Program Overview

Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) Degree

The prestigious Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) degree enhances a student's bachelor's degree in any major with an independent research thesis. This highly regarded credential requires a rigorous curriculum and independent research under the guidance of a dedicated faculty mentor.

Program Overview

The BPhil degree replaces the standard BA or BS degree, jointly awarded by the Frederick Honors College and the undergraduate school/college of the student's major. To begin the planning process, students must review the BPhil requirements.

Getting Started

To apply for the BPhil degree, students must follow specific steps:

• Start planning by finding a faculty member to work with, as there is no list of faculty members willing to work with undergraduates on the BPhil research project.
• Choose a thesis advisor to ensure proper guidance and a research experience similar to that of a graduate student.
• Apply for BPhil candidacy as soon as a faculty member has agreed to serve as the thesis advisor.
• Seek Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval if the project involves human participants.
• Enroll in research credits (optional) through the Frederick Honors College.
• Apply for funding to support research (optional).

Thesis Defense and Graduation

Students must follow the BPhil defense and graduation procedures guide as they plan their thesis defense and graduation.

BPhil Requirements

The BPhil degree requires:

• Completion of a rigorous curriculum
• Independent research under the guidance of a dedicated faculty mentor
• Defense of the thesis before a committee of leading scholars in the field, including an external examiner

International and Area Studies Dual Major

Students may consider an International and Area Studies Dual Major, which requires completion of the BPhil degree requirements. This dual major is designed to provide students with an education that will enable them to respond intelligently to a world undergoing rapid globalization and to compete in a global economy.