Senior Thesis
As an anthropology major or minor, you have the option of writing a senior thesis. This is a wonderful way for you to deepen your learning and to experience the excitement of conducting independent, original research. Senior theses can take many forms including a bioanthropology or archaeology poster, video essay, ethnographic blog, or community project.
The thesis is done under the supervision of a faculty member (and a graduate student), with whom you should meet regularly.
While there are variations, the most common practice is for the thesis to involve both fall and spring semesters of senior year and to earn 6 credits.
In many cases you should begin planning during your junior year, and potentially by enrolling in Learning How to Ask: Preparing for Fieldwork. This will give you guidance in developing a proposal, applying for funding and Institutional Research Board (IRB) approval, and anticipating your research. Some students conduct field research during the summer prior to their senior year.
Senior Thesis Projects
Learn about some of the amazing senior theses from past years:
Senior Thesis Guidelines
Download the full Senior Thesis Guidelines.
*Ungraded copies of senior theses will be available publically within the department (mainly to provide examples of theses to anthropology students and faculty). Students may request that their thesis not be made available upon written notice to the senior administrator.