Master's Thesis vs non-thesis - your thoughts?

Graduate School
1

<p>My Program offers both - a comp exam and a thesis option(2 credits). We can choose eithet one for satisfying graduation requirements.
I'm not really concerned with the usefulness of the thesis or the exam but whichever is easier. What do you think? I'm inclined toward the thesis because I feel writing up 30-40 pages can be done in a couple of months. However, most students in my progrsm sit for the comp exam. I'm in a computer science program.</p>

2

<p>A thesis is not as simple as writing 30 or 40 pages - it involves defining a research question, conducting that research in accordance with academic standards, writing up your results and then defending those results before your thesis committee.</p>

<p>It totally depends on your needs. If you want to go for a Ph.D down the line or are otherwise interested in research tracks, you are best advised to write a thesis. Otherwise, it may not matter. I started my program intending to write a thesis, but switched to a project-based degree to avoid the complexity of dealing with the committee.</p>

3

<p>Why is your thesis option only 2 credits? Unless you are using something different than the typical 30-36 credits for a Masters. I would say go for the thesis if you have any interest even the slightest in doing research in industry or pursuing a PhD after. I originally was going to bang out 30 credits of coursework in 1 year, but I’m glad I decided to dedicate another 8 months for working on a thesis/research since I want to get a PhD next. </p>

<p>I think as the above poster said you might underestimate the amount of work it is. Every adviser is different but for my case for example. I will have spent 3 semesters, and 2 full summers doing research for only 9 credits. This summer I have spent all of May/June/July/August doing research 50ish hours a week for only 3 credits. It’s a big commitment time wise, but it’s worth it. You get lot more sanctification and if you work for the right person you can get some good recongintion for your work at conferences, academic journals, etc.</p>