Following their selection to the program during their junior year, the first class scholars conduct independent research in an area of interest. They work with a faculty advisor who is an expert in the field. Trident Scholars carry a reduced formal course load to give them time for in-depth research of the project and for preparation of a thesis. Honors Program Midshipmen with excellent academic and leadership performance can apply for honors programs offered in history, English, political science, mathematics, oceanography and economics. Honors students complete a thesis or research project and orally defend it before a panel of faculty members.
Successful participants graduate with honors.
Voluntary Graduate Education Program Midshipmen who have completed academy course requirements early through validation or overloading can begin work toward masters' degrees at nearby universities, including Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland and Georgetown University. Fields of study are selected from Navy-approved graduate education programs. A number of national scholastic honor societies are represented at the Naval Academy. Midshipmen who excel academically may be recommended for membership in these societies.