisor, should be submitted to the Director of Undergraduate Studies during the junior year.
The summer before senior year—perhaps following a junior-year study abroad experience—is an ideal time to jump into research for the honors thesis. Often thesis writers need to travel, sometimes outside the United States (perhaps returning to a study-abroad location), in order to work in archives or with other kinds of materials like art objects and architectural structures. The Undergraduate Research Support Office offers funding opportunities for engaging in and presenting student research. A Deans’ Summer Research Fellowship provides up to $3,000 for three weeks of research away from Duke or on campus. A URS Travel Grant provides up to $400 for travel to present research at an academic conference. URS also supports a number of specific grants for humanities projects. See URS funding opportunities.
Perkins Library also offers special services and opportunities to support students who are writing an honors thesis. Check out the perks!