Although I am just literally starting a masters program, I do have an option at the end to either write a thesis or take another 3 courses for completion. Let me therefore ask you wise and educated folks this: 1. Do you know of any good websites that can guide me through the thesis writing project? -and- 2. Given the two options "thesis -vs- courses" what would you do or have done? Thanks!!
ShotoJuku, Doesn't your school provide you with the Thesis writing center? If not...check out Northcentral University: http://www.ncu.edu/elrc/ Be honest, I rather take another course. That is my opinion, but the choice is your.
Don't know about the writing center as I'm just getting started and looking way down the road. Thanks for the link and your opinion too!
If you plan on studying towards a Ph.D. down the road having the thesis writing experience from a graduate degree would be helpful. At least that is the opinion of another family member who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at NCU.
Thesis vs Courses I was in three different graduate programs although I graduated from only one. The first was a course only program, the 2nd a choice between courses and a thesis, and the 3rd was a required thesis/project (where I graduated from). Given the choice between a thesis and courses, I would take the course option, especially if the extra courses were relevant to my career goals or personal interests. On the other hand, if I was planning to go on to a PhD, I would choose the thesis option. Generally, the length of time to complete 3 courses or a thesis should be about the same. However, dealing with committees, thesis chairs, the approval process, disagreements, reviews, presentations, and other aspects of the thesis procedure can be very time consuming and frustrating. Based on my experience, there is much more uncertainty and risk involved with a thesis option as compared to a course only option. This applies in terms of the overall learning experience, the effort required, and the usefulness and acceptance of the final product.
When I did my masters' in chemistry almost twenty-five years ago, you had an option of a research project/thesis or additional coursework. I did the project/thesis, and actually finished faster than if I had done the additional courses.
It depends on your goals. 1) PhD or 2) No PhD. Here is a title of a book that has been recommended for me by more tha n one professor at more than one university. Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide by Allan A. Glatthorn, Randy L. Joyner Product Details: Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Corwin Press; 2nd edition (March 16, 2005) Language: English ISBN: 076193961X This does not mean that you need to write a thesis in order to get in to a PhD program, it just makes you more competitive (application wise), and gives you a taste of what you are going to face later on. For me, one of the programs that I am in right now has a coursework or thesis option. Thesis or one more course. Initially, it was a no-brainer to take the additional course and be done with it. However, I'm looking at a couple Legal Studies/Jurisprudence PhD programs, and think the thesis is the more competitive option. Again, look at your goals, and go with what makes you more comfortable.
Based on what I've read thus far, coupled with the fact that the masters will in deed be my final degree desitination, that the course option will probably be better suited to my needs. Thanks for all of the input everyone!!
Shoko, Congrats on your acceptance into the Masters program. Are you doing the Admin or the Curriculum and Learning degree? I am currently about 8 classes from my B.S. at CCU and am planning to enroll in the M.Ed program upon graduation. Please share your experience with the program as you progress. I was reading over the material and personally would opt to take the additional courses over the thesis.
I have opted for the M.Ed. - Curriculum and Learning and hope to get started shortly although doing so around the pre-holiday season isn't the best time of year but I'm not in any particular hurry this time.
Re: Re: Writing a Masters Thesis Hi tmartca, Thanks for the book recommendation. I'll certainly check it out. Roscoe
