Senior Work and Senior Thesis Information
Seniors take on directed, independent, and senior thesis research.
See courses for more information about courses listed below.
Directed Research (PSYC 0350)
Directed research provides opportunities for students to become familiar with and participate in ongoing research projects under the direction of a faculty member. Students gain first-hand experience in many aspects of the process of psychological research and also learn to write technical articles in psychology by preparing a paper that describes the project using APA style.
Advanced Research (PSYC 0500)
In advanced research projects, majors develop their own research program on a topic of interest. This project is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member and lasts from one semester to a full year.
Senior Research (PSYC 0700)
Senior majors develop their own research program on a topic of interest. This project is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member and lasts from one semester to a full year.
Senior Thesis (PSYC 0701, PSYC 0702, and PSYC 0703)
A senior honors thesis is an advanced research project with a significant independent focus that is supervised by a faculty member. A student considering an honors thesis must also have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in Psychology department courses. Interested students should consult with a faculty member no later than their junior year to actively begin planning their thesis research. Students intending to complete honors work must submit a PSYC Thesis Intent Form by April 30 of their junior year. Completion of the form involves meeting with one or more faculty to discuss the possibility of thesis work with them.
The psychology thesis requires three semesters (including Winter Term) of independent research and biweekly attendance at a department-run thesis seminar. During the fall term of their senior year, candidates will enroll in PSYC 0701 and its additional section PSYC 0701Z. During the winter and spring terms, after meeting the special requirements listed in the course description and being accepted into honors candidacy, they will enroll in PSYC 0702 (Winter Term) and PSYC 0703A/Z (Spring Term).
Information for Prospective Thesis Students
An informational meeting for prospective thesis students is held each year in February. The Thesis Application Process will provide you with additional information about the process and guidelines.
Information for Current Thesis Students
For information on the 2024-2025 thesis process, please contact PsychologyDept@middlebury.edu or the Chair of Psychology: kcronise@middlebury.edu
Departmental Honors in Psychology
Students who successfully complete all requirements for the thesis and with the minimum GPA also earn departmental honors at graduation.