There is no senior thesis required for the History of Art major, but students are encouraged to think about a thesis if they are particularly interested in research or are considering going to graduate school in history of art.
There are several different types of thesis projects that can be completed, as is outlined below. The key thing that they all have in common, however, is that you need a faculty member to advise your thesis. This is typically someone that you have worked with already in a course or have gotten to know. You must identify a faculty thesis advisor, talk to them about your proposed project, and gotten their approval during the semester before you plan to write the thesis in order to move forward. There are no specific length requirements for History of Art thesis projects; this will be determined in consultation with your advisor. But most thesis projects in the department are in the range of 20-50 pages (double spaced, not including images or bibliography) and are submitted with full scholarly apparatus (footnotes, bibliography, images, etc.).
Questions about thesis projects may be directed towards any undergraduate advisor or faculty member. To register for thesis credit hours (after getting the approval of a faculty advisor), please contact Gabrielle Stephens.
Thesis Options for History of Art
Honors Thesis
Honors students who are majors or double-majors in History of Art should complete a thesis. Full guidelines and requirements for Honors Thesis projects can be found here: https://aschonors.osu.edu/honors/research-thesis Among other requirements, you must take at least 4 credit hours of HistArt 4999H (either all in one semester or across two semesters) in order to complete the honors thesis. You must also successfully defend the thesis during an oral examination.
Thesis for Graduation with Research Distinction
History of Art majors may complete a thesis project for graduation with “research distinction” in their major, according to the guidelines set out by the university. All of the guidelines and requirements for research distinction may be found here: https://artsandsciences.osu.edu/advising/research-distinction-research-thesis Among other requirements, you must take at least 4 credit hours of HistArt 4999 (either all in one semester or across two semesters) in order to complete the research distinction thesis. You must also successfully defend the thesis during an oral examination.
Departmental Thesis in History of Art
Students may also complete a regular departmental thesis in History of Art. This is done via a departmental process, rather than through the wider university, and does not lead to a special distinction on your transcript or diploma. It is, however, a great way to gain research experience in the field. Students who wish to complete a departmental thesis in History of Art must complete 3 credit hours of HistArt 4999. Departmental thesis projects are typically completed in one semester, and are usually shorter than honors or research distinction theses.
Funding for Thesis Research
There are multiple funding opportunities for undergraduate research projects; in the past, a number of History of Art majors have successfully applied for these grants and have made trips to study objects/artworks in person or conduct archival research. Talk to your advisor about any of these grants:
Arts Undergraduate Research Scholarship (link: https://artsandsciences.osu.edu/current-students/undergraduate-students/scholarships-and-grants/research-and-creative-activity/arts )
Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Funding (multiple opportunities) (link: https://artsandsciences.osu.edu/current-students/undergraduate-students/scholarships-and-grants/research-and-creative-activity )