We recommend that students plan in advance for entering the Honors Program in the form of earlier independent studies or research projects, research designs, reviews of the literature in advanced courses, or data gathering during study away where appropriate and possible. Macalester College defines an Honors Project as a year-long independent research project. Thus, students should expect to do considerable work on their project in the leadup to their senior year. This includes, but is not limited to, reading broadly on the topic, improving methodological skills, and staying in contact with one or more faculty members.
The Department encourages qualified students to consider this unique research opportunity, noting that rigorous academic preparation is required and that successful projects demand a substantial intellectual and time commitment. The Honors Program is open to all qualified students, though it is particularly well suited for students who intend to go to graduate school. However, only students who submit exemplary work at each checkpoint (early-November, December, mid-March), will ultimately be invited to defend their thesis and receive honorable distinction.