Distinguished Scholars Program

Overview

In 2025, the History Department began a pilot program to offer any qualified History major (or student in a related major) the opportunity to complete a two-semester senior thesis. Students in the Distinguished Scholars Program (DSP) develop a project, find a faculty advisor, work in a seminar fall semester (typically HIST 4961V: “Senior Thesis Workshop”), then finish during a second semester working independently with their advisor. At the end of the year, students participate in a Undergraduate History Conference to celebrate and share their work.

 This year’s conference took place on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Program Details

The History Scholars Program is based around the writing of what is typically a 30-50-page thesis over two semesters during the senior year. A project of original historical research, the senior thesis is the most substantial piece of scholarly writing that an undergraduate can undertake. It must develop a clear and original argument and be of near-publishable quality; in fact, some theses may be published as articles in scholarly journals. Ideally, they are based on research into primary materials, though the choice of topic may dictate otherwise. A substantial historiographical essay is thus also a possibility, in which case secondary materials form the principal focus.

Program Benefits

Outstanding students who are considering applying to graduate school in history are especially encouraged to write a DSP history thesis. But doing a senior thesis is also a valuable experience for students who love history but have chosen other career paths. A completed DSP thesis can serve as a superb writing sample for graduate schools in all fields, professional schools (law, medicine, and business), and future employers. It stands as a clear demonstration of a student’s seriousness of purpose and proven excellence in research. For many students, this will be the last opportunity to immerse themselves in the past and grapple with a significant historical problem. Students who participate in the Distinguished Scholars Program are strongly encouraged to apply for UROP funding, various departmental fellowships for summer research, and study abroad programs. They may use such opportunities to conduct research in archives across the U.S. or in other countries. In the process, they receive hands-on advising from history faculty in developing their topics, conducting archival research, and writing the thesis upon their return to Minnesota in the fall. (Check out the opportunities offered through the UMN Learning Abroad Center). Many libraries and archives in the United States also offer short-term research grants.

Program Support

The History Scholars Program in History is distinctive at the University of Minnesota. In many departments, students writing a thesis have faculty mentors, but they work essentially on their own for one or two semesters. While the Distinguished Scholars Program maintains an emphasis on independent study and self-direction, it also provides both a structure and a community for the completion of the thesis project. Participating students define their own topics, work one-on-one with faculty mentors, and spend countless solitary hours conducting research, writing, and revising. However, through the History Thesis Workshop (HIST 4961v, 4credits) in the fall and various activities in the spring, the program also offers systematic guidance and consistent support to each year’s cohort of students. Students receive mentoring from their advisors, the Distinguished Scholars Program Director (who teaches the Thesis Workshop), librarians, and graduate students; they also form close working relationships and friendships with one another.

For these and other reasons, students in related majors may be interested in participating in the program. Any qualified student pursuing history-related research is welcome to apply.

Undergraduate Conference

The culmination and highlight of the Distinguished Scholars Program is the History Undergraduate Conference, held annually in April. Students participate in panel presentations designed to showcase their projects and the work they have undertaken over the course of the year. Faculty, students, and family members who attend will engage in stimulating discussions about wide-ranging historical topics and enjoy a luncheon and awards ceremony. You can view our previous presentations and panel discussions on our YouTube channel.