The Mabel Smith Douglass Honors Project provides outstanding Douglass seniors the opportunity to conduct intensive independent research during the two terms of their senior year. Thesis writers should be highly motivated, disciplined, and ready to devote a sustained period of time to their project. Students should choose a topic in or related to their major field, and they should expect to produce a substantial thesis. These students will work under the supervision of a faculty specialist in their area of research.

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Advantages

The Mabel Smith Douglass Honors Project offers a unique opportunity to do graduate level research as undergraduates, to pursue interests that may not fall within the bounds or budgets of traditional disciplines, and to work closely and independently with a member of the Rutgers University or UMDNJ faculty. Through formal and informal gatherings, it will also give students the chance to share in a social and intellectual community of students and faculty.

Application

To participate in the program, students must be entering their senior year at Douglass College and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 in their major and a 3.4 average overall. Students are required to submit a prospectus in the spring semester of their junior year and a formal proposal by June 1st. The project is carried out during one’s senior year. Application forms and guidelines for preparation of the prospectus and proposal are available in the MSDHP office. The proposed project must be approved and signed by the student’s research supervisor and by the undergraduate director of her major department, or that person’s representative. Final approval is given by the School of Arts and Sciences Interim Honors Committee.

Funding

While each student will be expected to cover a portion of her research costs, special requests for funding are reviewed, and limited numbers of research grants are made.

Thesis, Defense, and Honors

A mid-year progress report is due at the Mabel Smith Douglass Honors Project office in December. The completed thesis is due in early April, at a date set annually by the Honors Program. The thesis must be approved by the supervisor, by a second reader with expertise in the research field and by the committee. In late April, students make oral presentations of their research findings to an audience of other students in the program, their supervisors and readers, and invited guests.

Departmental Honors

A student who completes the Mabel Smith Douglass Honors Project may also be eligible for departmental honors in her major. The student should consult the undergraduate director in the major department for further information about honors requirements.

Credit

The Mabel Smith Douglass Honors Project will constitute twelve credits overall (6 credits per semester). Normally, no more that six credits may be used in satisfaction of the degree requirements in the student’s major. Students must complete both terms of the project to receive academic credit.

Questions?

Information, application forms, and general advising for the honors project are available at the Mabel Smith Douglass Honors Project office, 201 College Hall, Douglass College or call 732-932-2900x105.