Writing an Honors Thesis

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I register for a thesis like any other class? Will I get graduation credit for a thesis?

Yes you should have an Add/Drop form signed by your thesis advisor and bring it to the registrar's office.  They will add the class to your schedule.  You will receive one semester course credit (4 credits) for every semester that you are registered for a thesis. 

  • What is the difference between a "99d", "99a" and "99b"?  How do I decide which one to register for?

In order to be eligible for departmental honors, a majority of departments require students to register for two semesters of a thesis, designated by the course number of "99".  Some departments require that students register for a "99d",  a two semester, 8 credit course.  You register for it in the fall and it will automatically roll over to appear on your spring schedule too.  Generally a grade of "S" (satisfactory) is submitted after the first semester as a place holder.  The "S" will not affect your GPA.  Once you complete the second semester a grade will be issued and that grade will replace the "S" and will also appear next the the spring "99d" course.  That grade is factored into your GPA twice (once for each semester).  

Other departments have their students register for a "99a" in the fall and for a "99b" in the spring. Separate grades are given for each course and they each count for one semester course credit (4 credits).  

There are a few departments that do not require a student to be registered for a "99" with that department in order to submit a thesis for departmental honors, although a student may choose to do so for one or two semesters. Check with your major department to see what their requirements are.  

  • Who is eligible to be my thesis advisor?

Students must have a faculty member from their major department as their official thesis advisor.  If they have several majors, they may have an advisor from any of the majors.  Faculty from a minor may not be the primary thesis advisor.  Sometimes student have staff members, faculty from other departments or people not affiliated with Brandeis as secondary advisors but the primary advisor is responsible for submitting a grade and must be Brandeis faculty from the student's major department.

  • What happens if I decide to drop my thesis during the fall semester or not continue into the spring semester? 

You can drop your thesis during the fall semester the same way you drop any other class.   Be aware that the same deadlines apply. If you and your thesis advisor agree that it is best to not continue your thesis in the spring you can drop the "99d" for the spring and the "99d" will remain on your transcript for the fall semester.  You should discuss with your thesis advisor how a grade will be determined for the work done during the fall so a grade can be issued .  

  • What are the departmental honors and how are they determined?

Departments award "Honors", "High Honors", and "Highest Honors".  The method varies depending on the department.  Both departmental honors and Latin honors appear on your diploma and on your transcripts.