Thesis vs. Non Thesis Masters Degree

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the choice between thesis and non-thesis master's degree programs in civil engineering and other fields. Participants share their experiences and considerations regarding the relevance and application of each option, particularly in relation to career outcomes and the nature of research involved.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses skepticism about the relevance of thesis research in practical applications, questioning whether it will be utilized beyond academic archives.
  • Another participant contrasts the non-thesis program, noting it requires less extensive research and is shorter in duration, raising the question of whether an M.Eng is considered inferior to an M.Sc.
  • A participant shares their experience transitioning from a traditional master's program to a research project-based non-thesis program, emphasizing its alignment with their career in manufacturing and the perception of their degree as advanced training.
  • Some participants seek more personal experiences regarding the impact of different degree types on career opportunities, suggesting that the original question may not have been adequately addressed in previous discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the superiority of one program type over the other. Multiple perspectives on the value and application of thesis versus non-thesis options remain, with some advocating for the practical benefits of non-thesis programs while others highlight the potential academic advantages of thesis work.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the implications of degree types on career paths and the relevance of research conducted during these programs. There are also references to previous discussions that may not have fully addressed the participants' concerns.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering graduate studies in engineering or related fields, particularly those weighing the benefits of thesis versus non-thesis options, may find this discussion relevant.

CivilSigma
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Hello,

I always had in mind to complete a masters program with the thesis option in civil engineering.

However, I have become skeptical of this option as I am not sure how relevant it will be in terms of design in the "real" world or how the research I will do is ever going to be used by others ( I feel like it will be just another paper archived online).

With a non-thesis program I will also be required to do research, but it is on a smaller scale and the program is 1 year shorter. Is the M.Eng considered inferior to the M.Sc. ?

I'm not really sure which program to take.

Could someone please share with me their experience with graduate studies (in any field) and your considerations for taking either the thesis or non thesis option?

Thank you.
 
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You've asked this before. Can you tell us what you found unsatisfactory about your answers there? Otherwise, you shouldn't expect anything different.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
You've asked this before. Can you tell us what you found unsatisfactory about your answers there? Otherwise, you shouldn't expect anything different.

First point, good catch, I forgot about that post.

What I wanted more input from this thread is anyone's experience with any of the programs and what their degree has allowed them to do (maybe the title could have been better worded).
 
I started out in MSME. Very quickly realized that my particular University was using MS program to create applied mathematicians who would be pushed to Ph.D. program for research purposes and most likely a career in academia. Pursuing a Ph.D. did not interest me.

After the 1st semester, a new "Research Project based non-Thesis Master of Engineering" program in manufacturing was opening up. These programs were all the thing back in the 80's: combo of ME, EE, IE, Business, & CompSci. Kind of build my own degree program. Did it, it fit my personality & needs, has served me well, and never regretted it.

BECAUSE I went into manufacturing as a career, no one ever challenged my degree. When queried, I always explained that I regarded the degree program as "advanced training" beyond the BSME, which it was.
 
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