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Honors
So you think you might want to do an Honors or Senior thesis in Earth and Planetary Sciences? It is never too early to begin thinking about one! Read on to find out how to go about deciding on a topic, getting academic credit, getting funding, and completing the thesis.
Honors or senior thesis?
All Earth and Planetary Sciences majors are encouraged to do a senior thesis. Doing one is a way of fulfilling the culminating experience requirement for a Dartmouth undergraduate degree (though there are also other ways via EAPS 90 or 91). A thesis may, in addition, make you eligible for graduating with Honors or High Honors in Earth and Planetary Sciences. Download these Senior Thesis Guidelines to read more about both Senior and Honors theses.
PROPOSING, FUNDING, AND COMPLETING A THESIS
Work on Senior or Honors theses often begin during one's junior year, but many students start doing thesis-related research much earlier. In order to identify potential thesis projects, students are encouraged to reach out to individual faculty members, research associates, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students about potential research opportunities. Many students are encouraged to apply to the Dartmouth Undergraduate Advising and Research program, or other internal funding initiatives at Dartmouth, to acquire additional funds to support their research (although read below for more information on potential external funding opportunities). Once a project is selected, it is largely up to the thesis student to complete the data collection, analysis, and writing, although there is generally abundant support from the department mentor(s)! The bulk of the data analysis and writing is often completed in the course EAPS 92 during one's senior year, but the onus is truly on the thesis student to complete the required work. Although these are demanding projects, this is one of the most remarkable opportunities within the Earth and Planetary Sciences major!
The specific requirements of the Senior or Honors thesis are outlined in the ORC.
ADDITIONAL EXTERNAL RESOURCES
There are plenty of additional funding opportunities outside of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences or Dartmouth College. Below, is a non-exhaustive list of external funding opportunities – please speak with your department mentor or advisor about these opportunities and whether or not it makes sense to apply!
American Association of Petroleum Geologists Grants-in-Aid
Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists
American Meteorological Society Scholarships and Fellowships
American Philosophical Society Research Grants
American Philosophical Society Museum Fellowships
Association for Women Geoscientists
Evolving Earth Foundation Student Grant Program