Art

About this opportunity

The School of Art welcomes students interested in all aspects of art including art education, art history and the studio arts. An education in art goes beyond building knowledge and technical skills, it’s about finding one’s voice, igniting curiosity and connecting with others. You are the artists, scholars and educators of the future, and you are urgently needed! You have important stories to tell, discoveries to make and new knowledge to create. Our dynamic and rigorous programs can provide you the competencies and preparation to become a cultural leader in the 21st Century. Take time to explore the program that best fits your interests and talents from our many undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Thesis

Honors Thesis Project: An Honors Project is undertaken under the guidance of faculty members. Typically, students complete their thesis during their senior year, but students are able to start the project earlier, if they are ready. Proposals for Honors Projects are due the semester before the project will be completed. The Honors Project must contain a written component, relevant visual or academic research, and an oral defense with the committee. Faculty must be first and second committee member. Faculty Associates, Teaching Associates, and community members may be optional third committee members. 

Academic Preparation

The best place to begin completing an Honors Degree is with entering an honors contract with a full time professor. Full time faculty teach some 200 level class, but primarily teach 300 level classes. Therefore, the majority of artCORE class would not be eligible. It is recommended that students meet with the Faculty Honors Advisor at least once a year to discuss timeline, ideas, and identify potential faculty with shared interests.

Honors Contracts and Projects take a wide array of forms; the key element is that the student and the professor interact independently of classroom hours. Honors contracts have included extra reading and discussion, writing and discussion, collaboration on research, student designed projects, film viewings with discussion, and student designed lectures or labs.

Students must complete completed the Honors Thesis Prep Requirement before enrolling in HON 492 or HON 493. You can find enrollment information online here: https://barretthonors.asu.edu/thesis/gettingstarted

Recommended Timeline

Students should start thinking about their thesis in the junior year, and identify a full time faculty member to serve as their Thesis Director. Students should meet with the Faculty Honors Advisor to assist with the development of a proposal and to potential faculty with shared interests. 

A thesis begins with a thesis prospectus, a  proposals that is approved by the thesis director and second committee member. The final thesis project must contain a written component, relevant visual or academic research, and an oral defense with the committee. 

To see past thesis projects from the School of Art please visit the Barrett Thesis Repository. 

Other Honors Opportunities

Honors Thesis Project Funding: Students can apply up to $1000 for support of their thesis or creative project and up to $1500 for an external reviewer to be part of their defense. Apply for this funding online.