what is the difference between a thesis for an MS and a thesis for a PhD?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi Everyone,</p>

<p>I will be enrolling in an Engineering Masters program (M.S., not M.Eng.) for Fall 2012. The main reason I decided to do an MS as opposed to a PhD was because I did not think that I was ready to write a doctorate thesis and conduct original research. Thus, I decided to do an MS. However, I now have a few questions at the Master's Thesis.</p>

<p>In Engineering and Science, what is the difference between a thesis for an MS and a thesis for a PhD? Clearly there must be a difference between the two. I'm wondering if anyone can identify the specific differences. I know that a PhD thesis must be "original" work. Does this also apply to the MS thesis?</p>

<p>Thanks! </p>

<p>Anyone not in Engineering and Science are welcome to throw in their 2 cents also!</p>

2

<p>It will probably vary by field, but the main differences are going to be what’s expected of you in 2 years vs. 4-5 years with quals, comps, and all that. I’ve never written either, so this is just my impression: a PhD thesis is often described as several chapters, each of which could ideally be submitted as its own paper (review in the case of an introduction) while a masters thesis would more likely, at best, be chopped down to one submittable paper? From what I’ve seen the thesis committees are smaller (3 as opposed to 4-5). If you have to defend it, it will probably be a more friendly Q/A session as opposed to grilling that could potentially send you back to do additional experiments?</p>

3

<p>A masters thesis is very much like a doctoral thesis, just on a smaller scale. As virions noted, it will be less in depth, shorter, reviewed by fewer people, and held to a lower standard. A doctoral thesis is intended to demonstrate that you are THE leading world expert in your narrow little specialty, by way of a piece of truly original research. A masters thesis is intended to demonstrate that you are very good in your specialty and may not involve original research at all - my wife is doing a masters right now, and she is the ONLY one in her cohort who is doing original research.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the insightful responses! Also, do you get to chose the topic of your Master’s thesis? Or is the topic of your thesis constrained to whatever research your professors are doing at the time?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

5

<p>

Somewhat. There is essentially a list of possible theses that your professor can and will support, and going outside that list is not usually possible without switching advisors (which is possible, but difficult). You may well work with additional professors, but it is your advisor who will be the biggest director of your efforts.</p>

<p>Bear in mind also that funding further complicates things - if you are receiving funding in the form of an RA then it is almost always in your best interest to make THAT area a strong part of your thesis.</p>

6

<p>Most programs have a non-thesis option for MS students; you might have to take an exam.</p>