Distinguished Major Requirements
Majors in Studies in Women and Gender with a strong academic record are encouraged to become Distinguished
Majors. Distinguished Majors complete a 2-semester written thesis (approximately 40-60 pages in length)
in their fourth year under the supervision of a faculty member. The thesis allows students to pursue their
own interests in depth and have the intellectual satisfaction of defining and completing a sustained project.
The Distinguished Major and Senior Thesis is an especially good option for students considering graduate
level work in any field.
To be eligible, students must have a 3.4 overall GPA at the start of their fourth year. Students pursuing the Senior Thesis will sign up for a 6 credit course, SWAG 491 and 492 , under the supervision of a SWAG faculty member. The thesis must also be approved by a second faculty member whom the student will choose in consultation with the thesis advisor.
The 6 credit Senior Thesis course will count toward the 30 credits required for the Major. Successful completion of the thesis qualifies the student for graduation with Distinction, High Distinction, or Highest Distinction, depending upon the recommendation of the 2 faculty advisors, and subject to approval of the College's Committee on Special Programs.
An early start is important to the successful completion of a Senior Thesis. It is recommended that students
make the decision to pursue the Distinguished Majors Program during their third year. This will give them
sufficient opportunity to discuss the project with various faculty members, determine suitable advisors,
and have the summer between the third and fourth years to define their project further and begin some
preliminary reading and planning. Students choosing to pursue the thesis should complete a DMP enrollment
form in the second semester of their third year.
Application Form (PDF, 117 KB)
