course based vs thesis masters

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>I'm currently working while doing my masters part time taking 1 course per semester. At this rate, if i choose a course based masters, I'll be able to complete it within 1-2 years part time. </p>

<p>The other option is to go with a thesis based masters where I'd have to take about 8 months off of work in order to complete the research and write up the thesis. Are there advantages in the thesis based masters?</p>

<p>I'm really liking my job and I'm learning a lot so I don't really want to take time off. I heard that a thesis masters might open up more research opportunities in the future which is something I'd like to get into. However, at my organization, the researchers all seem to have Phds so I'm not sure how much further a thesis based masters will get me compared to course work. </p>

<p>any advice?</p>

2

<p>any advice at all?</p>

3

<p>You need to assess what you want to do and chose the degree path that will get you there.</p>

<p>Me?</p>

<p>I chose non-thesis because I wanted to qualify for senior-level technical positions without having to put in a lot of years. Also in my niche industry (defense contracting), employers can bill you out at higher rates with a M.S./M.Eng and it is the same whether or not one did a thesis…so I chose non-thesis.</p>

<p>Now your path/goals may differ, so you will chose what is best for your path.</p>

4

<p>Thesis based: probably better practice if you want to go to a PhD program later.</p>

<p>Course based: probably better if you would get to take additional useful advanced course work that you would not otherwise take.</p>