Which option would you choose?

Graduate School
1

<p>I'm doing my M.S in computer systems.
We have a choice for our exit requirements.
which one would you choose?A comprehensive exam or a master's level thesis(worth 3 credits)?</p>

<p>P.S.:I am interested in teaching but not sure of my career goals as of now. My immediate plan is to work in the industry for a year or two before I decide on teaching/Ph.D</p>

2

<p>If you have any desire at all to go into academia, a thesis is very beneficial, as it gives you experience and evidence of competency in performing research. I have heard industry typically doesn’t care either way, so I think you’re better off doing a thesis.</p>

3

<p>If you think you might want to go on to a Ph.D program later, write the thesis. It will leave that door open. Not that you can’t get into a Ph.D program otherwise, but your application will be much stronger if you can demonstrate your research skills.</p>

4

<p>Thanks guys!I’m pretty much unsure of my long term goal as of now. I 'm only looking forward to another 3-4 yrs.
the school gives us 1-2 semesters to complete the thesis and research. Moreover, I was told that out of 20 students enrolled in the master’s program, only 2-3 take up the thesis and most go the comprehensive exam way. This made me wonder if a thesis is always hard.</p>

<p>is the master’s thesis particularly hard? I’m sure it is nowhere near the PhD thesis :P</p>

5

<p>Most people after an MS in computer science aren’t planning on going for a Ph.D later. The MS is their terminal degree and they have no need of writing a thesis.</p>