Exemplary Senior Studies have been selected for inclusion in the permanent collection of the College’s library. The Senior Study is a key element of the Maryville College experience where students stretch their minds. This Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression Program is a distinctive part of every student’s studies. Every degree candidate completes a Senior Study in the major field, under the personal guidance of a faculty mentor. The Senior Study facilitates the scholarship of discovery within the major field and integrates those methods with the educational goals fostered through the Maryville Curriculum. The Senior Study requirement allows the student to exercise bold initiative and design, plan and complete a substantial piece of work, while gaining the confidence and pride that comes from accomplishment.

The Exemplary Senior Study has its roots in the 19th century custom of having all seniors speak during Commencement. As the senior class size grew, this custom created impractically long Commencements. From 1905-1910, faculty decided to allow two seniors (one male and one female) to represent the class while the others wrote a thesis on an assigned topic. The practice ended in 1910 following critical complaints by faculty and department heads. The concept was revived in 1933 by English professor Dr. Edwin Hunter who developed an honors work and comprehensive exam for selected seniors. The program grew in popularity amongst students and faculty until the institution of a Special Study was implemented for all Seniors in 1947. Over the years, name for this distinctive requirement has changed from Special Study to Independent Study to Senior Thesis to Senior Study. Each year, a selection of Senior Studies are deemed exemplary by the faculty and are included in the Lamar Memorial Library's permanent collection.

Browsing and Searching All Exemplary Senior Studies (2020-Present) available at 

Exemplary Senior Studies Collection at the Maryville College Digital Archives

Exemplary Senior Studies by Year