A thesis is typically the culminating project for a master's degree, while a dissertation completes a doctoral degree and represents a scholar's main area of expertise. However, some undergraduate students write theses that are published online, so it is important to note which degree requirements the thesis meets. While these are not published works like peer-reviewed journal articles, they are typically subjected to a rigorous committee review process before they are considered complete. Additionally, they often provide a large number of citations that can point you to relevant sources.
Dissertations & Theses @ Yale University
A searchable databases with dissertations and theses in all disciplines written by students at Yale from 1861 to the present.
Yale University Architecture Theses
Included in Art, architecture, and art history theses and projects, Yale University (1915–2014)
Yale University Master of Fine Arts Theses in Graphic Design
Finding aid for Arts Library Special Collections holdings of over 600 individual theses from 1951 to the present. The theses are most often in book format, though some have more experimental formats. Individual records for the theses are also available in the library catalog.
Yale University Master of Fine Arts Theses in Photography
Finding aid for Arts Library Special Collections holdings of over 300 individual Master of Fine Arts theses from 1971 to the present. The theses are most often in the format of a portfolio of photographic prints, though some theses are also in book form. Individual records for the MFA theses are also available in the library catalog.