<p>I was wondering what people here thought about non-thesis MS or MEng programs? I am specifically looking at for a higher ranking EE or Aero program. </p>
<p>I'm interested in working in development of Control systems, GN&C, or avionics or something like this in the gray area between Aero and EE. I don't have any undergraduate research, but I will have a fairly good GPA and 3 semesters of co-op experience by the time I graduate (which is still a few years away). Is research experience still absolutely necessary for admission to a Masters program, even if it is non-thesis? (Or maybe undergrad research isn't even required for most Masters?) Will not having a graduate thesis hurt me in terms of job prospects or salary?</p>
<p>I know there is a lot of uncertainty in everything, but right now my career goal is to end up as a project manager working in the of development some of these systems, preferably in the space industry. Thanks for any feedback.</p>
<p>It depends on what sort of job you are looking for. A having a thesis will never hurt you. Not having a thesis can in certain situations. Since your goal is to work on the development of said systems, I would advise you to go the thesis route. The experience you get trying to solve the problems to get the results for your thesis will be valuable when your ultimate goal is to develop new systems.</p>
<p>Undergrad research is not a “requirement” for any Masters program, just a very nice perk to have. If you have been in industry for a while, this can help negate not having research experience, but even if you haven’t you can still get admitted without any research. I would still suggest you try to get some though.</p>
<p>I think bonehead clearly answered the undergrad research question.</p>
<p>To elaborate further on Thesis vs. non-thesis… In general, a thesis will be close to meaningless if you plan on using your M.S. to only work in industry for the rest of your career. Yes, the research will be a great experience and might also look nice to employers, depending on which position you are applying for, but past your first position in industry it won’t mean anything, and few if any people will read/care about it. There are exceptions to this, of course, but this is generally true.</p>
<p>However, if you see yourself in some point continuing on to pursue a Ph.D., go for the thesis.</p>
<p>Do thesis if you think you want to do Ph.D. Else, I think non-thesis is totally fine, or even better for getting a job in industry, as you will have more breadth through classes.</p>