Senior Project
Imagine having a year to develop a project that is wholly owned and created by you—a finished work that is an unequivocal expression of your creative vision and education.
Every Purchase student has the opportunity to showcase his or her academic achievement with a senior project. Beginning junior year, you’ll begin intensive, individualized work with a faculty member as your mentor. You’ll bounce ideas off your peers and have their support along the way.
The result is something all your own.
Finished senior projects take many forms: performances, exhibitions, books, research studies, films…you name it.
Acquiring in-depth knowledge of your subject matter is only part of the prize. Equally important is what the process promises—you sharpen writing skills, learn to synthesize disparate ideas, and master the art of defending an argument.
The senior project is not something to worry about—it’s something to look forward to.
By the time you get to it, you’ll be ready. And you’ll be excited.
Your sense of accomplishment will astound you. You’ll emerge confident, proud, and ready to tackle the next big project—in your life after Purchase.
Senior Project Snapshots:
-
Chemistry and Art Merge in the Lab
Darren Dempster ’18 thrives on Purchase’s creative atmosphere and merges his passions for art and science. -
Julianne Waber ’17
Waber’s senior project exhibition reviewed by PRINT magazine. -
Ghazi Al-Mulaifi ’08
Preserving the music and tradition of Kuwaiti pearl-diving. -
Stephanie Rosenberg ’10
A year in waders leads to a career in environmental engineering.
-
Ultimate Frisbee Documentary with Purchase Roots
Now available on Netflix, Flatball: A History of Ultimate began as a senior project. -
Gloria Bennett ’10
Affecting policy with her knowledge of emotion’s critical role in ethics. -
Madeleine Wykstra ’12
Taking action on major geopolitical issues -
Krystal Perkins ’02
Providing a spark to study prejudice and marginalized communities.