School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies

About this opportunity

Learn more about your FHA, Dr. Julia Sarreal. 

The School of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies located at the ASU West Valley campus and Online offers a variety of degree programs from history, gender studies, and arts and performance. Through rich interdisciplinary coursework, students learn to think critically about the human experience while working within, outside, and across the boundaries of traditional liberal arts disciplines. Students gain life-enriching skills that are both powerful and practical, enabling fluid communication and creative thinking. SHArCS graduates are are well-equipped to solve global challenges, making them excellent candidates on the job market.

Degree Programs include: 

Applied Science 

Disability Studies 

English 

English (Secondary Education) 

Exploratory Humanities, Fine Arts and Design 

Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies

History 

History (Secondary Education) 

Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance 

Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences

Latin American Studies

Philosophy, Religion and Society 

Social and Cultural Analysis (American Studies) 

Social and Cultural Analysis (Ethnicity, Race, and Indigenous Studies) 

Social and Cultural Analysis (Latin American Studies) 

Social and Cultural Analysis (Peace Studies) 

Social and Cultural Analysis (Queer and Sexuality Studies) 

Social and Cultural Analysis (Women and Gender Studies) 

Spanish 

Thesis

Thesis projects in SHArCS can range from performance pieces or art installations, to in-depth research writing, to creative writing, to projects involving direct community engagement, and so on. The form of the thesis depends on the student's coursework and interests and the thesis committee's expertise.  

Academic Preparation

Relevant academic preparation for the thesis will vary among programs, though in most cases, students have completed coursework in the disciplines they wish to employ in their project.  

We encourage you to begin thinking about thesis possibilities early in your Barrett experience so you can develop relationships with professors who share your interests and explore a variety of thesis options. You are welcome to talk with Dr. McGregor at any point in the process. She can help you brainstorm ideas and also connect you with faculty fascinated by the same subjects that capture you. 

Recommended Timeline

Students typically establish a thesis committee and produce a prospectus in the spring (or last semester) of their junior year. They submit a final prospectus the following fall and defend the thesis in the spring (or last semester) of their senior year.

Other Honors Opportunities

Students are encouraged to consult with faculty members about research opportunities, which may be taken for honors credit as well as internships and student leadership opportunities.