Chapter 11

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis (Chapter 11)

A thesis, sometimes referred to as a dissertation, is a lengthy research paper in which you put forth a theory and support it with your own research. Many master’s degree programs require a thesis at the end of the program in order to test your subject knowledge and your ability to research and write.

Whether or not a thesis is necessary is dependent on your field of study and on your ultimate educational goals. If you are pursuing an MA in a humanities or social science field, it’s likely that you’ll be required to write a thesis. This is especially true if you plan to continue your education through the doctorate level. If, instead, you are pursuing an MBA or another professional degree and you don’t plan on getting a doctorate, you will probably not be asked to write a thesis. Instead you will likely take comprehensive exams to demonstrate your knowledge of several subjects.

In general, a program that requires a thesis is recommended if you plan to pursue further education in the same field. If that is not the case, a non-thesis program may be satisfactory.