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Senior Thesis Honors Program

In the Spring quarter of junior year, Religious Studies majors who have demonstrated academic excellence and maintained a GPA of 3.5 or above in the major may seek approval from a faculty member, in consultation with the Honors Coordinator, to undertake a senior Honors Research Project (HRP). With permission, the student becomes a candidate for graduating from Northwestern University with Honors, and for potential induction into the Theta Alpha Kappa (TAK) National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology. The rank of Honors is contingent on successful honors project completion, review and approval by the department Faculty Honors Review Committee, and final approval by WCAS.

Note: In years with more than five senior Honors candidates, the department offers a two-term senior research and writing seminar (REL 396 A & B) in fall and winter, led by a designated faculty member (typically the Honors Coordinator). In years with fewer than five candidates, students instead register for REL 399 (Independent Study) with their faculty advisor, allowing time for research, writing, and regular advising. Final projects are typically due submitted to the Faculty Honors Review Committee by the end of April.

Spring Quarter (Junior Year)

Thesis Format Options

Students may choose from one of the following primary formats for their Honors Research Project, in consultation with their faculty advisor and the Honors Coordinator:

Students interested in pursuing an alternative format—such as a podcast series, long-form journalistic feature, documentary film, design project, or another creative or interdisciplinary project—should consult with the Honors Coordinator early in the planning process. These projects must demonstrate equivalent levels of research depth, analytical rigor, and critical engagement.

In such cases, students must work with a primary advisor in the Religious Studies department and also arrange for a faculty consultant with expertise in the relevant medium (e.g., journalism, filmmaking, digital design, etc.). The consultant will provide guidance throughout the project’s design and execution and will participate in the final review process for honors alongside the Religious Studies Faculty Honors Review Committee.

Fall Quarter (Senior Year)

Winter Quarter (Senior Year)

In Spring Quarter, the department may nominate for WCAS Honors those students whose projects are of exceptional quality, approved by the faculty review committee, and who have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major.

Questions?

Contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Honors Coordinator, Professor Sarah Taylor (“Dr. T”), for guidance at any stage of this process.