Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication

About this opportunity

The School of Applied Sciences and Arts is one of three schools in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (CISA) and offers forward-thinking and unique degrees in the applied sciences and mathematics, humanities and social sciences. The school is also a hub for interdisciplinary studies and serves ASU students from all majors completing general studies courses at the ASU Polytechnic, Downtown Phoenix and Tempe campuses and online. 

Degree programs include:

• Communication
• English
• General Studies
• History
• History of Science, Ideas and Innovation
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Integrative Social Science
• Liberal Studies
• Political Science
• Science, Technology and Society

Thesis

Honors thesis projects can be research-based, creative, and focus on applied learning. Students will work closely with a thesis director in their field who is a full time ASU faculty member, and a second committee member, a faculty member or a qualified professional in the field who adds flexibility and insight to the project.

Academic Preparation

It is best to take several courses in the major field before deciding on a thesis, especially so that you can meet a variety of faculty members who might serve as Thesis Director and Reader. Students are encouraged to start working on honors contracts early in their academic career and to get involved in internships, research, study abroad, and student leadership, all of which can lead to thesis project ideas. 

Recommended Timeline

In the third year students will start to finalize thesis topic ideas and find faculty mentors. Then students enroll in thesis credits 492 and 493 sequence of courses in their fourth year and complete thesis work. Students are encouraged to attend thesis defense presentations and look through past thesis project examples as they prepare for their own thesis experience. 

Other Honors Opportunities

Most 100-, 200-, 300-, and 400-level classes in the major field can add honors enrichment contract work. Simply ask the professor in the first week of class about potential projects. 

By taking courses with honors contract work, students have the opportunity to work on special projects that provide them an expanded understanding of the course subject matter. 

Such experiences distinguish honors students from other students and help them gain entrance to graduate programs or garner sought-after jobs. Honors students receive special invitations to various events, including meetings with faculty, staff, and industry representatives. They can also gain funding for research or travel to conferences held in other cities.

CISA also offers several internships. You can also search for internship opportunities here.