Thesis Option Overview and Requirements
Applications open on September 30 and close on October 8.
Students choosing to do a thesis instead of the capstone are expected to write a publishable scholarly article or policy analysis essay of no less than 35 pages (8000 words), by April 2027. In preparation for writing this thesis, students participate in a two-term seminar. Over the course of the year, the student will be introduced to the three elements involved in writing a major piece of research or policy analysis, regardless of concentration:
Framing their central analytical question
Researching in primary and secondary sources
Structuring their work for maximum impact
In considering these issues, the seminar will review the basics of doing research in the digital age, including the most effective use of AI, as well as its limitations.
The thesis option has limited enrollment. Those wishing to participate must submit their application by October 8. Decisions regarding acceptance to the thesis program will be announced on October 15.
Application Timeline & Deadlines
| Date | Event / Deadline |
|---|---|
| September 21 | Thesis/capstone schedule announced |
| September 30 | Thesis application opens |
| October 6 | Capstone application opens |
| October 8 | Thesis application deadline |
| October 15 | Thesis decisions communicated |
| October 20 | Capstone application deadline |
| November 13 | Capstone teams announced |
Questions & Application Contact
Timothy Naftali
Senior Research Scholar & Faculty Director of the Thesis Option
[email protected]