# Senior Thesis/Capstone

**Source**: https://espp.fas.harvard.edu/sr-thesiscapstone
**Parent**: https://espp.fas.harvard.edu/pages/academics

In your Senior year in ESPP, you will have the opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of a Harvard faculty member.  Depending on the nature and scope of your project, you may elect to write a Senior thesis (original, primary research conducted over at least 2 semesters) or a capstone (see below). Students who wish to pursue Honors in ESPP are required to write a Senior thesis.

Below you will find resources to help you prepare for writing your thesis or capstone, including steps for [finding a thesis advisor](/finding-thesis-advisor), a recommended , [funding opportunities](/funding-opportunities-0), and a selection of past ESPP theses.

##### **Class of 2026 - Please see below for important information for Senior thesis and capstone writers for Fall 2025 course registration period.**

##### **Senior Thesis Option in ESPP:**

- Please read and complete the attached [ESPP Thesis Advisor Contract](/resource/espp-senior-thesis-fillable-form-2025-upload "ESPP Senior Thesis Fillable Form 2025 Upload")
- You and your advisor must both sign the form
- Submit the signed form to the ESPP Undergraduate Office: [espp@harvard.edu](mailto:espp@harvard.edu) on or before**April 16th 2025** (last day of registration)
- Once registration opens, register for **ESPP 99 - Senior Thesis Tutorial** for Fall 2025
- The thesis tutorial will be meeting Fridays 10:30am - 11:45am, so please keep this time free on your schedule
- Please note that we will need to receive a signed Thesis Advising Contract before approving your petition to register for ESPP 99

##### **Capstone Option in ESPP:**

In the capstone project, students conduct an in-depth analysis of a specific environmental issue consistent with their field of specialization. This analysis should integrate both science and policy dimensions of the problem.

Students can choose to fulfill the requirement by writing a term paper, a policy memo, a business memo, or an equivalent project. This flexibility allows students to tailor their work to reflect their interests. Students can choose to work closely with an individual faculty member, who will serve as their capstone advisor and mentor. Alternatively, students can choose to receive guidance from multiple faculty members and content specialists, facilitated by participation in ESPP 91R. Students wishing to conduct a Senior Capstone should plan to enroll in ESPP 91R, which will be offered every spring.

- Please read and complete the attached[ESPP Capstone Project Form](/resource/espp-senior-capstone-form-fillable-upload "ESPP Senior Capstone Form Fillable Upload")
- You and your advisor must both sign the form
- Submit the signed form to the ESPP Undergraduate Office: [espp@harvard.edu](mailto:espp@harvard.edu) on or before**April 16th 2025** (last day of registration)
- Register for **ESPP 91R - Supervised Reading & Research** for Spring 2026
- The capstone tutorial will be meeting Fridays 10:30am - 11:45am, so please keep this time free on your schedule
- Please note that we will need to receive a signed Capstone Advising Contract before approving your petition to register for ESPP 91R\
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  [**LIST OF RECENT SENIOR THESES**](https://espp.fas.harvard.edu/past-espp-theses)