which is better thesis or project

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Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

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Resources Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

As of 2015, approximately 25.4 million Americans held advanced degrees , with more citizens joining these ranks each year. As studies continue to show the career advancement and salary benefits of completing a master's degree, more and more students elect to pursue advanced educations. When considering their options, many question whether to enroll in a master's requiring a thesis or not. The following guide examines some of the reasons degree seekers may want to write a thesis while also highlighting why they might not. Students on the fence about this important decision can find expert advice, actionable tips, and relevant guidance to help them make an informed choice in the guide that follows.

Understanding the Master's Thesis

What is the difference between a thesis & non-thesis master's program, the decision not to do a thesis.

As students research various master's programs in their chosen discipline, it's common to find that many degrees require a thesis – especially if they want to enter a research-heavy field. While this word gets thrown around a lot in academia, some learners may want more information regarding what it entails in order to make an informed decision.

What is a Master's Thesis?

The master's thesis is an original piece of scholarship allowing the student to dig into a topic and produce an expanded document that demonstrates how their knowledge has grown throughout the degree program. These documents require significant independent research of primary and secondary sources and, depending on the subject, may require interviews and/or surveys to support the overarching argument.

Individual schools and departments dictate the length of these documents, but they typically range between 60 and 100 pages – or approximately 20,000 to 40,000 words. While tackling a document of such heft may seem overwhelming at first, learners need not fret. Each master's candidate receives a faculty advisor early in their tenure to provide support, feedback, and guidance throughout the process. Because the final thesis is expected to be of a publishable quality, learners seeking the highest marks typically send their supervisor excerpts of the document as they write to ensure they are on the right track.

When picking a thesis topic, no magical formula exists. Students should consider their interests and read extensively on that topic to get a better sense of existing scholarship. They should also speak to other academics working in that sphere to familiarize themselves with ongoing projects. Only after they feel reasonably well-read should they begin looking for uncovered angles or interesting ways of using emerging methodologies to bring new light to the topic.

When considering formatting, degree seekers should check with their specific schools and departments, as they may have unique requirements. To get a general understanding of what to expect, learners can review Simon Fraser University's guidelines on thesis formatting. After completing the thesis, some programs require an oral defense before a committee while others read the document and provide a grade. Check with your prospective schools to get a better sense of procedure.

Format & Components of a Master's Thesis

While this guide attempts to provide helpful and actionable information about the process of deciding whether to follow a thesis or non-thesis track in a master's program, readers should remember that specific components and requirements of a thesis vary according to discipline, university, and department. That being said, some commonalities exist across all these – especially when it comes to what students must include in their final drafts.

As the first section a reader encounters after moving through the table of contents and other anterior text, the introductory allows the writer to firmly establish what they want to accomplish. Sometimes also called the "research question" section, the introductory must clearly state the goals of the paper and the overarching hypothesis guiding the argument. This should be written in a professional yet accessible tone that allows individuals without specializations in the field to understand the text.

This section allows learners to demonstrate their deep knowledge of the field by providing context to existing texts within their chosen discipline Learners review the main bodies of work, highlighting any issues they find within each. Constructive criticism often centers around shortcomings, blind spots, or outdated hypotheses.

Students use this section to explain how they went about their work. While scientists may point to a specific method used to reach conclusions, historians may reference the use of an emerging framework for understanding history to bring new light to a topic. The point of this section is to demonstrate the thought processes that led to your findings.

This section allows for learners to show what they learned during the research process in a non-biased way. Students should simply state what information they gathered by utilizing a specific framework or methodology and arrange those findings, without interpretation, in an easy-to-read fashion.

After providing readers with all the necessary information, the discussion section exists for candidates to interpret the raw data and demonstrate how their research led to a new understanding or contributed a unique perspective to the field. This section should directly connect to the introduction by reinforcing the hypothesis and showing how you answered the questions posed.

Even though the previous sections give prospective degree seekers a better sense of what to expect if they decide to write a thesis during their master's program, they don't necessarily help learners decide whether to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track. The following section highlights some of the reasons students frequently choose to complete a thesis or bypass the process altogether by providing a pros and cons list.

Why a Thesis Program

Especially when entering a research-heavy discipline, completing a thesis shows prospective schools and employers that you possess the skills needed for researching and writing long-form reports.
Students hoping to pursue a Ph.D. stand in better stead with admissions panels if they wrote a thesis during a master's program.
Individuals hoping to enter a field that values syntax and grammar often better their writing skills by completing a thesis.
Students who write a thesis can submit the final product to various academic journals, increasing their chances of getting published.
Theses expand students' understanding of what they're capable of, deepen their ability to carry out an argument, and develop their skills in making connections between ideas.

Why a Non-thesis Program

Because they don't require a significant written product, non-thesis master's tend to take less time to complete.
Often mirrors a bachelor's program in terms of structure, allowing learners to complete classes and take exams without a great deal of research or writing.
Students who excel in project-based assignments can continue building skills in this arena rather than focusing on skills they don't plan to use (e.g. research)
Provides learners the opportunity to work more closely and more frequently with faculty on real-world projects since they don't spend hundreds of hours researching/writing.
Allows learners to take more classes and gain hands-on skills to fill the time they would have spent researching and writing a thesis.

How to Choose a Master's Program: FAQs

Within some academic disciplines and professional fields, research and writing plays a key role in work done on a daily basis. Because of this, master's programs in these fields require learners to complete theses to compete against peers and be seen as competent in their work. Other disciplines, conversely, rely on other tools to accomplish work and progress ideas – making theses less important.

Yes. Master's programs focused more on application than research typically don't require a thesis – although they may still give students the option. Examples of common non-thesis master's programs include nursing, business, and education.

Even though non-thesis students won't be writing a 100-page paper, that doesn't mean they avoid completing a significant project. In place of a thesis, most applied master's programs require students to take part in at least one internship or complete a culminating project. These projects typically ask learners to take what they learned throughout coursework and create an expansive final project – examples include case studies, creative works, or portfolios.

While students who followed a non-thesis path routinely receive acceptance to Ph.D. programs, those with theses often find the process easier. Even if a learner pursues a Ph.D. in a discipline that isn't research-heavy, admissions panels still want to get a sense of your academic interests and ability to engage in independent, nuanced thought. Students with theses can provide solid proof of these skills, while those without may struggle to demonstrate preparedness as thoroughly.

The answer to this question depends on many factors, but typically it is okay not to do a thesis if you plan to enter a field that doesn't depend heavily on research or writing, or if you don't plan to complete a Ph.D.

Students wanting to work in academic, research, or writing should always opt for the thesis track. They should also follow this path if they have any doctoral degree aspirations.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to complete a thesis rests with the individual student. Figuring out how to proceed on this front requires lots of careful consideration, and learners should ensure they consider various aspects before coming to a final decision. The following section helps students consider how they should and should not come to a conclusion.

Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a Thesis or Non-thesis Program

Consider the longevity of your decision: will you feel the same in 5-10 years or are you making a decision based on current desires?
Talk to others who with experience in this area. Ask them questions about their decision-making process and if they regret their choice.
Research potential thesis topics before starting a program. Going in with a game plan can help you feel more confident and settled about the process than if you're scrambling for a topic while in school.
Reach out to prospective schools to speak with faculty and/or current students following both tracks. This will provide knowledge specific to the school while also expanding your network if you choose to attend there.
Research Ph.D. entrance requirements to ascertain if the majority expect learners to possess a thesis when applying. This will give you a sense of whether you may experience issues later on if you do not complete one.
Decide not to complete a thesis simply because you have never taken on such a task and feel overwhelmed or fearful that you will fail.
Complete a thesis simply because you think it will look good on your resume. Theses require intense devotion over an extended amount of time; learners who complete them without conviction often find the process miserable.
Forget to research alternatives to writing a thesis. Just because you don't complete a research paper doesn't mean a non-thesis track lacks rigor or challenging coursework.
Forget to read examples of theses by previous students. If you feel overwhelmed by the task, reading work other people have done can often make the task at hand feel less scary.
Let yourself off easy by taking the non-thesis path. If you find you have extra time in the program, talk to your advisor about taking more classes, develop meaningful projects for yourself, or see about presenting at an academic conference.

From the Expert

Sudiksha Joshi, Ph.D. is a learning advocate. Her mission is to empower our youth to think bigger, bolder thoughts and forge a career path that will change the world. She taps into her natural curiosity and ability to identify strengths to help students and those in transition find their path from feeling lost in the traditional ways of achieving success to charting their own path. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Medium and LinkedIn.

Why might a student decide to follow a thesis track? Why might they follow a non-thesis track?

A student might decide to take a thesis track if she/he wants to pursue a Ph.D. Also, if the students want to focus on careers where research and writing have a strong focus, the students opt for the thesis option. Research assistantships at the graduate level are also more often available to students who opt for the thesis option.

A student who might feel that writing is not one of their strengths might choose to go the non-thesis track. Likewise, a student who has other work commitments may find a non-thesis option more convenient.

Do you have any tips for deciding on a program?

I chose a thesis option because being able to conduct independent research was a big reason to go to graduate school. Also, showing the ability that I could do research was what afforded me research assistantships which meant that my tuition was paid for and I got a stipend that paid for expenses while I was in graduate school. This also allowed me the opportunity to work closely with the faculty mentor that provided me with the support and the accountability I wanted.

I would not recommend taking a non-thesis option if all the degree requires is for you to take courses. You have little to show in terms of your learning other than your grades unless you are already working on something on the side that does that for you and all you need is a certificate.

Opt for a non-thesis option if you can still work closely with a professor or on a project and if you'd rather be involved in multiple projects rather than focus on a single project. If you already have a good (informed) reason for choosing one over the other, go for it.

What's the most important thing to consider when choosing a program?

The most important thing to consider when choosing a program is getting excited about the projects that at least one of the faculty members are involved in. Do some research and see why you are excited about a particular work that at least one of the faculty members have been involved in.

Who should students talk to when considering options?

Students should talk to other students and also reach out directly to the graduate coordinator and even individual faculty members. This means that students should have done prior homework and have some good questions ready. Asking good questions will get you at least halfway through to make the right decision.

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What is the difference between project and thesis?

How project and thesis differs in terms of creativity ?

which one is original ? project or thesis ? any formal definition for project and thesis ?

You have probably two accounts (maybe three? ): you can merge them in a single one. See the I accidentally created two accounts; how do I merge them? . – Massimo Ortolano Commented Nov 27, 2016 at 22:08

It differs by school. Technically, a thesis is a claim that can be proven or disproven, but, in practice, the term "thesis" is often used for a project (for undergraduate or Master's degrees). On the other hand, a PhD thesis is not just a project; it should advance the state of knowledge in a field in a way that can only be done by someone knowledgeable in the field.

My department is considering renaming our Master's thesis requirement to Master's project, to acknowledge that it need not be a research contribution.

Of course, even a project can entail publishable work or advance the state of the art, but it need not.

thanks, is there any difference in terms of novelty ? i know that a phd thesis or masters thesis needs to be original but does the project needs to be original ? – Rashida Hasan Rupa Commented Nov 27, 2016 at 21:20
@RashidaHasanRupa Technically, all projects are original, since nobody has solved exactly the same problem. – Ellen Spertus Commented Jul 13, 2017 at 17:30

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Dissertation vs. Thesis: Comparing the Two Academic Projects

In the academic world, students are often required to complete a research project such as a thesis or a dissertation in order to earn their degree. Depending on your field of study, you might need to submit—and then defend—a thesis or a dissertation before you can graduate.

Although these two academic research projects might seem interchangeable, there are key differences between the two. And understanding these differences is essential for both students and their academic institution.

Thesis and dissertation: definitions

A thesis is a formal paper that presents original research and findings on a particular topic. It is typically submitted as part of the requirements for a master’s degree, although some doctoral programs may also require a thesis. A thesis is usually shorter in length than a dissertation and focuses more on original research and findings.

Conversely, a dissertation is a longer, more comprehensive piece of research that is written as part of the requirements for a doctoral degree. Dissertations are usually around 100 to 300 pages in length—and they require a great deal of original research and analysis. Unlike a thesis, a dissertation is not just focused on presenting findings but also on offering new insights and contributions to the field. In fact, the requirements of each project are folded into their definitions.

What defines a thesis?

A thesis is often a requirement for a master’s degree. While it’s usually shorter and more focused than a dissertation, your thesis will be expected to demonstrate your mastery of the subject and your ability to conduct original research. On top of that, you’ll have to analyze your findings—and present an organized, thoughtful argument! Thesis projects typically involve the collection and analysis of data, as well as the presentation of the findings.

What defines a dissertation?

On the other hand, a dissertation is a longer piece of research that is written as part of the requirements for a doctoral degree. Students pursuing their PhD might need to submit a dissertation in order to graduate.

Similar to a thesis, a dissertation must demonstrate the student’s mastery of their chosen research subject. Additionally, a dissertation must show the student’s ability to conduct original research and their ability to contribute new insights and knowledge to the field. Dissertations usually involve a great deal of research, data collection, and analysis and are typically 100 to 300 pages in length. In other words, these are major projects that take a lot of time to complete!

Thesis vs dissertation: a comparison

Perhaps the biggest differences between a thesis and a dissertation are the length and scope of each project. Theses are shorter, laser-focused pieces of research that are typically submitted as part of a master’s degree. Conversely, dissertations are longer, more comprehensive pieces of research that are submitted as part of a doctoral degree.

Another key difference between the two projects is the level of original research and analysis that is expected and required of the student. Theses are expected to demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct original research and present their findings; dissertations are expected to not only present findings but also to offer new insights and contributions to the field.

In terms of the academic requirements, the difference between a thesis and a dissertation is largely based on the level of the degree being pursued. Master’s programs typically require a thesis, while doctoral programs require a dissertation. The specific requirements and expectations for each project will vary depending on the institution and academic field. In other words, the higher your degree, the more intensive your research project. Perhaps that’s why the dissertation is the longer of these two academic research projects.

What is the difference in length between the two?

Length is one of the most noticeable differences between a thesis and a dissertation. A thesis is typically shorter than a dissertation, with an average length of around 50 pages. On the other hand, a dissertation is a much longer piece of work, typically around 100–200 pages in length.

However, length isn’t the only difference between these two academic research projects. The purpose can be largely different too!

What is the difference in purpose between the two?

The purpose of a thesis and a dissertation will vary according to your field of study. However, here’s a look at the main purpose of each:

A thesis summarizes the student’s research findings. It must demonstrate the student’s understanding of the subject and their ability to apply what they’ve learned in a practical way.
A dissertation shows the student’s ability to conduct independent and original research. It’s a comprehensive piece of work that is meant to contribute new knowledge and insights to their field.

In other words, a thesis researches a topic, and a dissertation might add a new research source because it helps position you as a thought leader .

Completing your thesis or dissertation is a huge accomplishment. However you’re not done when you turn in your paper. You’ll need to defend your research before you can earn that degree.

How is the defense different between the two?

The defense of a thesis and a dissertation is another difference between the two projects; however, it’s common for both projects to have an oral dissertation. In a thesis defense, the student is usually required to present their research and findings to a committee of professors within the institution. After the presentation, the committee will ask the student questions about their research and their findings. If the student demonstrates their mastery of the subject, there’s a good chance they’ll pass with flying colors!

Dissertation defense is more intensive—and more intimidating for the student. Your institution might assemble a committee of professors, peers, and other experts in your field. The committee will ask difficult questions to ensure that you not only have a firm grasp of the topic but have a well-developed argument with evidence to support your dissertation’s conclusion.

Regardless of whether you’re defending a thesis or a dissertation, you’ll probably have the moral support of your academic advisor in the room with you. A student’s advisor is with them every step of the way throughout the project, so it’s helpful and comforting when they attend the defense!

Perfect your dissertation or thesis with professional proofreading

The academic world is fun—but it’s also extremely challenging! As you write your thesis or dissertation, you might need a little professional assistance to proofread it. You’ve poured your heart and soul into this project, so make sure it’s perfectly proofread and ready for your defense committee!

Elite Editing offers proofreading services for students, businesses, and individuals. Visit our website to learn more!

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Dissertation vs Thesis vs Capstone Project What’s the difference?

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2020

At Grad Coach, we receive questions about dissertation and thesis writing on a daily basis – everything from how to find a good research topic to which research methods to use and how to analyse the data.

One of the most common questions we receive is “what’s the difference between a dissertation and thesis?” . If you look around online, you’ll find a lot of confusing and often contrasting answers. In this post we’ll clear it up, once and for all…

Need a helping hand?

Dissertation vs Thesis: Showdown Time

Before comparing dissertations to theses, it’s useful to first understand what both of these are and what they have in common .

Dissertations and theses are both formal academic research projects . In other words, they’re academic projects that involve you undertaking research in a structured, systematic way. The research process typically involves the following steps :

Asking a well-articulated and meaningful research question (or questions).
Assessing what other researchers have said in relation to that question (this is usually called a literature review – you can learn more about that up here).
Undertaking your own research using a clearly justified methodology – this often involves some sort of fieldwork such as interviews or surveys – and lastly,
Deriving an answer to your research question based on your analysis.

In other words, theses and dissertations are both formal, structured research projects that involve using a clearly articulated methodology to draw out insights and answers to your research questions . So, in this respect, they are, for the most part, the same thing.

But, how are they different then?

Well, the key difference between a dissertation and a thesis is, for the most part, the level of study – in other words, undergrad, master or PhD. By extension, this also means that the complexity and rigorousness of the research differs between dissertations and theses.

Dissertations and theses are both academic research projects that involve undertaking research in a structured, systematic way.

So, which is which?

This is where it gets a bit confusing. The meaning of dissertation or thesis varies depending on the country or region of study. For example, in the UK, a dissertation is generally a research project that’s completed at the end of a Masters-level degree, whereas a thesis is completed for a Doctoral-level degree.

Conversely, the terminology is flipped around in the US (and some other countries). In other words, a thesis is completed for a Masters-level degree, while a dissertation is completed for PhD (or any other doctoral-level degree).

Simply put, a dissertation and a thesis are essentially the same thing, but at different levels of study . The exact terminology varies from country to country, and sometimes it even varies between universities in the same country. Some universities will also refer to this type of project as a capstone project . In addition, some universities will also require an oral exam or viva voce , especially for doctoral-level projects.

Given that there are more than 25,000 universities scattered across the globe, all of this terminological complexity can cause some confusion. To be safe, make sure that you thoroughly read the brief provided by your university for your dissertation or thesis, and if possible, visit the university library to have a look at past students’ projects . This will help you get a feel for your institution’s norms and spot any nuances in terms of their specific requirements so that you can give them exactly what they want.

The key difference between a dissertation and a thesis is, for the most part, simply the level of study - i.e. undergrad vs postgrad.

Let’s recap

Dissertations and theses are both formal academic research projects . The main difference is the level of study – undergrad, Masters or PhD. Terminology tends to vary from country to country, and even within countries.

Need help with your research project?

Get in touch with a friendly Grad Coach to discuss how we can help you fast-track your dissertation or thesis today. Book a free, no-obligation consultation here.

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

GRADCOACH youtube and materials are awesome for new researchers. Keep posting such materials so that many new researchers can benefit form them.

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October 15, 2023
Academic Advice

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Programs: Which is Right for You?

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Continuing your educational journey within your chosen field is an experience that fosters personal and professional growth. The next milestone in your academic path often involves pursuing a Master’s degree , with options ranging from thesis-based programs to non-thesis alternatives. Deciding between these two paths is significant as it shapes your academic and career paths.

But how can you decide which is right for you before getting decision fatigue?

Let’s explore the difference between thesis vs. non-thesis Master’s programs, their unique characteristics, and reasons for choosing one or the other.

Do You Have to Write a Thesis for Your Master’s Program?

Whether you have to write a thesis for your Master’s program depends on the specific requirements of the program you’re enrolled in. It’s important to note that while not all Master’s programs require writing a thesis, a significant number of them do.

What is a Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Program?

A thesis Master’s program involves completing a large research project spanning over several semesters. Students are expected to conduct original research on a specific topic under a faculty advisor’s guidance, culminating in a thesis likely to be published. Completing and defending the thesis is a crucial part of the degree requirement.

A non-thesis Master’s program doesn’t involve a specific research focus but rather a more coursework and practical experience, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge applicable to their field of study. After completing their program’s core course requirements, students can choose any of the electives to meet their degree requirements. Depending on the institution, you may be required to do a Master’s Degree Capstone project, including reviewing previous courses, a comprehensive exam, or a summary project.

Why Choose a Thesis Master’s Program?

Thesis Master’s programs offer several advantages, be that contributing to new findings in your field, close collaboration with professors and researchers, and standing out to potential employers with your abilities to work independently and analyze complex issues. However, the primary advantages are:

Research Experience

Thesis programs allow you to conduct extensive research on a specific topic that piques your interest. This way, you’ll gain expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Academic Growth

Writing a thesis helps sharpen your critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills. It also challenges you to think independently, analyze a large amount of data, and draw meaningful conclusions. Furthermore, it prepares you for doctoral studies, familiarizing you with the rigor of independent research and equips you with the necessary skills to succeed.

Why Choose a Non-Thesis Master’s Program?

Non-thesis master’s programs also come with numerous advantages for students, including flexibility in scheduling, a range of career opportunities, shorter competition time, etc. Here are the main advantages:

Non-thesis programs prioritize coursework, fostering the development of practical skills and their real-world application. This approach enables you to actively engage in hands-on learning experiences highly sought after in today’s job market. Critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities are some of those skills.

Suitability for Professionals

Another advantage to pursuing a non-thesis Master’s program is that it doesn’t take as much time as the thesis Master’s programs. That way you can enter the workforce faster. It’s also well-suited for professionals already established in their field who are seeking to further their education and advance in their careers.

The Academic and Career Outcomes of Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Programs

The academic outcomes for the thesis Master’s program graduates involve preparation for Ph.D. programs , opening doors to advanced research and specialized roles in research institutions. This provides solid research skills and helps them publish their work. Common career paths for graduates include research positions in academia, government, or private sectors. Some also pursue teaching careers in colleges and universities. Degree programs that usually require a thesis include sciences, social sciences, engineering, and humanities (history, philosophy, and language studies).

Non-thesis Master’s program graduates typically achieve academic outcomes focused on mastering practical, directly applicable skills within their field. While these programs are more career-oriented, graduates can still pursue a Ph.D. They can benefit from diverse career options in different settings and find employment in managerial, administrative, or specialized roles in their field. Degree programs that don’t usually require a thesis are business, education, healthcare administration, IT management, etc.

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Programs, That is the Question

With their abundance of advantages, choosing between the two can be pretty tricky. So, let’s compare thesis vs. non-thesis Master’s programs and help you make an informed decision.

Personal and Career Goals

A thesis Master’s program is ideal if you’re interested in furthering in academia and want to pursue a Ph.D ., as these programs can provide the necessary tools to enhance your credentials for research-based careers. Meanwhile, a non-thesis Master’s program will suit you better if you’re seeking to gain practical skills to integrate into the industry immediately, as they can include practical projects or internships according to industry demands.

Time and Financial Considerations

Thesis Master’s programs can extend the duration of your studies, as researching, writing, and defending the thesis can take several semesters to complete and can cause financial strain due to additional costs like lab fees and materials. In contrast, non-thesis ones can help you enter the job market promptly as they are shorter, allowing you to save time and money.

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Field of Study and Program Requirements

When deciding between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program, a crucial element to take into account is the field of study and the program’s specific requirements. A thesis Master’s program is better suited for those pursuing research-oriented fields, while a non-thesis program is a more fitting choice for individuals with a strong focus on their career. Furthermore, program requirements for thesis programs require substantial research to culminate in a thesis, whereas non-thesis ones require capstone projects, internships, or comprehensive exams.

Switching from a Non-Thesis to a Thesis Master’s Program, or Vice Versa

Switching from a non-thesis to a thesis Master’s program, or vice versa, is possible in many institutions, although the process and requirements may vary. Switching from a non-thesis to a thesis program generally requires getting approval from the academic advisor or department, completing additional research methodology classes, finding a thesis advisor, and applying to the thesis program.

Switching from a thesis to a non-thesis Master’s program requires having at least a 3.0 GPA, getting approval from the academic advisor, transferring credits of research methodology classes, and formally applying to the thesis program.

Choosing between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program ultimately depends on your career goals, research interests, and personal preferences. Thesis programs provide a robust foundation for research-oriented careers and advanced studies, while non-thesis programs offer practical skills tailored for immediate industry integration. Regardless of your choice, both paths offer unique advantages, ensuring you gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in your chosen field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the difference between a thesis vs. non-thesis master’s program.

The key difference between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program is that thesis Master’s programs require original research and completion of a thesis, whereas non-thesis ones focus on coursework and practical experiences.

Do I have to write a thesis for a Master’s program?

If you’re pursuing a research-oriented Master’s degree in sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, etc., you’ll probably have to write a thesis. Whereas, if you’re pursuing a Master’s degree in education, business healthcare administration, or IT management, you’re more likely not to have to complete a thesis.

Is a thesis required for all Master’s degree programs?

Although a thesis isn’t required for all master’s degree programs, many programs require one.

What should I consider when deciding between a thesis and non-thesis program?

There are several factors to consider when choosing between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program, including your career goals, interest in research, duration of studies, personal strengths and preferences, cost, and program requirements.

Are there any financial and duration differences between thesis and non-thesis Master’s programs?

There can be financial and duration differences between thesis and non-thesis Master’s programs. Thesis programs can be more expensive as you’ll have to spend additional resources on materials, lab fees, and data collection. In contrast, the main cost for non-thesis programs is tuition fees, which can be slightly lower. Furthermore, thesis programs require additional time to conduct research, write, and defend the thesis. In contrast, non-thesis programs allow students to earn the degree in a shorter period.

Why should I choose a thesis Master’s program?

You should choose a thesis Master’s program if you’re interested in a research-heavy discipline and want to showcase your knowledge and expertise in an evidence-based, thorough thesis.

Why should I choose a non-thesis Master’s program?

You should choose a non-thesis Master’s program if you want to enter the workforce earlier, don’t want to spend several semesters collecting data, and want to focus more on application than research.

Can non-thesis Master’s graduates still pursue doctoral studies later?

Yes, non-thesis Master’s graduates can still get accepted into a doctoral program. However, thesis Master’s graduates can go through the process more efficiently, as admissions panels want to gain insight into your academic interests and ability to engage in nuanced thought.

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Choosing Between a Professional Project or a Master’s Thesis
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Choosing Between a Professional Project or a Master’s Thesis

Students have the option of culminating their program by completing either a professional master’s project or a master’s thesis. This section reviews these options, which vary by nature of supervision, number of credits, and product outcome.

Professional Master’s Project

The professional project report option simulates an exercise typical of professional planners in practice. The exercise occurs in the final semester of a student’s program and is completed as part of a 3-credit semester-long course that provides practice and guidance under faculty direction. The exercise yields a professional report of approximately 12-15 pages (not including cover and executive summary) that includes an introduction to an assigned planning issue or problem, background information sufficient to understand the issue or problem, application of appropriate analytic methods and data, and recommendation of appropriate approaches or solutions all of a professional quality sufficient to be submitted for public scrutiny. Students pursuing a specialization within the program will also be expected to demonstrate mastery of material and skills in that area of concentration.

The instructor will present a planning issue, municipality or challenge on which the student must work. The planning issue or challenge will be formulated to allow students sufficient breadth to individually synthesize material and apply skills and knowledge to competently address the situation, just as in a real-world planning context.

Master’s Thesis

The master’s thesis is an academic product prepared under the direction of a faculty committee with a minimum of two department faculty members, one of whom is designated the chair and the other the reader. Additional academic or professionally qualified persons may also serve as readers.

The thesis is a scholarly work conforming to academic conventions and yielding a finished product typically including a clear research question, review of literature, hypotheses, appropriate research design/methodology, implementation of the research design, findings, and conclusions. The format of the thesis product is an electronic version of a formal document consistent with stipulations of the UB Graduate School. Theses may also take the form of an applied product emphasizing data collection, analysis, and interpretation, perhaps involving plan preparation or policy analysis.

The thesis option carries 6 course credits, with a maximum of 3 credits taken in any single semester. Students must take 3 credits of URP 698 Master’s Thesis Preparation in their next-to-last semester, with the remaining 3 credits in their final semester as URP 699 Master’s Thesis. Students completing a thesis will be scheduled for a final oral public presentation of their work toward the end of their final semester. The scheduling of the thesis presentation/defense should be arranged by the student and his/her thesis committee.

Students do not automatically qualify to pursue a thesis as their culminating option. To follow this option, students must prepare a formal thesis proposal and must gain agreement from a two-person faculty committee willing to supervise the work. This is then forwarded to our school’s Divisional Committee for approval. If students are unable to form a thesis committee, they shall follow the professional project option as their culminating exercise.

Which Path Should You Follow?

Students should select the option that most closely matches their professional and academic career path. Students pursuing professional planning practice may prefer the professional project report option. This option draws upon a student’s coursework and skills to demonstrate professional competency in the field. As a 3-credit project, it frees the student to take an additional 3-credit course in the program. Most students select the professional project report option.

Students who have a deep interest in a particular planning topic, have strong writing and analytic skills, have an interest in conducting independent research, and who anticipate additional academic degree work in the future (say, toward a Ph.D. degree) may wish to pursue the master’s thesis option. The thesis is the more traditionally academic of the two options.

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Division of graduate studies menu, division of graduate studies, thesis vs. project.

	thesis	terminal project/capstone
	Substantial paper presenting independent research that makes a contribution to the current body of knowledge in a scholarly field. Typically includes five basic chapters or divisions: an introduction and statement of the problem, a review of the literature pertinent to the problem, an explanation of the materials and methods used to solve the problem, a discussion of results, and a conclusion.	A paper or other type of presentation embodying the knowledge and skills acquired from course work completed for the master's degree. Structure and format vary by program.
	Must conform to	No set format; subject to requirements of student's program
	At least 9 credits of 503 Thesis required	Varies by program; refer to handbook, grad coordinator, or advisor
	and reviewed by Division of Graduate Studies	Submitted to student's program only
	and	May be submitted to if desired

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Master's Report vs. Thesis Project: What’s the Difference?

Alana Krafsur

January 10, 2020

In the College of Media & Communication Graduate Program , master's students must complete a final research project in the form of a master's report or thesis project . Find out which of the two options is the best fit for your aspirations.

Master's Report

The master's report, MCOM 6050 , is the final course which all master's students on the professional track or sports media track must complete before attaining their degree. Completing an applied research project provides portfolio material and proves that students are masters of their crafts. Similar to an independent study, this course is completed with the help of a professor who serves as an adviser and helps oversee the research project. A “6050 project” takes one semester to complete.

There are three different forms of 6050 projects:

A project completed for an organization as an employee, intern or volunteer.
A project completed for an organization not as an employee, intern or volunteer.
A project in an area of student interest.

Required elements:

Secure an idea.
Choose a CoMC faculty adviser.
Complete an approved project proposal.
Collect original data.
Write a report.
Present work in an oral presentation.

Previous master's report projects have included:

Politics, Social Media & the 2020 Democratic Primary – Logan McDonald
An Analysis of Best Practices in Industry Application of Neuromarketing Research – Linh Nguyen
Reestablishing Trust in News Media – David Olshansky
Crisis Management in International Non-Profit Governmental Organizations – Simranjit Singh

Student Testimonials

Casey Montalvo, Sports Media Focus:

"My 6050 project focuses on comparing male and female sports fans based on how the media frames them, specifically Texas Tech fans. As a woman who wants to work in the sports communications industry after I graduate, this topic intrigued me. I am a communications intern for Texas Tech Athletics, and since my research is tailored to TTU specifically, I can give them my results."

Alana Krafsur, Professional Track:

"With a passion for the women's rights industry, I am focusing my 6050 project on a large-scale event I coordinated, “Female Genital Mutilation: A Survivor's Story.” My research seeks to find ways to market human rights issues to increase emotional engagement and generate action. What I like most about the CoMC graduate program is there are many directions you can take for a 6050 project. You can tailor your interests to align with your professional aspirations."

Thesis Project

Master's students on the thesis track must complete original research that increases our understanding of media and communication phenomena and theory. Completing a thesis prepares master's students for in-depth studies in theory and research, and provides the foundation for the pursuit of a Ph.D. degree . A thesis project takes at least two semesters to complete.

Choose an adviser and faculty committee.
Complete an approved thesis proposal.

Previous thesis projects have included:

Why do People Use Memes to Talk About Politics? Application of Uses & Gratifications Theory to Political Memes – Bingbing Zhang
Transporting, Identifying and Expanding: Superheroes in Series Television – Jeanette Moya
Creativity and Healing: How Creative Media Help Us Cope with Mental Illness – Bethany Pitchford

Bethany Pitchford, Thesis Track:

"While I started out on the 6050 track, I realized early on that I was probably going to want to pursue a Ph.D., so I switched to the thesis track. The overarching question of my thesis relates to how creativity helps people cope with, and communicate about, their mental illness to others. Ultimately, I enjoyed writing a thesis because it provided me the space to explore questions I was, and still am, highly curious about."

Camden Smith, Thesis Track:

"I believe a thesis is absolutely preparing me to go into academia and enroll in a doctoral program. I think if I was more eager to get back to the industry, I would be on the 6050 track; however, this track is really helping keep my eyes on the prize – which is a doctoral dissertation."

To learn more about the graduate program, email [email protected]

Thesis vs Research Project

What is the difference between thesis and project , similarities between thesis and research project.

To understand the difference between Thesis and Research Project it is imperative to understand the similarity between the two terms. The major similarity between Thesis and Research project is that both can be slotted as Academic documents. The structure and components are the same . Both have introductions, data analysis, conclusions and other commonly seen topics and subheadings.

Understanding and Identifying the differences

Acquiring a university degree or qualification is the ultimate intent of a thesis. A thesis is also known as dissertation and this is majorly associated with Post Graduate studies such as Masters, M.Phil and Doctorate Degree Programs.
Knowledge expansion is the main purpose of a Research Project.
Since a thesis is written to get a degree, it is always longer than the Research Project . Thus writing a thesis requires longer time than a Research Project.
Supervisors or guides from universities help the students in writing their Thesis. This is not the case with the Research Project.
Oral Presentation is an integral part of a thesis as it is the final stage of the thesis project once the thesis is submitted to an expert panel . The Research Project is restricted only to writing.
Originality and personal research are important components of a Thesis.
Thesis explores possibilities as it involves several anti theses as well as negating the same. On the other hand, Research is about proving a principal thesis statement that is backed by evidence and data.
Comprehensive knowledge about a subject is needed for Thesis. Research projects poses many challenges, however it is easier to write a Research Project than a thesis in general.

The Key to crack

Both Thesis and Research Projects pose challenges to students. As a student it is important to understand the demands of both to deliver the best possible work. The common factor that is crucial for both is time management. It requires meticulous planning, reading and maintaining a lifestyle that ensures time is used effectively. One can take help from an experienced editor or students who have already excelled in Thesis and Research projects. We provide the correct guidance for students who are in the process of writing their thesis and Research projects. With tons of experience , our tutors are equipped to guide and handle any kind of Thesis and Research projects in various subjects. To conclude, approach the challenges with a positive attitude and confidence is the key to crack!

We have also written about 10 similarities between leadership and management . Check that out .

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Understanding the Differences Between Dissertation, Thesis, and Capstone Projects

If you’re pursuing an advanced degree, you may be required to complete a dissertation, thesis, or capstone project as part of your program. While these projects share some similarities, there are also important differences to understand.

A dissertation is typically required for a doctoral degree, while a thesis is required for a master’s degree. Both involve extensive research, data collection and analysis, and a written report that contributes to the body of knowledge in the field of study. A capstone project, on the other hand, is typically a culminating project required for a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It may involve original research, but can also take the form of a creative project or a community service project.

Dissertation: A dissertation is a research project required to complete a doctoral degree program. It is a comprehensive study that contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field of study. A dissertation typically involves original research, data collection and analysis, and a written report that is expected to make a significant contribution to the field of study.
Thesis: A thesis is a research project required to complete a master’s degree program. It is usually a shorter and less complex study compared to a dissertation. A thesis may involve original research, but it can also be a literature review, a case study, or a critical analysis of existing research in the field of study.
Capstone: A capstone is a culminating project required to complete a degree program. It is typically undertaken in the final year of study and integrates the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program. A capstone can take various forms, such as a research project, a creative work, or a community service project. It is designed to demonstrate the student’s ability to apply what they have learned to real-world problems.

To successfully complete a dissertation, thesis, or capstone project, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the project’s purpose and requirements. For example, a dissertation will require a more extensive literature review, data collection, and data analysis than a thesis or capstone project. A thesis may require more original research than a capstone project, but less than a dissertation.

In addition, it’s important to work closely with your advisor or instructor throughout the project to ensure that you are meeting the requirements and expectations. You may also want to consider seeking out additional resources, such as writing support or statistical analysis services, to help you complete the project successfully.

By understanding the differences between dissertation, thesis, and capstone projects, and approaching each project with a clear plan and support, you can successfully complete your degree program and contribute to the body of knowledge in your field. In summary, a dissertation is a research project required to complete a doctoral degree program, a thesis is a research project required to complete a master’s degree program, and a capstone is a culminating project required to complete a degree program.

Dissertation Versus Project Study: What’s the Difference?

There are alternatives to writing a dissertation. One of these is a project study, or an applied study. Most students in advanced studies have a general idea of what a dissertation is, but fewer people know what a project study is. It is good to know the difference between a dissertation and a project study before you make the choice to pursue one or the other. If you have already chosen a project study, however, and are still not sure what it entails, this blog may help you.

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Ongoing support to address committee feedback, reducing revisions.

Most of us know that a dissertation is an extended piece of research. A typical structure for a dissertation in the social sciences is five chapters: introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion. A central feature of the dissertation is the research problem. The research problem is the impetus for conducting a study: there is inconclusiveness about a topic in the literature or a gap in our understanding of a phenomenon. This inconclusiveness or gap serves as a rationale for conducting the study and drives the research questions, which are designed to collect information to add to our understanding of the topic.

The key difference between a project study and a dissertation is that a project study does not proceed from a research problem. The purpose of a project study is not to add to our understanding of research on a topic. The purpose of a project study is to help solve an existing local real-world problem, which is why project studies are also called applied studies. The purpose of a project study is to collect information to help address an identifiable problem in a specific setting.

Let’s say, for example, graduation rates at a particular high school are lower than state and national averages. Low graduation rates, likely the result of dropout, would be the specific local problem. A project study would be appropriate to collect information on how to address the problem of low graduation rates at that school. Information collected from the study culminates in an applied document, such as policy recommendations, curricular design, or a program evaluation. The applied document is a key feature of the project study and offers evidenced-based ways to address the local problem.

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What to Think About When Choosing Between a Thesis & Non-Thesis Master’s Degree

When choosing a graduate program, you’ll find that you may have to decide between pursuing either a thesis or non-thesis master’s degree. Although employers do not consider which you choose during the hiring process, your decision can significantly impact the skills you acquire in your academic career.

What Is the difference?

A non-thesis master’s degree focuses on coursework . Students are immersed into projects and learning environments that help strengthen their knowledge in their field. Similar to undergraduate programs, a non-thesis program is structured around assignments, group and individual projects, and exams. Research may be included somewhere in the program, but it is primarily focused on helping students achieve skills that will help them become more successful in their careers. This degree path typically has more courses than a non-thesis degree but can be completed in a shorter amount of time.

A thesis master’s degree is more research intensive. Students who aim to work on a thesis can expect to do more reading and writing as they specialize their knowledge. The coursework is generally centered around preparation for a final thesis, building their skills in research, data collection, analysis, and writing. Professors act more as guides and advisors who help students clarify their goals and aid in their research projects and thesis development. Master’s theses are a great primer for anyone looking to pursue a Ph.D., as research skills will be crucial in the development of a dissertation.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong degree path. Both degrees offer a quality education that can help you excel. One thing to consider when deliberating is why you’re pursuing your graduate degree. If you’re going back to college to help you change fields or get to that next level of your career, a non-thesis master’s degree can help you get there. If you want to dive into a career in research and development or pursue a Ph.D., a thesis master’s degree may be more worthwhile.

Another thing to consider is your learning style. What methods of learning do you enjoy more? If you thrive in group projects and assignments, a non-thesis degree may be more efficient in helping you retain information. For those of you independent thinkers who love to dive deeply into subjects, you might relish in the idea of the research needed in the production of a thesis. Think about what type of academic environment will motivate you to earn your degree.

Here are 7 questions that you can ask yourself to help you decide:

What are my career goals?
Where do I see myself in 5 to 10 years?
What motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in the first place?
What are my plans after graduation?
Do I want to learn in a classroom setting, or do I want to be more independent?
Am I interested in learning about research?
How much writing do I want in my program?

If you have any questions or want to learn more about what each program has to offer, reach out to your school’s faculty and admissions officers. After all, the most important thing about a program isn’t the name of the degree, but what you gain from it.

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Choosing Thesis, Comprehensive Exams or Graduate Project

Students can elect to complete a thesis, take comprehensive exams or conduct a graduate project. The following information is to help you decide which route works best for you.

Deciding between a Thesis, Comprehensive Exams or Graduate Project

Deciding between writing a thesis, taking the comprehensive exams or working on a graduate project is an important decision. While we hope this page provides you with useful information, it is important to consult with your advisor or the graduate program director about your decision. All students will complete 15 units of required courses. Thesis students will complete 15 units of electives and 6 units of thesis coursework. Non-thesis students will (a) complete 21 units of electives and take 3 comprehensive exams or (b) complete 15 units of electives and 6 units of graduate project. For both options, a minimum of 27 units must be earned at the 600-800 levels and no more than 9 units of 500-level courses can be taken.

When should students declare whether they will do the thesis option or the non-thesis option?

By the time they complete the 15 units of required classes, students should tell the graduate director which option they plan to pursue. Students should be aware that they cannot switch to the other option because they failed their comprehensive exams or failed their proposal or thesis defense.

What is the timeline for completing a thesis or comprehensive exams?

Visit the timeline page for more information.

Thesis Option

What does the thesis option entail.

A thesis allows students to conduct a sustained research project that will develop essential skills and abilities to evaluate professional communication activities or campaigns. A master’s thesis, in consultation with a thesis advisor, prepares a student for future academic research or doctoral programs and may involve any appropriate form of scholarly communication research.

Students should not begin their thesis until all other coursework has been completed. Prior to the completion of all required coursework, students may ask a member of the graduate faculty to serve as her or his principal faculty advisor; but, the advisor cannot sign an approval form until all coursework has been completed.

Under an advisor’s supervision, the student should prepare an appropriate proposal and, with the faculty advisor’s consent, identify at least two other graduate faculty members to serve on the thesis committee.

What does a thesis proposal consist of?

The proposal consists of the first three chapters of the thesis:

An introduction to the research topic and its significance
A literature review that concludes with a much more specific set of research questions
A complete description of the proposed methods, including research instruments

Once the proposal is complete, the proposal defense will take place, which is when the student presents the thesis proposal to the members of the committee. Once the committee approves the proposal, the student will complete the thesis, which will consist of getting Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval (if needed), conducting the study, writing the analysis and conclusion chapters.

Where can I find the Towson University Graduate Studies Thesis Guidelines?

The guidelines are available through the Office of Graduate Studies.

How do I know if I need IRB approval?

The use of human subjects requires approval by the appropriate university review committee. Students should anticipate for the IRB approval process to take up to two months and prepare their submission in advance. The IRB application requires you to submit all experiment details, quantitative and qualitative questions you will be asking subjects. IRB also requires students to complete an online ethics class called CITI training. You must have IRB approval before you can begin collecting any data for your project.

For more information, visit Towson University’s Institutional Review Board .

Non-Thesis Options: Comprehensive Exams or Graduate Project

Comprehensive exams option, what does the comprehensive exams option entail.

The students who choose the comprehensive exam option will take 6 credits of additional electives and pass three written, on-campus comprehensive exams. The examinations are in the following areas of the communications field — theory, one research method and a communication subject area from a 600-level communication course chosen by the student. The examination questions will be written by faculty who teach those courses. Only mass communication or communication studies graduate and associate graduate faculty can submit comprehensive exam questions. Students may take comprehensive exams after they have completed 30 units of coursework.

How are the exams graded?

Your exam will be written and graded by the professor who taught your class. If your professor is no longer at Towson, the current professor teaching the course will write your course question. It is suggested that you meet with the professors the semester before you take the exam to learn about specific content to study. Students must pass all three comprehensive exams with a Low Pass, Pass or Pass with excellence.

How many times can I take the exams?

If students fail an exam, they can only retake it once. If students fail an exam a second time, they will be dismissed from the program.

What can I bring into my exam?

You may not bring any notes or study guides into the exam. No paper materials will be allowed into the exam. You will not be required to use any direct quotes. You will use a provided computer to type your responses. The exam will be proctored by a program faculty member.

How do I study for the comprehensive exams?

You should reread your textbooks and notes to prepare for the exam. Previous students have found this method of studying to be the most helpful. Try creating sample questions for yourself and answering them, as well as writing answers to sample questions from professors.

Graduate Project Option

What does the graduate project option entail.

Students who plan to conduct a graduate project to complete the degree can choose to take 30 units of courses and 6 graduate project units. These students will complete a professional project to showcase their successful acquisition of knowledge from the courses in the graduate program under the guidance of a faculty adviser from the department. It is recommended that students sign up for 3 units of MCOM 881 Graduate Project in two consecutive semesters. Or they can sign up for 6 units in one semester if they do not take any other classes.

What will the graduate project look like?

The students will choose a topic, develop the project with an appropriate method of investigation, and report the finding in writing. Therefore, to complete the project successfully, the student will:

Formulate a topic and client/organization to investigate
Gather a bibliography and other relevant sources for the project
Develop an appropriate method of the project
Gather data
Analyze data and interpret findings from the investigation
Disseminate findings orally, in writing, visually and/or through other means in an organized manner consistent with the standards of the discipline

What are the steps to follow to pursue the graduate project option?

Students who plan to conduct a graduate project to complete the degree may register for graduate project units only after they have completed 24 units of course work in the program.

Students should prepare a proposal indicating the topic of interest, the organization that the student will work with, the problem that the project will investigate, the method of investigation, and the expected results. In the proposal, students should also indicate how they will apply the knowledge they learned from the graduate courses in the problem identified (a minimum of three courses are required). The proposal should be at least 1000 words. The proposal should be approved by the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Lingling Zhang, first before working on the project under the supervision of a faculty member. After the project is complete, the student should submit the final report in writing in addition to an oral presentation to their client, faculties and other graduate students.

NOTE : If students fail MCOM 881 , they can retake it only once. If students fail it twice, they will be dismissed from the program.

Types of Theses

Three types of gallatin ma theses.

Each graduate student in the Gallatin School completes a final thesis as the culmination of their work toward a Master of Arts degree. The thesis may take one of three forms: a research thesis, an artistic thesis, or a project thesis. In each case, the thesis represents a synthesis of the student’s accumulated knowledge and skill and an opportunity to display the ideas, practices and skills learned through the program. While the master’s thesis, unlike a doctoral dissertation, does not have to create new knowledge or break new ground, it does display the student’s ability to go beyond the mere collection of information into synthesis, analysis, judgment and interpretation. Moreover, it should demonstrate the student’s familiarity with a substantial body of thought and literature and illustrate mastery of some self-chosen field of study.

Below you will find descriptions of the three types of theses:

Research Thesis

Artistic thesis, project thesis.

Current MA students who are interested in seeing sample theses should consult the Gallatin Master's Thesis Archive , which is accessible with an NYU Net ID.

Students pursuing the research option produce and defend a substantial research essay, the thesis of which is demonstrably related to the student’s course of study and ongoing conversations with the primary adviser. The adviser and defense panelists are the ultimate arbiters of whether the thesis satisfies a reasonable understanding of a project worthy of the master’s degree. However, in general and at minimum, a successful Gallatin MA research thesis demonstrates sufficient mastery of relevant academic fields as well as a critical grasp of the scholarship and methods that currently define those fields. The thesis essay is a logically-constructed argument that presents its central points on the basis of research and critical interpretation. The sources and objects of study may cover the spectrum from archival materials to critical theory to statistical surveys and personal interviews, but the student should carefully choose sources in consultation with the primary adviser, and with reference to questions about what constitutes legitimate source within the student’s field(s). The research thesis essay must be more than a "review of the literature" but the demand for original findings is lower than that faced by doctoral candidates. Significantly original contributions are of course highly commendable, but the excellence of an MA research thesis essay may lie in its critical and creative synthesis, articulation of a fresh perspective on the work of others, or identification of new, research-based questions that themselves shed light on existing problems within fields. Generally speaking, the final research thesis essay should be at least 50 pages and not exceed 80 pages (not including appendices and bibliographic material). Students and advisers are encouraged to talk with the program's academic directors about these expectations whenever necessary.

The artistic thesis is appropriate for those students who wish to display the creative process in the performing, visual or literary arts. A student might make a film or video; choreograph an evening of dance; act in a play; mount an exhibit of paintings; write a screenplay, novel, play or collection of short stories; or choose another artistic endeavor. The artistic thesis represents the culmination of a Gallatin arts concentration in which the student has studied the genre under consideration.

The artistic thesis comprises both the artistic project and three accompanying essays. Therefore, you should conceive of the artistic thesis as a unified piece composed of the creative work and the essays which enhance it. Members of the faculty committee will assess both the artistic work and the essays. The essays include:

an academic research paper related to the field of artistic work;
an essay on artistic aims and process;
a technical essay.

Please note: The technical essay does not apply to those students who are submitting a literary work.

Some General Advice

Be careful to keep records and a log of the artistic project as it evolves. This information can be used in the Technical Essay.

If a student is writing a work of fiction, poems, a play, etc., for the thesis, the student will submit this work to their adviser and other readers along with the essays. However, if the student is presenting a performance, they will need to arrange to have their adviser and other members of their committee see the performance. The student is responsible for coordinating schedules and for notifying committee members so that everyone can view the piece. The student should notify the thesis reviewer of the date of the performance at least one month in advance. In the event that one or more of the committee cannot attend the scheduled event, the student should arrange to have the performance videotaped so people can see it later. Except in unusual circumstances, the student must submit the first draft of the thesis to their adviser no more than three months after the performance.

Essays for the Artistic Thesis

Background Research Essay

As stated above, this essay follows the description for the standard research essay. It is a scholarly endeavor and differs from the standard essay in terms of length and focus. The length is approximately 25 to 40 pages. The focus of the essay is related to the artistic work and explores some aspect of that work that the student wishes to study and develop through outside research. The essay might take the form of an analysis of a performance or literary genre; a history of an art form or phenomenon; a philosophical study of an aesthetic concept; or a critical/biographical analysis of the work of an influential artistic figure.

Artistic Aims Essay

In this essay, the student is required to articulate their goals in mounting their particular artistic project. For example, what was the student trying to accomplish in writing short stories, a screenplay, a novel, presenting an evening of dances or songs, making a film or mounting an art exhibit? What were the aesthetic choices made and why? The student should also explain their approach to the artistic work (their style, genre, or school), any relevant influences on the work, how the student's training influenced their artistic choices, and the student's intentions for particular elements of the creative work. After the student has carefully and clearly articulated these goals, they need to explain how their actual artistic work meets the stated goals. The student should use examples from their artistic project to illustrate these ideas. This essay should be approximately 10-15 pages in length.

Technical Essay

This essay is a description of the steps the student actually took to physically mount their production. The student will need to include such technical details as arranging for rehearsal and performance space; choosing the performers; finding/creating, costumes, materials, lights; raising funds and getting institutional support. This essay should be approximately 10 pages in length.

Students may submit a portfolio, if appropriate. This would consist of any material, such as photos, slides, fliers, programs, videotapes, audiotapes etc. which might constitute an appendix and which might be helpful to a fuller understanding of the thesis.

The project thesis consists of two elements: (1) the project, a professional activity designed and executed primarily by the student as a way of solving a problem, and (2) an accompanying essay about the project. This thesis is especially appropriate for students in such fields as business, education, social work or public administration. The project thesis may appeal to those students who are active in their profession and who take responsibility for the creation of some kind of program or practice.

Students should understand that the project cannot simply propose a professional activity; the design for such an activity must actually be carried out (at least in a pilot version) and evaluated. Some examples of projects: a student in education may develop and apply a new strategy for teaching reading to recent immigrants; a person working in a corporation may construct new methods for managing financial information; or a community worker in a settlement house may organize a group of local residents to combat drug abuse.

At each step, the student should be careful to keep in touch with their adviser and with any other expert who can help them in their process. The student should keep careful records of the process by taking detailed notes of conversations, meetings, interviews, etc. If at all possible, the student should arrange to have the members of their committee, especially their adviser, witness the project first-hand: Visit the site, talk with key actors, watch the program in operation. (This direct contact is highly recommended, but not required.)

Essays for the Project Thesis

The project thesis essay may take a number of forms and include a range of information. It ought to discuss at least the following elements:

Consider the institutional or social context within which the project takes place. Describe the organization, the potential clientele or participants, and the larger environment (social, economic and political conditions surrounding the problem and the project).

Describe the particular problem or need that you address in the project. What causes that problem? How extensive is it? Have other attempts to solve the problem been made; if so, what were their shortcomings, and why are you trying another approach? Place the problem in its professional and academic context by referring to the appropriate literature. Program

Describe the goals and objectives of the project and what the student hoped to accomplish. Describe how the program was designed and structured; for example, what kinds of activities did participants engage in, and in what sequence? What kinds of resources and techniques were used? Justify the strategies and tactics used by citing appropriate professional and academic literatures.

Implementation

Describe how the plan was carried out. Use as much detail as needed to give the reader a sense of what actually happened, and to indicate the extent to which the reality matched the plan.

Describe the criteria for assessing the project and evaluation methods used. Justify the criteria and methods by referring to appropriate literatures. To what extent did the project accomplish the goals and objectives identified earlier?

Citing relevant literature and the practical contingencies of the project, explain why the project did or did not achieve its stated purposes. Describe the factors (political, social, organizational, financial, psychological, etc.) that contributed to the process and to the outcomes. What changes--either conceptual or practical--would the student make if they were to repeat or extend the project? What would the student leave in place? Describe what was learned from the project about the original problem and about the student's strategy and tactics. Also consider the professional and theoretical implications of the project.

If necessary, put relevant documentary materials (flyers, important correspondence, budgets, etc.) in appendices.

SJSU | School of Information

The thesis vs. the e-portfolio: which option is right for you.

Published : October 11, 2013 by Dr. Debra Hansen

All master’s level students at San José State University are required to have a “culminating experience,” to use campus jargon. SLIS students have two options: construct an e-Portfolio (LIBR 289) or write a master’s thesis (LIBR 299). Students often contact me about the thesis option, asking to discuss the pros and cons of taking on such a project. I thought I’d use this blog post to provide some informal reflections on why a student would choose a thesis over the e-Portfolio.

You have a great idea for the thesis topic and have a burning desire to do original research and scholarly writing.
If you are interested in going on to get a PhD, many doctoral programs require applicants to submit a sample of their academic work. Often the sample is the applicant’s master’s thesis to demonstrate their ability to do sustained scholarly work. Moreover, research and writing a master’s thesis is good preparation for a dissertation.
Some employers expect or encourage LIS professionals to conduct research and publish books and articles as part of the job requirements. This is particularly true in academic and research libraries.
If you are hoping to land a position working with researchers (say in an archives or special library) it’s good to have personal research experience so that you are speaking the same language as your clientele.
On a less practical note, but an important factor nonetheless, a thesis allows you to create something original and important that adds new knowledge to the field. You will have a tangible, permanent product that will be available and cited by other scholars. That’s very gratifying.
Writing a thesis is extremely challenging, even for seasoned researchers. You’re writing a multi-chapter book, which is a huge commitment.
The thesis invariably adds an extra year (sometimes more) to a student’s MLIS program. Remember, you’re writing a book! If you need to complete the degree and get started on your career as soon as possible, the thesis may not be right for you.
Student loans complicate the thesis process. Often students take only thesis credits (LIBR 299) during their last semester or two so that they can focus exclusively on writing their thesis. Unfortunately, many student loans require that students take at least 6 units to keep the loan active. This means that the student must take an extra class, which is distracting from the thesis. Also, the university frowns on students taking more classes that the degree requires.
The diverse specializations of SLIS’s faculty can make it a challenge to find people with appropriate expertise to serve on a thesis committee.
The e-Portfolio has its own unique benefits and rewards. It allows you to review your coursework and document your professional knowledge and skills. A well-designed e-Portfolio can showcase your academic and professional achievements for potential employers.

If you think that the thesis option is right for you, here are the steps you should follow:

Read the thesis guidelines posted in the SLIS website. http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/current-students/courses/thesis
Take LIBR 285 (research methods) and enroll in a section that focuses on the subject matter and/or methodology that interests you. In this class, you will write a formal thesis proposal.
Once you have a thesis proposal completed, contact a suitable faculty member to see if that individual has the time, expertise, and interest to serve as your thesis advisor. Once you have found an advisor, he or she can recommend other appropriate faculty to serve on your committee. You need a thesis committee of three, two of whom must be tenure-track faculty members. For a list of tenure-track faculty, see: http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/faculty/faculty-advisors
Start reading! Becoming familiar with the scholarly literature on your topic is among the most challenging aspects of thesis writing. The sooner you get started the better.

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Thesis project: Is it the last project required for a degree or a paper?

If somebody is studying arts and he doesn't have to write a thesis but to complete a project as his last assignment before he can get his degree, can this project be called "thesis project", despite the fact that it is not a paper?

phrase-usage

I can't think why you would call it a "thesis project" if you're not writing a thesis. Surely, it's just a "project". – Simon B Commented Apr 23, 2017 at 21:39
2 @Simon: You would call it that because that's what other people call it. (Although I don't know why they don't require a short paper to be turned in along with the project.) – Peter Shor Commented Apr 23, 2017 at 21:49

4 Answers 4

Yes, many universities do use the term thesis project for non-written final projects like films, musical compositions, etc. required for the degree. A thesis project may also include written documentation of process along with scholarly references and sometimes is defended before a committee in the same way a written thesis would be.

In BFA or an MFA degree programs (Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Fine Art) in the United States, there is definitely a widespread use of the term, thesis project to describe a creative project as the capstone project of the student's education at that degree level.

For example, here is a definition of a bachelor's level thesis project , which is not a written thesis of the traditional sort, provided by the School of Fine and Performing Arts at a major university in the United States.

The phrase “ Thesis Project ” acknowledges the possibility of having a scholarly honors endeavor which might not conform to the narrow definition of a “thesis” .

The following are examples of previous Thesis Projects[at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln]:

1) the arrangement of a particular symphony and a detailed description of the process of composing arrangements with literary references

2) the creation of a portfolio of photographic works accompanied by a lengthy historical and literary background

3) a complete set of costume designs with detailed information about the design, research and garment building proces and photographs of the realized costumes.

The project must have a significant written component, but it need not be in the format of a formal thesis .

https://bulletin.unl.edu/undergraduate/college/Fine+%26+Performing+Arts

Here's a thesis exhibition related to an MFA program at Rhode Island School of Design. As you will see, there are only artworks on the walls.

https://vimeo.com/66765330

1 Very informative answer that has improved my knowledge of terms constructed bt the legitimate conjunction of seemingly contradictory words! – English Student Commented Apr 30, 2017 at 22:45

Thesis specifically refers to the written argument prepared and submitted in proper format after completing a theory-based study. Project, on the other hand, is often a more practice-based study, although you might submit a project report at its conclusion. I have never heard the term 'thesis project', probably because thesis and project are quite different in meaning. However, if this is a standard term used at your college/university then it is all right to use it for that specific purpose.

1 Please note that many terms used in the specialised languages of various fields like technology, law, computers or education need not necessarily be grammatically or even semantically sound from the point of view of general English. (Example: in India the first year of MA courses is called 'previous' and the second year is called 'final', which has always struck me as a minor nonsense ever since I did MA Sociology 15 years back.)Thus a project that replaces a thesis may well be called a 'thesis project' in certain colleges or universities! – English Student Commented Apr 23, 2017 at 22:03

Some schools seem to call this a "degree project", which is probably a better name.

The name "thesis project" may lead people to expect that some written component (the thesis ) was turned in, along with the project.

A thesis refers to the written word so wouldn't be appropriate, and is usually 'about' the project , e.g.:

Dissertations normally report on a research project or study, or an extended analysis of a topic. The structure of the thesis or dissertation explains the purpose, the previous research literature which impinges on the topic of the study, the methods used and the findings of the project.

( Wikipedia )

You could use:

Final project

E.g.: The term is used in The Guardian in this context:

'You spent how much on your final project?'

This is a term often applied to the type of project you mention.

In the specific arts context you refer if the work is being exhibited, you might refer to the work as:

The final show (from same source) :

Can you put a price on creativity? For artists, balancing your great vision for a project with how you'll actually afford to make it happen is a continual struggle. And it's no different for students. An art student's final show is seen as a creative milestone – it's your chance to be adventurous, to show what you can do and to start making a name for yourself.

(The Guardian : You spent how much on your final project )

( Wikipedia - Thesis )

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Over the past few decades, the use of overhead irrigation systems, especially center pivots, has been growing steadily for watering crops. With the increasing number of overhead irrigation systems in a state, it is essential to track their quantity and location to plan and manage water resources effectively. In this project, we develop an approach that detects and segments center pivot irrigation systems in Google satellite images to estimate the area of irrigated land cover. Due to the lack of publicly available annotated data, we use QGIS to automate data collection. We experiment with various models and find that the U-net model significantly outperforms other CNN-based models for this task. We fine-tune a Resnet101 model on the output to estimate the angle of the irrigation field. Finally, the individually detected field images are combined to estimate the total irrigated area. Despite having a limited training dataset, by leveraging data augmentation and regularization techniques, our model can detect center pivot irrigation fields and their angles with an F1 score of 0.89 and an accuracy of 0.96, respectively. We also provide a more usable form of a center pivot irrigation system dataset with satellite images taken at different resolutions and their segmentation masks to facilitate its use in future remote sensing research.

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Pete Buttigieg Spots How Trump Made History With 'Wildly Unpopular' Project 2025

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg dropped one reason Project 2025 , the far-right presidential transition plan, is “wildly unpopular” on Wednesday.

“So much so that I’m pretty sure it is the first time in modern history that a presidential candidate has had to disavow his own policy framework,” Buttigieg told MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace .

Buttigieg’s comments arrive one day after The Heritage Foundation — the conservative think tank that launched Project 2025 — announced the director of the controversial plan, Paul Dans, was stepping down from his role .

Former President Donald Trump has tried to distance himself from Project 2025 and has claimed he knows “ nothing about ” it despite previously praising the “ great group ” behind it. His running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), wrote a foreword for The Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts’ upcoming book.

Wallace asked Buttigieg if the Republican nominee meant to pick Vance, a VP choice she referred to as the “human embodiment” of the 900-page policy plan .

Buttigieg, who is reportedly being considered as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris , explained that the plan was “already” the GOP governing agenda before it occurred to anybody to write it down and call it Project 2025.

“It’s part of the playbook they followed when they were in charge and, therefore, it will unquestionably be their governing agenda again should he get reelected,” Buttigieg said.

He added: “The problem isn’t this thing called Project 2025, the problem is the governing agenda itself. Project 2025 is just the footnotes on what they’re planning to do, which is wildly unpopular with the American people because it’s full of crazy ideas that don’t make any sense.”

Buttigieg: Project 2025 is wildly unpopular. So much so that I'm pretty sure it is the first time in modern history that a presidential candidate has had to disavow his own policy framework. pic.twitter.com/0xAkjQ6Kp3 — Acyn (@Acyn) July 31, 2024

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Masters Thesis Project or Part-Time Job? Which is better?

I kind of need help for a scenario: If you were an entering Masters of Engineering student and you have the option to take up a graduate research project or a part-time job (both while taking courses), which would you do?

But here are the constraints. 1.) Your part-time job is in your field but not ideally related to your dream career. You also get $$ from it. 2.) You don't get $$ for working on the graduate research project, but you get experience related to your dream career/industry. 3.) You have no intention on ever pursuing a PhD.

Please tell me which you would choose and why? (This is my exact scenario right now. I am in a dilemma.)

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Brian Dickerson
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Submit a Letter to the Editor

Everyone's talking about Project 2025. Here's what they're missing.

You don’t have to look very hard to find someone talking about Project 2025. Celebrities. Billboards and memes. And like all hot topics, Google trends is showing a significant uptick in searches. And while its most recent director stepped down this week , it would be a mistake to assume that a change in leadership has any impact on the strategy.

Project 2025 is in the news, and it’s easy to find out what’s in it.

The reason it’s so easy to find out what’s in this 900-page, Orwellian-sounding manifesto is that it’s public. You can buy it from the Heritage Foundation. Or if you search just a little bit harder, you can read it for free on Document Cloud .

With so much free and available information on Project 2025, what else is there to discuss, you ask?

I think there are three things missing from the conversation about Project 2025.

We talked to Whitmer about her new book and asked about tattoos, Gen X and 2028

The first thing

Project 2025 is a sequel. In fact, its full name is "Mandate for Leadership: Project 2025." It’s the ninth edition of the "Mandate for Leadership" series.

The first edition was published in January 1981, when it was called "Mandate for Leadership: Policy Management in a Conservative Administration." It was a guidebook for President Ronald Reagan, and he loved it so much, he gave it to his cabinet to use as a blueprint.

According to the Heritage Foundation , Reagan had implemented 60% of the "Mandate's" 2,000 ideas by the end of his first year. And thus, the Heritage Foundation proudly assumed the role of the Republican Party’s policy arm, providing new presidents with each new edition of "Mandate for Leadership," and a revision to Republican presidents in anticipation of their second terms. In fact, you can watch the video of the Heritage Foundation ceremoniously presenting the first two copies of the 2020 "Mandate" to Mark Meadows, Trump’s former Chief of Staff.

Over the years, the policy agenda has shifted, and the content of the "Mandates" has changed. In the first "Mandate," the focus was on restructuring the federal government, eroding the New Deal and containing the Soviet Union. It wasn’t as focused on social issues, marriage equality or reproductive health, and it didn’t have the vitriol of the most recent edition.

The second thing

But the first edition and every edition since have some common threads: Namely, tax cuts for the wealthy, and union-busting. And they have had many successes over the years.

'I do miss him:' Trans Michigan attorney mourns loss of JD Vance they knew at Yale

In fact, this well-funded strategy of The Heritage Foundation has been at the core of the systematic attacks against working people since 1981. NAFTA was a Heritage Foundation “victory,” as were state Right-to-Work laws, repealing state prevailing wage laws and impeding the National Labor Relations Board. In fact, the original "Mandate for Leadership" foreshadowed Reagan’s retaliation against air traffic controllers , and called for Right-to-Work legislation for students and journalists.

Make no mistake, the Heritage Foundation may move its policy spotlight to focus attention on whomever it’s popular to hate, but they never forget their core mission: increase the wealth of America’s 1% and hamstring the government from serving anyone else. "Anyone else," it seems, includes people on Social Security, people who use prescription drugs, workers, working families, kids in college, kids in apprenticeships, people with disabilities, small business owners, nurses, doctors, firefighters, teachers, police officers.

We are the anyone else, and they are not advocating for us.

The third thing

The third thing I think is missing from the conversation about Project 2025 is that it keeps being referred to as a "wish list."

It is not a wish list. Nobody at the Heritage Foundation is throwing pennies into a fountain or blowing on dandelions and hoping someone at the Trump White House sees a version of this.

We know this because it was the first Trump Administration’s agenda, too. (Scroll back up to that video of Mark Meadows.) In his first term, Trump embraced 64% of the "2016 Mandate for Leadership " — 64%. Nobody’s wishing with a 64% success rate. The now-former director and two of the associate directors of the current edition served in the Trump Administration. Several of Project 2025’s authors served in the first Trump Administration and at least two more spoke at the Republican National Convention this year. And while Trump may say he has " nothing to do " with Project 2025 — just wait until he finds out that his vice presidential candidate wrote the forward to a new book by Kevin Roberts, the president of the Heritage Foundation president and leader of Project 2025.

If we look at this document as the Trump platform, we see a clearly articulated vision of his second term. And that second term includes decertifying labor unions, ending project labor agreements, repealing prevailing wage, making it harder for workers to claim overtime, making it easier for companies to misclassify workers as independent contractors and terminating multi-employer pension plans.

And that’s just a small sample. If you read through the Heritage Foundation’s past recommendations, you will see the origin stories of Newt Gingrich’s "Contract with America," of George W. Bush’s "No Child Left Behind," of the fight to repeal Obamacare, and of the U.S. Supreme Court nominations made by Donald J. Trump.

Project 2025 is not a wish list. It is a checklist.

Jen McKernan is the communications director for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters , and we may publish it online or in print.

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COMMENTS

Choosing Between a Thesis & Non-Thesis Master's Degree
Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree. As of 2015, approximately 25.4 million Americans held advanced degrees, with more citizens joining these ranks each year. As studies continue to show the career advancement and salary benefits of completing a master's degree, more and more students elect to pursue advanced educations ...
What is the difference between project and thesis?
3. It differs by school. Technically, a thesis is a claim that can be proven or disproven, but, in practice, the term "thesis" is often used for a project (for undergraduate or Master's degrees). On the other hand, a PhD thesis is not just a project; it should advance the state of knowledge in a field in a way that can only be done by someone ...
Dissertation vs. Thesis: Comparing the Two Academic Projects
A thesis is typically shorter than a dissertation, with an average length of around 50 pages. On the other hand, a dissertation is a much longer piece of work, typically around 100-200 pages in length. However, length isn't the only difference between these two academic research projects. The purpose can be largely different too!
Dissertation vs Thesis vs Capstone Project
In other words, a thesis is completed for a Masters-level degree, while a dissertation is completed for PhD (or any other doctoral-level degree). Simply put, a dissertation and a thesis are essentially the same thing, but at different levels of study. The exact terminology varies from country to country, and sometimes it even varies between ...
Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master's Programs: Which is Right for You?
A thesis Master's program is better suited for those pursuing research-oriented fields, while a non-thesis program is a more fitting choice for individuals with a strong focus on their career. Furthermore, program requirements for thesis programs require substantial research to culminate in a thesis, whereas non-thesis ones require capstone ...
Choosing Between a Professional Project or a Master's Thesis
The master's thesis is an academic product prepared under the direction of a faculty committee with a minimum of two department faculty members, one of whom is designated the chair and the other the reader. Additional academic or professionally qualified persons may also serve as readers. The thesis is a scholarly work conforming to academic ...
Thesis vs. Project
Thesis vs. Project. Substantial paper presenting independent research that makes a contribution to the current body of knowledge in a scholarly field. Typically includes five basic chapters or divisions: an introduction and statement of the problem, a review of the literature pertinent to the problem, an explanation of the materials and methods ...
PDF Thesis vs. Non-thesis (Project) Paths
Thesis vs Project_options.docx Page 3 What are the benefits of a thesis? The Master's thesis is an excellent demonstration of critical thinking and communication skills that employers value, while also contributing new knowledge to the discipline of study. A Master's degree thesis is all‐but‐ mandatory if a student seeks to enter a Ph.D ...
Master's Report vs. Thesis Project: What's the Difference?
A project completed for an organization as an employee, intern or volunteer. A project completed for an organization not as an employee, intern or volunteer. A project in an area of student interest. Required elements: Secure an idea. Choose a CoMC faculty adviser. Complete an approved project proposal. Collect original data. Write a report.
Developing A Thesis
A good thesis has two parts. It should tell what you plan to argue, and it should "telegraph" how you plan to argue—that is, what particular support for your claim is going where in your essay. Steps in Constructing a Thesis. First, analyze your primary sources. Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication.
What is the difference between thesis and project
Knowledge expansion is the main purpose of a Research Project. Since a thesis is written to get a degree, it is always longer than the Research Project . Thus writing a thesis requires longer time than a Research Project. Supervisors or guides from universities help the students in writing their Thesis. This is not the case with the Research ...
PDF Thesis or Capstone: What to Consider
primary difference lies in the scope and the focus of the project. 1. A thesis should answer a question that contributes to new knowledge in the field of nutrition ... or research career, the thesis option would give you a better understanding of the complete research process. If you have plans to work in a specific clinical or community ...
Dissertation vs Thesis vs Capstone
It is usually a shorter and less complex study compared to a dissertation. A thesis may involve original research, but it can also be a literature review, a case study, or a critical analysis of existing research in the field of study. Capstone: A capstone is a culminating project required to complete a degree program.
Dissertation Versus Project Study: What's the Difference?
The key difference between a project study and a dissertation is that a project study does not proceed from a research problem. The purpose of a project study is not to add to our understanding of research on a topic. The purpose of a project study is to help solve an existing local real-world problem, which is why project studies are also ...
What to Think About When Choosing Between a Thesis & Non-Thesis Master
A non-thesis master's degree focuses on coursework. Students are immersed into projects and learning environments that help strengthen their knowledge in their field. Similar to undergraduate programs, a non-thesis program is structured around assignments, group and individual projects, and exams.
Choosing Thesis, Comprehensive Exams or Graduate Project
Thesis students will complete 15 units of electives and 6 units of thesis coursework. Non-thesis students will (a) complete 21 units of electives and take 3 comprehensive exams or (b) complete 15 units of electives and 6 units of graduate project. For both options, a minimum of 27 units must be earned at the 600-800 levels and no more than 9 ...
Types of Theses > Master's Thesis > Graduate
The project thesis consists of two elements: (1) the project, a professional activity designed and executed primarily by the student as a way of solving a problem, and (2) an accompanying essay about the project. This thesis is especially appropriate for students in such fields as business, education, social work or public administration. ...
What is the difference between a project and MS thesis?
Sounds like a non-thesis track masters. Basically you have a capstone project instead of a thesis and do "research light". As far as PhD programs, it depends on the program. Some allow you in straight from BS so it won't matter, some will want prior research experience, some won't care one way or another. Be able to talk to your project ...
The Thesis vs. the e-Portfolio: Which Option is Right for You?
The e-Portfolio has its own unique benefits and rewards. It allows you to review your coursework and document your professional knowledge and skills. A well-designed e-Portfolio can showcase your academic and professional achievements for potential employers. Next Steps. If you think that the thesis option is right for you, here are the steps ...
Thesis vs Project masters, which is better? (info in description)
Here is why I think thesis based masters is better: - Easier funding. - More opportunities to meet geniuses and learn from them. - Higher chance of getting published and in turn be able to stay in the states as someone "distinguished". I have done some reading online and on this sub yet I am still unsure, I know PhDs are for dedicated people so ...
meaning
Yes, many universities do use the term thesis project for non-written final projects like films, musical compositions, etc. required for the degree. A thesis project may also include written documentation of process along with scholarly references and sometimes is defended before a committee in the same way a written thesis would be.. In BFA or an MFA degree programs (Bachelor's and Master's ...
Thesis vs project based masters for Computer Science, which do ...
Thesis vs Project masters, which is better? (info in description) comments. r/cscareerquestionsEU. r/cscareerquestionsEU. A subreddit for those with questions about computer science & IT careers within Europe Members Online. Looking to change careers from Teaching to Software Engineer. I have a first class Mathematics degree from a mid tier ...
A note for better Understanding of Thesis vs Dissertation
A thesis is typically a deep investigation of a certain topic, frequently with a case study or concentrated analysis, that reflects the student's academic experience at the master's level.
MS Non-thesis (Project) Final Exam
Detecting Center Pivot Irrigation Systems in Google Satellite Imagery Over the past few decades, the use of overhead irrigation systems, especially center pivots, has been growing steadily for watering crops. With the increasing number of overhead irrigation systems in a state, it is essential to track their quantity and location to plan and manage water resources effectively. In this project ...
Which Way Do You Learned Better Book And Teacher Led Or Project-Based?
Thesis - I believe that Project-Based learning helped me acquire more knowledge and further develop my skills in comparison with the Book and Teacher Led learning. The Project-Based learning allowed me to show my efforts in class, and increased my understanding of the information. II.
Project 2025 director steps down amid backlash from Trump
Project 2025's plans to radically reshape the federal government and American life, spelled out in detail in an exhaustive 900-page playbook, provided ample fodder for Democrats to warn against ...
Pete Buttigieg Spots How Trump Made History With Project 2025
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg dropped one reason why Project 2025, the far-right presidential transition plan, is "wildly unpopular" on Wednesday. "So much so that I'm pretty sure it is the first time in modern history that a presidential candidate has had to disavow his own policy ...
Project 2025 to issue blistering response to Harris, other ...
The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 plans to unveil a series of fact checks aiming to blunt continued criticism of its nearly-1,000 page framework for a conservative administration.
Masters Thesis Project or Part-Time Job? Which is better?
But here are the constraints. 1.) Your part-time job is in your field but not ideally related to your dream career. You also get $$ from it. 2.) You don't get $$ for working on the graduate research project, but you get experience related to your dream career/industry. 3.) You have no intention on ever pursuing a PhD.
Project 2025 is a sequel to the blueprint for Reagan's war on unions
You don't have to look very hard to find someone talking about Project 2025. Celebrities. Billboards and memes. And like all hot topics, Google trends is showing a significant uptick in searches ...