Overview
All of the Nicholas School鈥檚 degree programs offer a Graduation with Distinction option. The projects typically include a 25-50 page written manuscript and a poster summarizing its findings. To earn the honor, students must also have a 3.0 grade point average overall and a 3.2 grade point average in their major.
Requirements
Courses
糖心传媒s normally enroll in an Independent Research Study course (ENVIRON/ECS/MARSCI 393 [one semester] or preferably 393 and 394 for [2 semesters]) supervised by the research advisor before the spring of senior year, and ideally before the fall semester of senior year. Only a second Independent Research Study course can be used to satisfy the major requirements, if allowed by their major advisor. The grade assigned by the faculty advisor for the independent research study course is independent of the committee鈥檚 determination of whether to award Graduation with Distinction. 糖心传媒s may complete GWD as a primary or secondary Nicholas School major.
Thesis, Research presentation, and Poster
GWD students will write a substantial (25-50 page) thesis describing their completed research. The format of the thesis is determined by the advisor. 糖心传媒s will also present their research at NSOE Spring Symposium through an oral presentation and a poster.
Guidelines for Poster Preparation
Workshops: Duke Library
The Duke Library offers workshops on topics relevant to the research process through their senior year. Duke Libraries also offers special privileges to students working on honors theses.
Deadlines
2026-2027 Academic Year
|
|
FALL December 2026 Grads | SPRING May 2027 Grads |
|---|---|---|
| Submit application for GWD | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | Monday, September 28, 2026 |
|
Submit draft of introduction to Research Advisor |
Friday, October 2, 2026 |
Friday, January 22, 2027 |
| Submit draft of figures/tables to Research Advisor | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | Wednesday, February 24, 2027 |
| Submit first full draft of thesis to Research Advisor | Friday, October 30, 2026 | Friday, March 5, 2027 |
| Advisors submit GWD status survey to ensure projects are on-track for graduation | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | Wednesday, March 10, 2027 |
| Submit an abstract and title (to NSOE GWD Strongbox) | Friday, November 6, 2026 | Friday, March 19, 2027 |
| Submit GWD poster (to NSOE GWD Strongbox) | Tuesday, November 24, 2026 | Wednesday, March 31, 2027 |
| Submit PowerPoint presentation (to NSOE GWD Strongbox) | Wednesday, December 2, 2026 | Wednesday, April 7, 2027 |
|
GWD presentation and poster session |
Thursday, December 3, 2026 | Thursday, April 8 - Friday, April 9, 2027 |
| Final thesis due | Wednesday, December 9, 2026 | Wednesday, April 14, 2027 |
How to Apply
Interested students with a 3.0 grade point average overall and a 3.2 grade point average in their major should apply at the beginning of their senior year by submitting the to the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) by the deadlines shown above.
GWD Outside the Major applies if: 1) you are a Nicholas School major doing GWD with faculty outside the Nicholas School or 2) If you are a non-Nicholas School major and you are completing GWD with a Nicholas School faculty member). The Nicholas School wants to know if you are completing GWD Outside the Major, so you will need to apply by clicking the button below AND via GWD Outside the Major through Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Please visit the for details.
Stellic can help determine your GPA in the major. Click "PGPA" and you will see a list of the courses being used to determine your GPA. Grades for co-requisite courses or research independent study should not be included, so you may remove those courses when calculating your GPA in the major. Additional information about calculating GPA can be found on the . If you need help checking your major GPA, please write the NSOE Undergrad Office at nicholas-undergrad@duke.edu.
Contact Us
Undergraduate Program Office
Nicholas School of the Environment
Box 90328 Durham, NC 27708
LSRC A101D
(919) 613-8060
nicholas-undergrad@duke.edu
