Senior Honors Thesis Seminar in Black Studies
BLST 180 in addition to two BLST 199 courses
The Senior Honors Thesis Seminar in Black Studies is offered specifically to Majors who have excelled in their courses at UCSB. Each student admitted into the program must have and maintain a 3.3 university grade-point average in addition to a 3.5 departmental grade-point average. Students who successfully complete the Senior Honors Thesis Seminar in Black Studies will earn Distinction in the Major, which will be reflected on the formal degree awarded by the University.
Students selected to participate in this program will be exposed to a different faculty instructor each quarter of the three-quarter series. Honors students will work during the Fall quarter, BLST 180, to produce a research proposal by identifying a research topic and research question, argumentation (why the study matters), methods and methodology, and literature search and review. During the Winter quarter and Spring quarter, BLST 199, honors students will complete Independent Studies. Honors students will also prepare to present an academic paper at the departmental Spring Colloquium for earning distinction (honors) in the major.
Distinction in the Major
Senior Honors students must earn a final grade of at least a 'B' to earn Distinction in the Major.
Application
If you are interested in joining the Senior Honors Thesis Seminar and meet the eligibility requirements, please complete the application here.
FAQs
Who can apply?
Any BLST major going into their senior (or final year) for Fall 2026.
What are the requirements?
Eligible applicants must have a 3.3 university grade-point average and a 3.5 departmental grade-point average.
Don't know your GPA? Click here to use a GPA calculator!
Are there prerequisites?
Yes. Eligible applicants must have completed at least two courses from BLST 1, 2, 3, 7 and the majority of their BLST major requirements.
What classes do I need to take?
The Senior Honors Thesis Seminar series are classes BLST 180 AND two BLST 199 courses. BLST 180 is offered only in the Fall
Do I need to complete all parts of the series?
Yes.
Can I decide to join the Senior Honors Thesis program during Winter or Spring quarter?
No. Interested applicants must decide and apply prior to the beginning of Fall quarter.
What if I am accepted into the honors program but decide it is too difficult or I no longer want to participate?
Students who are admitted into the honors program can decide if they want to enroll on the non-honors track instead. Non-honors cannot join after Fall.
What is the difference between the honors and non-honors series?
Students participating in the honors series will be required to produce a more rigorous senior thesis and will earn Distinction in the Major.
What does 'Distinction in the Major' mean?
Distinction in the Major is awarded to students who successfully complete a project or thesis with distinction as part of a departmental senior honors program. This indicates that you have excelled in your academic studies, specifically as it relates to your senior thesis in Black Studies. Distinction in the Major also looks great on your academic record, especially for those interested in pursuing postgraduate studies!
What else do I need to know?
Honors students will present their academic papers at the departmental Spring Colloquium for earning distinction (honors) in the major. This also looks great on your record if you are interested in pursuing graduate school!
Any other questions?
Email makaelawells@ucsb.edu