what is non thesis master's programs

• 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 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.

Pursuing a non-thesis master’s degree: Is it worth it?

When navigating the world of master’s programs, the plethora of choices can be bewildering. For instance, prospective candidates often grapple with questions regarding the nature and value of non-thesis master’s degrees. To demystify these programs and provide clarity, delve into this guide to gain insights into commonly asked questions about non-thesis master’s degrees and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to determine whether such a program aligns with your academic and career goals.

What is a non-thesis master’s degree?

The difference between non-thesis and thesis master’s degrees, how common are non-thesis master’s degree, the length of a thesis vs. non-thesis master’s degree, reasons to pursue a non-thesis master’s degree, how to decide whether a non-thesis master’s degree is right for you.

A non-thesis master’s degree, also known as a coursework-based master’s degree, is a graduate program where students typically do not need to complete a research-based thesis as a requirement for graduation.

These programs are often more focused on coursework, examinations, projects, or practical experience.

Instead of conducting original research and writing a thesis, students in non-thesis master’s programs primarily take courses and complete a set number of credits or specific coursework.

Non-thesis master’s programs are common in various fields, especially in disciplines where practical skills and knowledge are more important than conducting independent research. For example, non-thesis master’s programs are often found in business administration (MBA), education (M.Ed.), public administration, healthcare administration, and some engineering and technology-related fields.

A non-thesis master’s degree can be definitely worth it is you are aware of the differences and decide that this option best fits to your ambitions, learning style and future career prospects.

A non-thesis master’s degree can undoubtedly be worth it, provided that you are well-informed about the distinctions between program types and have carefully concluded that this option aligns with your aspirations, preferred learning approach, and the potential pathways it offers for your future career.

In contrast to a non-thesis master’s degree, thesis-based master’s programs require students to conduct original research, write a thesis based on their research findings, and defend their thesis in front of a committee of faculty members. The choice between a thesis and a non-thesis master’s program often depends on the goals and career aspirations of the student and the requirements of the specific program or institution.

It’s crucial to understand that a thesis-based master’s degree isn’t exclusively tailored for those aspiring to enter academia or pursue a Ph.D. In fact, a significant majority of individuals pursuing a master’s program that includes a thesis ultimately find their paths in various professional fields.

Engaging in a thesis offers a unique opportunity to delve deeply into a specific subject, foster independence in research, and gain invaluable experience in project management. It involves conceiving an idea, structuring a project, and executing it, reflecting a multifaceted skill set.

A thesis-based master’s degree serves as a testament to one’s complex analytical thinking, as well as their unwavering determination.

However, it’s important to note that this does not imply that non-thesis master’s degrees are inherently inferior or misguided choices. The decision to pursue a non-thesis program should be a well-considered one, grounded in a thorough assessment of your personal motivations and objectives.

Non-thesis master’s degrees vary in prevalence across different regions. In many European contexts, for instance, most master’s programs tend to culminate with a more extensive project that necessitates original research. However, internships and practical projects also hold a stronger presence in many programs.

Furthermore, the prevalence of non-thesis master’s degrees is significantly influenced by the academic discipline in question. For instance, these degrees are more commonly found in fields like business and education as compared to social sciences or humanities.

Non-thesis master’s programs are designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge that can be immediately applied in a professional context, as opposed to focusing on original research. In several European countries, these programs may be referred to as “professional” or “applied” master’s degrees, emphasizing practical training and real-world experience.

Additionally, in some contexts non-thesis master’s programs might maintain a research-oriented element, where students are expected to complete a final project or a capstone experience that could involve some original research or data analysis, albeit usually less extensive than a traditional thesis.

In general, non-thesis master’s degrees are relatively less prevalent, and their particular structure and prerequisites exhibit variations not only between countries but also among different universities.

Consequently, conducting comprehensive research to comprehend the specific program requirements and expectations is of paramount importance prior to applying.

It is erroneous to assume that a non-thesis master’s degree requires less time to complete than a master’s program with a thesis component.

It’s essential not to conflate thesis and non-thesis master’s degrees with one-year or two-year master’s programs . In fact, many one-year programs do incorporate a thesis component.

Thus, if your primary goal is expediency and obtaining a degree within a shorter timeframe, the question of whether to pursue a non-thesis master’s degree may not be the most relevant one to consider.

Pursuing a non-thesis master’s degree can offer unique advantages for individuals with diverse career goals and learning preferences:

• Interest in practical and applied knowledge: Non-thesis programs often emphasize practical, hands-on knowledge that can be immediately applied in real-world scenarios.
• Leadership development: Many non-thesis degree programs place a stronger focus on leadership skills, preparing students for roles where practical skills are essential in leading projects or teams.
• Broadening career opportunities: Some fields, like business and education, highly value practical skills and knowledge, and a non-thesis master’s can open doors to a wider range of career opportunities.
• Balancing work and study: For individuals who are working professionals or have other commitments, non-thesis programs can be more accommodating in terms of managing work-study balance.
• Lack of interest in research or academic writing: Some students may simply prefer coursework over extensive research and thesis writing, finding non-thesis programs a better fit for their academic and career goals.

Choosing the ideal master’s degree program is a significant decision, and it’s essential to align your academic journey with your aspirations. Pursuing a non-thesis master’s degree presents distinctive benefits that cater to a wide range of career objectives and learning styles. To make an informed choice, ponder the following questions:

• What are your career goals and aspirations? Think about the specific roles or industries you want to work in after completing your master’s degree.
• Do you enjoy research and academic writing? Consider your preferences for in-depth research and thesis writing as some programs require these components.
• Do you value practical, real-world experience? Assess whether you prioritize hands-on learning and the application of knowledge in practical settings.
• What are the specific industry requirements in your field of interest? Research whether non-thesis or thesis-based programs are more aligned with the expectations of your desired industry.
• What is your learning style? Reflect on your preferences for coursework, projects, and presentations versus extensive research and academic writing.
• What type of assessment methods do you find engaging? Determine if you enjoy diverse evaluation methods, such as projects, presentations, and coursework, or if you prefer a single research-based project.

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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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What Is The Difference Between A Thesis Or Non-Thesis Master’s Degree?

If you’re looking forward to enrolling in a master’s degree program, it helps to comprehend what a master’s thesis entails clearly. Some learners still can’t explain the primary difference between a non-thesis master’s degree and a thesis master’s degree. In this article, we help you understand the difference as we highlight other vital facts about the topic. So, let’s do this!

What Is a Master’s Thesis?

What is the length of a master’s thesis, structure and details in master’s thesis, why you should choose a master’s thesis program.

• The Difference between Thesis and Non-Thesis Program

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Non-Thesis Master’s Program?

Thesis or non-thesis master’s degree faqs, make a decision today.

A master’s thesis is a lengthy and comprehensive scholarly paper that lets you dig deeper into your field of expertise and manifest your growth as a learner. Suppose you undertake a research-oriented degree; you will need to give your graduate school a thesis. That is the best way to portray your practical skills ahead of culmination.

For instance, if you are a psychology major, you might be asked to write a thesis showing the relationship between color and mood. Based on your program, your skills and ability will be weighed differently. It all depends on what the graduate school wants its students to have. The good thing is with the perfect thesis statement; you will have a chance to prove your statement or idea on paper, develop your argument, and come up with a masterpiece.

Your master thesis will be between 40 and 300 pages long, which doesn’t include the bibliography. Many factors can affect the actual length of your thesis for your master’s. For instance, your dissertation topic for masters and method of analysis will be used to determine the appropriate pages to write.

The examiner will ensure that students receive clear instructions on how to handle the thesis. Note that most of the time, you will have a period of two semesters to complete your thesis. Well, that’s enough time to meet all requirements.

Provided you are interested in writing a master’s thesis, it is advisable to develop the right topic early in your academic program. That way, you will have ample time to come up with great research questions so that you submit a top-quality project.

Would you like to know the structure and details of a master’s thesis? The structure is the basis of writing a master thesis that wins you not just a master’s degree but also scholarly recognition. Here’s the information on a relevant structure you need to follow:

• The Summary: In this section, you must indicate your introduction alongside the research questions. Aside from the method of data collection and analysis, you also need to include the master’s degree paper finding and conclusion.
• Introduction: In the introduction, you need to clarify the context of your research question. Don’t forget to mention the existing knowledge and previous research as well as your thesis question.
• Theory: Your theory lets you mention what other individuals have to say about the same subject matter. This comes in handy when you are dealing with empirical research.
• Method: In the method chapter, it is crucial to portray where your research, as well as the method, positions itself in the field of science. Don’t make your method chapter too long and descriptive.
• Presentation of Data and Findings : Here is where you must indicate your findings from the data you had analyzed. You must show your examiners that you have a deep understanding of the requirements, such as the research question.
• Discussion: Discuss your findings in plain language. You might want to relate your findings to the previous research to showcase your relevance throughout the project.
• Summary and Implications : Now that you are ending the thesis for your masters, make sure you summarize your main points. Make it brief and clear. If you forgot to clarify something in your master’s degree paper, here is the right place to do that.

There are many reasons students need to write a master’s degree thesis. If you want to have the best learning experience and show that you are a smart graduate, then writing a dissertation for a master’s thesis is something you should embrace. More so, if you choose to write a thesis for masters:

• You will have the rare chance of delving deeper into the field of research, becoming a student with an in-depth understanding of their course and career as a whole.
• You will notice that most companies prefer students with thesis papers on their portfolios, and you can simply be one of them if you choose a thesis master.
• It is the best way to indicate that you have gained adequate writing skills and possess an inborn willingness to learn.
• Defending your thesis program shows that you have competitive critical thinking skills as well as public speaking skills.

The Difference Between Thesis and Non-Thesis Program

What’s the difference between thesis and non-thesis masters? Well, if you opt for a non-thesis program, you won’t have to write a lengthy, compressive research paper to attain the graduation requirements. Note that whether you choose a thesis or non-thesis master’s, at the end of your program, you will need to submit your final paper to show your critical thinking skills.

Also, if you go for a non-thesis program, your final project can either be a field experience or a capstone project. Those are the main differences you need to know about a master’s degree thesis and non-thesis program.

A thesis is a primary requirement in most fields of research. However, not all master’s programs will require you to complete a thesis. To be precise, some institutions or fields will let you choose between a thesis and a non-thesis master’s program. The same applies to a PhD; you can opt for PhD without a thesis (non-thesis PhD).

The pros of a non-thesis master’s program are not that strong. But they are still worth mentioning. The main advantage of a master’s degree without a thesis is that you:

• You will have a smooth learning experience
• You won’t have to spend time thinking about research skills.
• You are free from conducting detailed research analysis and writing a lengthy project.

On the flip side:

• A non-thesis master’s degree might not show you as a competent student.
• Your employers might not be able to know whether you have the required communication and critical thinking skills.
• Since you won’t have the chance to post your thesis on a scholarly website, your credibility would be hard to determine.

Does Every Master’s Degree Require a Thesis?

The shortest answer is a resounding no. Not all master’s degrees require a thesis. However, the institution will allow you to choose whether you would like your program to be a thesis or a non-thesis one. As we already mentioned, there are lots of benefits you can enjoy when you go for the thesis master’s program.

Aside from showing that you’ve got incredible analysis skills, writing a thesis shows that you are serious about your field of expertise. But if you don’t want to write a lengthy paper, then you have the freedom to avoid choosing a thesis master’s program. A master without a thesis is still worth it.

Do We Have Any Tips For Choosing A Program?

Yes! There are essential tips that can help you choose the best program. Here are some of them for your reference:

• You should know where your passion lies: It is advisable not to pick a program because it is marketable. If you don’t like it, you won’t excel in it. If you have a strong passion for something, even if it is not quite interesting, you can thrive and earn good money from it.
• Know your abilities : Some programs are so tough that only the most resilient students can complete them. If you are not willing to go beyond the limits trying to break the ice, you should not go for that program.
• Know the duration of the program : Some programs only need two years to complete, while some will run for up to six years. Think about the time you have left to complete a course and make up your mind based on that.

How Long Does it Take to Write a Master’s Thesis?

There’s no specific time you need to complete your master’s thesis. It is all about your program and the type of school committee you are dealing with. We have already seen that in most cases, you will need to complete your master’s degree thesis in two semesters.

Some institutions might give you a shorter period or a more extended period. If you feel that you have a short deadline, it is better to begin your master’s degree dissertation as soon as possible. Even if you have six months or one year to write your thesis, you need to start early enough. Remember, the time might seem lengthy, but the thesis might be a lengthy and comprehensive one as well.

Now that you know the difference between a thesis and a non-thesis master’s degree, you can go ahead and make your decision today. But if you want to have the best learning experience and a rewarding outcome, you can order the professional thesis master’s help and receive the most helpful assistance for your dissertation.

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• Thesis vs Non-Thesis

Illinois Tech offers more than 200 graduate degree programs that require either a thesis or a non-thesis track. Both options have benefits.

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What Is the Difference Between a Thesis and a Non-Thesis Graduate Degree?

Thesis programs involve more research than non-thesis programs. It is important to keep in mind that nearly all master’s degrees require some form of research as part of their course of study. 

Thesis degree programs typically take longer to complete than non-thesis programs, as students are required to dedicate multiple semesters to focus on research and data collection. Upon completion of their research, each student is required to write a large-formatted paper sharing their methods, data, and discovery to be published. Students who desire to have a career in research typically take the thesis route in preparation for Ph.D. study.

Non-thesis  programs traditionally require each student to submit a large project, also known as a capstone, upon completion of the program. Students in non-thesis degree programs may be required to write papers explaining their projects; however, there are no expectations that these papers will be published. The non-thesis option is best for working professionals who do not have the time and resources to conduct multi-semester research. 

Learn more...

Non-Thesis MS Program Main Page - School of Industrial Engineering - Purdue University

Non-Thesis Master's Program Overview

This option offers students the ability to develop a plan of study that maximizes the credits dedicated to their topic of interest, for example, Human Factors.

Program Highlights

• One to Two-year Residential Program:  Students take a combination of advanced technical courses, focusing their study on areas of interest, earning a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering.
• Online Program:  Students meet the same degree requirements of our residential program and maintain the flexibility of remote study.  
• Career Catalyzation:  Most graduates enter careers in diverse fields, often on advanced leadership tracks.  

Why Choose a Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering?

• Increased Employment Opportunities:  The program provides students with the technical skills needed in industry, such as decision making, systems engineering, operations, and oral and written communications.
• Increased Earning Potential.  Our alumni self-report that Purdue Industrial Engineering Master’s graduates earn 15% or more than their peers with a Bachelor’s degree.

Why Choose Purdue?

• Field Defining Innovation & Research:  The School of Industrial Engineering has been defining the field and educating future leaders in industrial engineering for 65 years. The graduate program is ranked in the top 10 and the IE on-line degree program is ranked #1 in the nation. 
• Excellence at Scale : As one of the top 10 engineering graduate programs in the nation, Purdue's College of Engineering is one of the largest and strongest programs in the nation with 13 different schools and departments.
• Affordable Tuition:  Tuition for our program is considerably cost effective compared to other programs.
• Low Cost of Living:  The cost of living in the Greater Lafayette-West Lafayette area is one of the lowest in the nation, with housing rent ranging from 23% to 179% less expensive than competing university cities (numbeo.com)

Curriculum Requirements

Courses selected for the non-thesis option are intended to provide depth of study in a particular area of interest. The curriculum is designed such that the student has broad selectivity over their coursework. Students are required to select at least 21 credit hours of coursework from IE courses, and are recommended to take at least 6 credit hours from a related area.

Credit Requirements for a Non-Thesis Master's Degree

Have at least 30 total graduate credit hours, which must include:

• 21 credit hours of IE course work; and,
• 9 credit hours of additional graduate-level coursework.

An overall GPA of 3.0 is required for completion of the master’s degree program.

Plan of Study Requirements for Non-Thesis Master's Degree

Completion Guidelines for Non-Thesis Master's Degree

Application Requirements

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Master of Science Non-Thesis

The Master of Science is a non-thesis degree that provides students advanced specialized training intended to prepare them to transition to technical positions in industry or doctoral graduate programs in science or engineering. Students deepen their understanding by completing advanced coursework in foundational MSEN topics, such as thermodynamics, kinetics, solid-state physics, and mechanical behavior of materials. Furthermore, students broaden their exposure to new topics through attendance at seminars and through coursework in specialized areas of MSEN.

Both Master of Science non-thesis and Master of Engineering non-thesis have the  same  degree plan requirements and coursework. The only difference is the title of the degree that you will earn upon graduating.

Course Catalog

• Waiver Process: students should submit request directly to the course instructor cc’ing the graduate advisor so that approval/denial can be documented in the students Departmental Record. Student should submit supporting evidence such as transcript, course description, and syllabi for review.
• Even if students are waived from Background Courses they must still have a total 30 credits to earn their degree.
• Non Thesis student cannot use MSEN 691 (Research) toward their degree plan.
• Remaining credit hours may be taken from other courses as per graduate catalog.
• The maximum number considered for transfer credit is twelve (12) hours.
• Nine (9) hours must be completed in residence -- one long semester or a full summer session.
• Faculty advisor recommends courses based on student’s completed educational work, research and professional interests.

Committee:  Minimum 1 member; must be approved MSEN core faculty , jo int faculty , or affiliated faculty .

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MS, Computer Science – Non-thesis

The Master’s of Science (M.S.) degree in Computer Science (with Thesis and Non-Thesis Options) at The University of Georgia is a comprehensive program of study intended to give qualified and motivated students a thorough foundation in the theory, methodology, and techniques of Computer Science.

Degree Type: Masters

Degree Program Code: MS_CSCI_NT

Degree Program Summary:

The Department of Computer Science is a department with energetic and creative professors whose interests cover many of the growing or emerging research areas in computer science. Over the past several years the number and quality of the faculty and the graduate students have increased. The department has formed various research groups and labs and several of them have significant external funding. Particular strengths include theory, systems, information systems, and artificial intelligence.

The Master’s of Science (M.S.) degree in Computer Science (with Thesis and Non-Thesis Options) at The University of Georgia is a comprehensive program of study intended to give qualified and motivated students a thorough foundation in the theory, methodology, and techniques of Computer Science. Students who successfully complete this program of study will have a grasp of the principles and foundations of Computer Science. They will be prepared to pursue higher academic goals, including the Doctor of Philosophy degree. They will obtain skills and experience in up-to-date approaches to analysis, design, implementation, validation, and documentation of computer software and hardware. With these skills, they will be well qualified for technical, professional, or managerial positions in government, business, industry, and education.

Locations Offered:

Athens (Main Campus)

College / School:

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346 Brooks Hall Athens, GA 30602

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Department:

Computer Science

Graduate Coordinator(s):

Dr. Kyu Lee and Dr. Liming Cai

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Master's non-Thesis degree, MSE

Information concerning the pursuit of a Master's non-thesis degree in MSE, including degree requirements, time frame for completion, graduation details, and more.

The Master's degree program is designed to give students the opportunity to gain additional knowledge and necessary skills in a specific area of Materials Science. A non-thesis option Master's primarily involves academic course work followed by the defense of a written document, such as critical literature review, during the final term of enrollment. The structured research component of the MS with Thesis is not present in the non-thesis option.

Two forms of the MS non-thesis are available to MSE students: 1) as a final degree, after which the student exits the program, or 2) as an intermediate degree earned upon successful completion of the Ph.D. Candidacy Exam.

• MS non-thesis as final degree. This degree does not involve laboratory research instead requiring more academic study than the MS with Thesis. Thus this degree track is best suited for working students, as it primarily consists of course work. Note: Pursuit of a MS non-thesis as a final degree is available only by means of a petition of the MSE Graduate Studies Committee. This petition should be submitted during the student's first term in the program.
• MS non-thesis based on Candidacy Exam. Students who successfully complete the Ph.D. Candidacy Exam may request to receive a MS non-thesis degree. This is optional, but serves as a tangible "mile marker" for the student. Students must meet the minimum graded graduate  course work requirements for the MS non-thesis degree as detailed under "Degree requirements" below.

Time frame for completion

The typical length of time for completion of a Master's non-thesis degree while enrolled as a full time student is approximately three to six terms. For the MS non-thesis as final degree, the student will prepare a document, such as a critical literature review or technical report, which is defended before a two member committee of MSE faculty. Development of this document typically takes place in the student's final term in the program. For students earning the degree based on the Candidacy Exam, the Candidacy typically occurs in the third to seventh term of enrollment.

Degree requirements

Master's non-thesis degree requirements MSE-specific requirements to earn a Master's non-thesis degree in materials science and engineering.

The Non-thesis Master's Program

Biology offers a primarily coursework Master's degree, also called a “ Plan B” Master’s , designed for students seeking additional exposure and training in sub-disciplines within Biology without the emphasis placed on original research by the thesis M.S. or Ph.D. degree.

Students entering the non-thesis M.S. program develop a curriculum based on their own interests, advice from a faculty adviser, the list of available classes, and the Graduate School guidelines for a non-thesis M.S. Through this degree program students can expand their understanding in any of the major areas of biology, prepare themselves for additional educational opportunities or advance their career opportunities. The potential offerings in the Department of Biology can be found  here , but many classes in other Departments may qualify. Non-thesis students may have the opporutnity for research experience contingent upon available space in research groups in the Department.

Requirements

Non-thesis (Plan B) Master’s students in Biology must fulfill the general requirements as outlined by the Graduate School. Students must take at least 30 hours of coursework and pass an oral exit exam in their last semester. The coursework requirements follow those set out by the graduate school. At least 20 h must be in regular courses (courses other than research or residency courses that have a set meeting time), and at least 15 h must be at the 600-700 level. Students may take courses numbered as 4xxG (but only in another department) and 5xx. At least 20 h must have a BIO prefix. Biology also requires that 3 hours be taken as graduate seminars, either in Biology (BIO 770) or a relevant offering in another department (must be approved by the DGS). Near the end of their coursework, students must pass an exit oral exam conducted by a 3-person committee, directed at ensuring they are sufficiently familiar with scholarship in their chosen area of specialty.

In their first semester the student will be assigned an advisor selected from the faculty of Biology with interests overlapping those of the student. This advisor will help the student chart plan their coursework. By the beginning of his or her last semester, the student should choose the advisory committee which will administer the exit exam. This three-person committee is chosen from members of the graduate faculty in Biology who have agreed to serve. This committee will continue to advise the student and will administer the exit exam before the degree is awarded.

Biology does not routinely offer non-thesis MS students assistantships. Students should thus expect to pay their tuition through other means. There are opportunities, on a term by term basis, for non-thesis MS students to teach in Biology lab courses. Other sources of financial aid within the University or externally are also possible. 

Students interested in applying to the Non-thesis Master's program should contact the Director of Graduate Studies ( [email protected] ) to inquire about their eligibility.

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Non-Thesis Program (NTMB)

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NON-THESIS MASTERS PROGRAM (NTMB)

Two-year non-thesis masters degree programs can prepare you for:.

• Science reporting and writing
• Technical jobs in industry or university research
• Teaching primary or secondary school science
• Field research or management positions

The Department of Biology now has a two-year program in graduate studies to introduce students to exciting graduate courses in two areas of specialization: 

- Cell and Molecular Biology and

- Ecological and Evolutionary Biology

Students complete a minimum of 30 graduate course credits and take a comprehensive examination to complete the new NTMB degree.  Throughout the process, students are guided by a faculty  advisory committee in select classes as well as prepare for the comprehensive examination.

The NTMB has two specialization areas:

Prerequisites and application requirements for the NTMB program:

• Completed a B.S or B.A in Biology or related studies
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
• Application fee ($50, non-refundable)

Apply to the graduate program online .

The NTMB degree is a self-funded.  Masters program that requires the completion of 30 graduate credits, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, over the course of 18 to 24 months. There are no teaching or research assistantships available to MS students, and tuition for the 2019-2020 academic year is $2,100 per credit.

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Non-Thesis Masters Program

If you have the talent, we have the opportunity., the program.

The non-thesis M.S. in Biology degree program in the Department of Biological Sciences is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in professional and graduate school or various vocational opportunities in biological sciences and related areas. The non-thesis track is designed for students whose career goals require graduate education, but not formal research experience, such as teaching at the community college/regional college level. The program provides the opportunity for broad training as well as specialization in areas of particular interest through the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCD) concentration and the Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology (E3B) concentration. Students should consult with their major advisor and Supervisory Committee when choosing a concentration and selecting a plan of study.

Early Entry Master’s Program In this program up to 12 credit hours of graduate level 5000/6000 BIOL courses may taken as an undergraduate and also be credited toward the Master’s degree. In other words, graduate work will be “double-counted” for both your undergraduate and graduate degrees. An additional 3 credit hours may be taken during your undergraduate program for the undergraduate tuition rate and then subsequently applied to the MS degree.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE

• Total of 30 credit hours to include 4 courses core curriculum, minimum 6 electives, and 2 credits tutorial
• Core required curriculum includes BIOL8101 Hypothesis Testing, BIOL8102 Cellular and Molecular Biology, BIOL8140 Evolutionary Biology, BIOL 8260 Careers in Bioscience: Professional Development
• Oral qualifying examination.
• Capstone project or paper to be submitted and approved by the mentor and supervisory committee for graduation.
• Average time to completion of the Master’s degree in the program currently is 2 years.
• Need-based tuition assistance determined by FASFA filings may be made by the Graduate School; however, non-thesis Master’s students are not typically eligible for teaching or research assistantships.

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For more information contact:

Adam Reitzel, Ph.D. [email protected]

Professor and MS and Ph.D. Graduate Programs Director Department of Biological Sciences, Woodward Hall 381A 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte NC 28223

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Non-Thesis Master's Programs at Rice

Programs on this page primarily provide advanced coursework and a professional component and lead to master's degrees in certain specified disciplines, without a thesis. This page is meant to be a helpful guide to current Rice undergraduates thinking about graduate programs.

Master of Architecture (MArch)

Thesis-based, professional degree program leading to various stages of professional accreditation.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The MAT is a non-thesis degree program for students who want to qualify for secondary school teaching following a bachelor's degree. This program offers 3 tracks: (1) a 5 year MAT for Rice undergraduates offered as a 4+1 format, (2) an MAT for new teachers that includes state of Texas teacher certification (full time program), and (3) an MAT for experienced teachers that can be completed with or without principal certification (part time program).

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Offered by the Jones Graduate School of Business, the MBA degree can be obtained via the Full-Time MBA Program, the MBA for Professionals Program, or the MBA for Executives Program.

MBA/Master of Engineering

This program is offered by the JGSB and the George R. Brown School of Engineering, in any of the departments of engineering. This program prepares students to become managers in organizations requiring a high level of technical expertise and management skills.

MBA/Master of Science

This program is offered by the JGSB and the Weiss School of Natural Sciences Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Program. This program prepares students to become managers in organizations requiring specialized technical knowledge and general management skills.

Master of Bioengineering (MBE)

A non-thesis degree that provides students with greater depth in their bioengineering training to advance their career objective..

Master of Chemical Engineering (MChE)

The MChE program offers a non-thesis professional degree intended to better prepare students for a career in the field of chemical engineering. The curriculum is designed for recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering to complete in two semesters (fall and spring).

Master of Civil and Environmental Engineering (MCEE)

The MCEE is a professional non-thesis degree with sub-tracks in Civil Engineering or Sustainable Environmental Engineering and Design. Degree requires 30 semester hours of approved course work including a final project of 2 semester hours.

Master of Computational and Applied Mathematics (MCAM)

The Professional Masters of Computational and Applied Mathematics (MCAM) is a non-thesis master’s program designed for students interested in a technical career path in industry or business. The MCAM program provides students with a fundamental understanding of computational and applied mathematics tools that are essential to tackle complex problems in science, engineering and business. With proper planning and coordination of undergraduate major(s) and senior year courses, Rice undergraduates have the option to complete the MCAM degree with just a 5th year of study.

Master in Computational Science and Engineering (MCSE)

The Master in Computational Science and Engineering (MCSE) is a non-thesis degree program offered jointly by the Department of Computational and Applied Mathematics and Statistics in the School of Engineering. The program is designed to provide training and expertise in modern computational techniques that will find application in a wide range of industries, and technical and managerial functions within them.

Master of Computer Science (MCS)

The professional MCS degree is a terminal degree for students intending to pursue a technical career in the computer industry. Areas of concentration for the MCS include algorithms and complexity, artificial intelligence, robotics, compiler construction, distributed and parallel computing, graphics and geometric modeling, operating systems, and programming languages. The professional program normally requires three semesters of study.

Master of Data Science (MDS)

Rice's Master of Data Science (MDS) is a professional non-thesis degree designed to support the needs of interdisciplinary professionals intending to pursue a technical career in data science. The On-Campus MDS is a full-time program at the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas. The program hosts a lively and invigorating community of scholars in the Department of Computer Science, the largest academic department at Rice. The program offers students online or on-campus options with a curriculum that delivers the skills needed to collect, evaluate, interpret and communicate data. Students must apply to either the online or on-campus program and will be explicitly admitted to one program or the other.

Master of Electrical and Computing Engineering (MECE)

The master of electrical engineering (MECE) degree is a course-based program designed to increase a student’s mastery of advanced subjects; no thesis is required. The MECE prepares a student to succeed and advance rapidly in today’s competitive technical marketplace.

Master of Energy Economics (MEECON)

The Master of Energy Economics (MEECON) develops and educates future leaders and strategic thinkers in the energy sector.

Master of Engineering Management & Leadership (MEML)

The Master of Engineering Management & Leadership (MEML) at Rice University will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the new and emerging technology era known as Industry 4.0. The Master of Engineering Management & Leadership program at Rice University is a professional, non-thesis master’s degree meant for technical professionals with engineering or related technical backgrounds; recent college graduates from engineering and the computational science fields should also apply.

Master of Global Affairs (MGA)

The Master of Global Affairs (MGA) allows students to benefit from the academic and research strengths of Rice and ingress the field of international policy to thrive as leaders in the next century.

Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Human Factors (MHCIHF)

The Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Human Factors is a full-time 2-year professional master’s program that will expand students’ knowledge of critical concepts and methods in psychology and how to apply those concepts to real-world problems.

Master of Industrial Engineering (MIE)

Industrial engineering improves the efficiency and safety of various systems in manufacturing, services, health care, energy, and logistics. It uses mathematical and physical models to make data-driven decisions needed in every major economic sector. The Professional Master's Program in Industrial Engineering at Rice University is for students seeking a deeper understanding of how sophisticated decision models can optimize complex systems in any industry as well as the nonprofit sector.

Master of Liberal Studies (MLS)

The part-time Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) program is designed for those who love to learn new ideas and discuss them with others. The MLS program allows students to explore timeless and timely human questions within the humanities, social sciences and sciences.

Master of Material Science and NanoEngineering (MMSNE)

The professional Master of Material Science and NanoEngineering (MMSNE) is open to students who have shown academic excellence in their undergraduate studies. This non-thesis degree option, combining engineering coursework with professional development and communications, is designed for engineers who have attained a bachelor's degree and are looking to further their careers in industry.

Master of Mechanical Engineering (MME)

The professional master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (MME) is a non-thesis degree program intended for students who have completed a 4-year bachelor’s program in engineering and wish to enter industry as practicing professionals, rather than pursuing a research oriented or academic career.

Master of Social Policy Evaluation (MSPE)

The professional master's degree in Social Policy Evaluation (MSPE) provides the quantitative skills and hands-on application for real-world policy evaluations conducted at the Texas Policy Lab and other research centers at Rice.

Master of Statistics (MStat)

The professional Master of Statistics (MStat) Program includes a solid foundation in statistical computing, statistical modeling, experimental design, and mathematical statistics, plus electives in statistical methods and/or theory. It is a bridge to industry, designed to provide advanced learning and training in the applied aspects of statistics theory, methodology and techniques beyond the typical undergraduate program.

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• Degrees & Programs

Biology, Non-thesis option - Master of Science (M.S.)

The non-thesis Master of Science in Biology is a Purdue University degree offered in the Department of Biology.

The Department of Biology offers the tracks for non-thesis masters degrees: a standard track, an educator track, and a pre-professional track.

Understanding the standard non-thesis option

The standard non-thesis M.S. degree in Biology requires 30 credit hours of study beyond the baccalaureate level. Students from non-thesis M.S. programs have been able to secure higher level positions within their current employment. This option is most frequently chosen by students who hold full-time positions elsewhere. This option can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis, but it requires enrollment in three or more semesters.

Understanding the non-thesis for educators option

This non-thesis M.S. degree program serves the needs of Indiana high school biology teachers, combining 12 credit hours of the Transition to Teaching (T2T) program with 18 credit hours of graduate biology courses. Students will earn a master’s degree in biology and obtain necessary coursework that will allow them to teach Advanced Placement or Dual Credit courses in Indiana high schools. This program is ideally suited for students who completed undergraduate studies in biological sciences and would like to become high school biology teachers. It’s also a great option for current teachers wishing to enhance their credentials.

Understanding the pre-professional non-thesis option

The pre-professional non-thesis M.S. degree in Biology is an intensive one-year program that prepares students for the rigors of professional school and produces students with better sophistication in their understanding of biological sciences. After earning the degree, you’ll be prepared to apply to one of the following professional programs:

• Allopathic Medicine
• Osteopathic Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine
• Genetic Counseling
• Physician's Assistant

Entry into a reputable medical, dental or veterinary program is a highly competitive process. Good academic performance and experience may not be enough for admission, but if you can benefit from a year of intensive coursework, this one-year program could be just what you need to make that challenging next step in your career. The program provides excellent preparation and demonstrates your ability to withstand the rigors associated with professional degree programs.

Requirements

Read the requirements in the academic bulletin. Choose the bulletin year corresponding to your first term.

• 2021–2022
• 2020–2021
• 2019–2020
• 2018–2019

Offered at IUPUI by School of Science

Offered on campus

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Master of Science (MS) Non-Thesis

Program overview.

The Biomedical Sciences (BIMS) MS Non-Thesis degree program equips students with a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences and provides an educational experience that positions students to achieve their aspirations of becoming health professionals.

Most BIMS MS Non-Thesis students aim to pursue a professional program of study in one of the various fields of medicine. With 30 semester credit hours of science courses and electives , this program offers students the opportunity to strengthen their professional program application by:

• Improving academic preparation in foundational subjects related to biomedical sciences
• Raising science grade point average (GPA), upper-level science GPA, and last 45-hour GPA
• Staying academically engaged while preparing for standardized tests, working part-time, or participating in clinical shadowing

Students have the flexibility of progressing through the program carrying a full or part-time academic load. While the majority of students complete the program in four semesters with full-time enrollment, it is important to note that many progress through the program while working part-time jobs and/or participating in clinical shadowing opportunities.

During the program’s first semester, students select a graduate faculty mentor. This faculty mentor supports students by providing mentorship, guiding and approving coursework selection, and overseeing the capstone experience , a hallmark for improving a student’s competitiveness for both admission and success in their chosen professional program.

BIMS MS Non-Thesis students are also supported by a full-time staff academic advisor in the VMBS Office for Research & Graduate Studies. The academic advisor guides students through the logistical pieces of the graduate experience by helping students meet programmatic and university milestones and deadlines, assisting with class registration, and connecting students with school and university resources.

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Department of Biology

College of humanities and sciences, m.s. in biology non-thesis.

If you want to focus on obtaining the necessary knowledge and skills in your chosen subdiscipline, the non-thesis MS program is for you.

Our M.S. 2-year program provides graduate students with an advanced learning experience tailored to their interests. The non-thesis option does not require a research thesis and is an important stepping stone to a career in both cellular molecular and ecological sciences.  This opportunity allows students to focus on coursework, equipping them with valuable knowledge and skills in their chosen subdiscipline.  

Broad Skill Development & Flexible Scheduling

The non-thesis program curriculum emphasizes coursework and provides a more comprehensive education in various subfields of biology, enhancing students' overall knowledge and skills. This program will offer more flexibility in course selection, making it easier for students to tailor their curriculum to their specific interests or career goals. 

Career Diversity

Our non-thesis program prepares students for a wide range of careers in biology, including positions in industry, government, education, and healthcare. This program allows students to change their career focus or specialization as they are not committed to a specific research topic. 

M.S. Non-Thesis Program Admission

Applicants must meet all requirements listed by the School of Graduate Studies and College of Humanities and Sciences , in addition to those listed below from the Department of Biology.

To apply you must have the following:

• A bachelor's degree in biological or an equivalent related science
• An appropriate college-level background in mathematics, chemistry and physics
• Three letters of recommendation pertaining to your potential ability as a graduate student in biology
• A "Statement of Purpose" essay ( see specific guidelines here )

Admission to the M.S. in Biology program is based on undergraduate performance and letters of recommendation. Applicants typically have a 3.0 GPA or greater on undergraduate work. 

Biology, Non-thesis option

Master of Science

Offered at IUPUI by School of Science .

The non-thesis Master of Science in Biology is a Purdue University degree offered in the Department of Biology.

The Department of Biology offers the tracks for non-thesis masters degrees: a standard track, an educator track, and a pre-professional track.

Understanding the standard non-thesis option

The standard non-thesis M.S. degree in Biology requires 30 credit hours of study beyond the baccalaureate level. Students from non-thesis M.S. programs have been able to secure higher level positions within their current employment. This option is most frequently chosen by students who hold full-time positions elsewhere. This option can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis, but it requires enrollment in three or more semesters.

Understanding the non-thesis for educators option

This non-thesis M.S. degree program serves the needs of Indiana high school biology teachers, combining 12 credit hours of the Transition to Teaching (T2T) program with 18 credit hours of graduate biology courses. Students will earn a master's degree in biology and obtain necessary coursework that will allow them to teach Advanced Placement or Dual Credit courses in Indiana high schools. This program is ideally suited for students who completed undergraduate studies in biological sciences and would like to become high school biology teachers. It's also a great option for current teachers wishing to enhance their credentials.

Understanding the pre-professional non-thesis option

The pre-professional non-thesis M.S. degree in Biology is an intensive one-year program that prepares students for the rigors of professional school and produces students with better sophistication in their understanding of biological sciences. After earning the degree, you'll be prepared to apply to one of the following professional programs:

• Allopathic Medicine
• Osteopathic Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine
• Genetic Counseling
• Physician's Assistant

Entry into a reputable medical, dental or veterinary program is a highly competitive process. Good academic performance and experience may not be enough for admission, but if you can benefit from a year of intensive coursework, this one-year program could be just what you need to make that challenging next step in your career. The program provides excellent preparation and demonstrates your ability to withstand the rigors associated with professional degree programs.

Read the requirements in the academic bulletin

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Non-thesis or Professional Masters Programs

2024 funding packages.

Exceptional students in full-time , non-thesis or professional masters programs starting their studies in 2024 are eligible for the following funding packages. This includes both domestic and international students.

Academic Average of 85%+

• Entrance award: $4,000 (split in Terms 1 and 2)

Academic Average between 80% and 84.5%

• Entrance award: $2,000 (Rewarded in Term 1)

Funding questions

Questions regarding funding can be directed to:

Cynthiya Subramaniam Administrator, Graduate Studies 519-888-4567 x42784 [email protected]

Eligibility: Must have a completed application by February 1, 2024 and be pursuing a non-thesis or professional masters full-time ( Climate Change , Geography [ MRP option ], Economic Development and Innovation , Development Practice , Social and Ecological Sustainability [ MRP option ]). Academic average is calculated from your last two years of full-time study. Students awarded the $4,000 entrance scholarship must maintain a 78% average in the fall term to receive $2,000 in the winter term. 

KEEN Graduate Entrance Scholarship

Funded by  KEEN Footwear , this  $5,000 scholarship (split in Terms 1 and 2) will be awarded annually to one exceptional graduate student.  The s uccessful applicant must have a minimum cumulative average of 80% and preference will be given to a student who demonstrates leadership and community engagement. Eligibility is assessed through the student's admission application. Full scholarships criteria can be seen on the GSPA website.

Eligibility: Must apply before February 1, 2023 and pursuing  Economic Development and Innovation ,  Development Practice , or  Climate Change full-time . Academic average is calculated from your last two years of full-time study. 

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Graduate Coursework

Guidelines for students in the phd program.

The Department of Anthropology revised its guidelines for PhD students in 2015. Those who entered the program  before  2015 should follow respective program guidelines below. All students who enter the program  after   2015 are expected to adhere to these guidelines:   2024 ANTH GRAD Handbook anthropology/_files/_documents/_graduate/2024-anth-handbook-diss-format-02.19.24.pdf

• Archaeology
• Biological Anthropology
• Cultural Anthropology
• Nautical Archaeology
• MASTER OF ARTS (THESIS OPTION) – FOR PHD STUDENTS ONLY
• MASTER OF ARTS (NON-THESIS OPTION) – FOR PHD STUDENTS ONLY

Work leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Anthropology is designed to give prospective candidates a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of their professional field and training in their methods of research. Students entering the Nautical Archaeology Program receive a PhD in Anthropology with additional specialized coursework and dissertation research in ship reconstruction, seafaring, and conservation.

Student’s Advisory Committee Upon admission to the PhD program the student will be assigned a provisional advisor. The advisor will be a faculty member whose research is related to the topics of interest identified by the student in his or her application materials, but may or may not continue as Advisory Committee Chair. Incoming students should consult with their provisional advisor before registering for classes regarding any background preparation they may need in preparation for the core courses. By the end of the second year, the student should select an Advisory Committee Chair and, in consultation with the chair, select the remainder of the Advisory Committee. The student’s Advisory Committee will consist of not fewer than four members of the Texas A&M graduate faculty representative of the student’s fields of study and research. The chair or co-chair must be from the student’s department. Two members should be from the department and one must be outside the department. The duties of the committee include the responsibility for the proposed degree program, the annual evaluation, the dissertation research proposal, the preliminary examination, the dissertation and its oral defense. An individual who is not a member of graduate faculty may be on the committee in name only. This person will not be listed nor sign any Office of Graduate and Professional Studies (OGAPS) paperwork. S/he will review a student’s work and advise within their expertise.

Degree Plan By the end of the fourth semester, a student must prepare a degree plan for approval by his or her advisory committee. The degree plan lists the courses that the student will take to satisfy the course requirements of the PhD degree. The degree plan may be modified later by the student with the approval of his or her advisory committee. Please refer to the   Office of Graduate and Professional Studies  website for proper procedure.

All degree plans must include the following: Residence: A PhD candidate must spend two academic years (one of these in continuous, full-time residence) in residence beyond the baccalaureate degree, or one year in residence beyond the masters degree.

Undergraduate Coursework Advanced undergraduate courses (300 or 400-level) are permitted on the degree plan. The exact number of credit hours is contingent on advisory committee approval. Other Course Exclusions: No more than 12 hours of ANTH 660 may be used. No credit hours of FREN 601 or GERM 603 may be used. No more than 3 hours of ENGL 697 may be used. No correspondence study may be used. No credit hours of extension course work may be used.

Transfer Credit A grade of B or higher is required. A student must be in a degree-seeking status at Texas A&M or the institution where courses were taken when the courses were completed. Courses previously used for another degree are not acceptable for degree plan credit. Course work in which no formal grades or letter grades are given is not acceptable.

Total Hours The degree plan must include 96 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate or 64 credit hours beyond the masters. International degrees will be assessed by Graduate Admissions. Some international MA programs do not translate as graduate level to Texas A&M and students who hold these will be required to follow a 96 hour degree plan.

Foreign Language Requirement The PhD foreign language requirement at Texas A&M University is a departmental option, to be administered and monitored by the individual departments. In the Department of Anthropology, the foreign language requirement is at the discretion of the advisory committee. The committee may require that the student demonstrate research proficiency in one or two foreign languages that are relevant to that student’s dissertation research.

A student may demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by completing two years of college coursework in a language, taking a summer language immersion program, or completing a language exam. The fulfillment of the language requirements generally consists of a translation of a two to four pages foreign language text. Dictionaries are allowed. To the extent possible, language exams are administered by faculty members in the department who are proficient in that language. The individual administering the test will determine an appropriate amount of time for the translation. Typically, the test is scheduled for one hour or less.

Language courses do not count towards the credit hours needed for completion of the degree, and therefore cannot be added to a student’s degree plan.

Time Limit Students must complete all requirements within 10 years.

Continuous Enrollment Students who have completed all formal course work on their degree plan must be registered each   fall and spring   semester until they graduate. Usually, a student will register for 1 credit hour of ANTH 691 Research each semester while finishing the thesis. Students who fail to register for a semester will be blocked from registration until they have undergone a favorable recommendation from a departmental review committee, the endorsement of the department head, and the approval of the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Annual Evaluation Each student will be evaluated by the faculty in that student’s area of study (nautical archaeology, physical anthropology, archaeology, and cultural anthropology/folklore)   each spring semester . The purpose of the evaluation will be to gauge the student’s academic progress and provide guidance for the following year and if the student should continue in the PhD program. The evaluation will be sent out each year on the listserv and each student is responsible for filling one out and submitting it to their faculty advisor/committee chair. Any student that does not turn in an evaluation by the stated deadline will have a registration block placed on their account. A student that has inadequate progress for two or more years may be dismissed from the program. Students not continuing in the PhD program may have the opportunity to meet the requirements for the MA degree as described in the appropriate section of this document.

Dissertation Proposal The research proposal is a description of the research which the student intends to undertake and which will be reported in a detailed, comprehensive fashion in the completed thesis or dissertation. It offers the student an opportunity to convince the chair and other members of the advisory committee of his/her ability to pursue the projected topic to a successful conclusion. Filing the proposal is one of the requirements for the admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree.

The proposal must be approved by the entire advisory committee. Committee members and the department head sign the Proposal Title Page, found on the   Proposal Approval Form . The proposal and signed title page are then submitted to OGAPS. The proposal must be approved by OGAPS   at least 14 weeks prior to graduation . The proposal must be approved by OGAPS   at least 15 working days prior to the final examination, the defense .

Preliminary Exam A preliminary examination is required. It is to be given no later than the end of the first semester after completion of course work and no earlier than a date at which the student is within approximately six credit hours of completion of the formal course work on the degree program (with the exception of courses 681, 684, 690, 691 and 692). The student must have an overall and degree plan >3.0 GPR at the time of the examination and must have met the Foreign Language Requirement. Prior to scheduling the preliminary examination, the committee chair will review with the student the eligibility criteria using the   Preliminary Examination Checklist . The schedule for the preliminary exam must be arranged with all committee members.

The preliminary examination for all PhD students will include both written and oral portions. Each member of the advisory committee is responsible for administering a written examination in his/her particular field. A member may choose to waive participation in this part of the examination. Two or more members may give a joint written exam. Each written exam must be completed and reported as satisfactory to the chair before the oral portion may be held. The exact format of the preliminary exam is determined by the student’s advisory committee.

Students in the Nautical Archaeology Program are required to take the written portion of their preliminary examination as closed book. Access to outside reference sources is not allowed. If a student’s committee wants to administer the exam otherwise, it is to be addressed and decided upon at a Nautical Archaeology Program faculty meeting. Students are required to be on campus for the oral portion of the preliminary exam.

If the preliminary examination is failed, there is no obligation for a re-examination. At their discretion, the advisory committee and OGAPS may allow one re-examination when adequate time has passed to allow the student to address inadequacies (normally six months).

The chair will report the results of the examination along with the checklist  Preliminary Examination Checklist   to OGAPS within 10 working days of the scheduled oral exam and at least 14 weeks prior to the date of the final examination, the dissertation defense.

All students must complete all requirements for the PhD within four years after completing their preliminary examination. Otherwise the student will be required to repeat the preliminary examination.

Candidacy To be admitted to candidacy, the student must have met the residency requirement, completed all formal course work listed on the degree plan, passed the preliminary examination, have an overall and degree plan 3.0 GPR, and filed a dissertation proposal with the OGAPS which has been approved by the student’s advisory committee.

Dissertation Defense A student must have been admitted to candidacy to take the final examination, the dissertation defense. The student must be registered at the time the final exam is administered. The dissertation must be in final form and ready for distribution to committee members. All members of the student’s advisory committee must have a copy of the dissertation before the defense can be scheduled. OGAPS must have approved the schedule of the final examination at least 10 working days prior to the exam, using the   Request of Final Examination .  The format of the dissertation must be acceptable to the   Thesis Office . The dissertation must be approved by all members of the student’s advisory committee and must represent the candidate’s ability to conduct original, independent research which represents an advance in the field and to communicate the results of that research.  The student shall present an oral presentation (open to the public), on the topic of the dissertation research. This presentation will generally be presented on the same day as the actual defense of the dissertation. A candidate for the PhD degree must defend the dissertation by deadline dates announced in the   OGAPS Calendar .

Award of PhD Degree The style and format of the dissertation must be approved by the library thesis clerk and the student must deposit two copies of the dissertation in the library before the degree can be awarded. The final copies of the dissertation must be deposited within one year of the dissertation defense.  Visit  Thesis and Dissertation Services   for more information.

The semester a student intends to graduate, an application for graduation must be submitted electronically to the   Office of the Registrar   by the deadline given on the   Academic Calendar .  There is also a graduation fee that must paid.  For more information about graduation, please visit   Texas A&M’s Graduation Website .

A student who applied for graduation and will not graduate at the intended date must file a   Graduation Cancellation Form   with OGAPS.

Click here to review the Anthropology programs guidelines for PhD students.

Guidelines for Students in the MS in Maritime Archaeology and Conservation Program

The Department of Anthropology guidelines for students in the MS in Maritime Archaeology and Conservation Program are   here .

Starting in the Fall Semester of 2015, the Department of Anthropology’s  Nautical Archaeology Program  is now offering a new Master of Science in Archaeology and Conservation. The degree program is designed to prepare students for employment in maritime museums, cultural resource management firms, (including companies working with the offshore oil industry), and federal, state, or similar government agencies.

Students in the MS program will benefit from the research opportunities and internships available through Texas A&M University’s   Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation (CMAC) , and the university-affiliated  Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA) . The program is open to a limited number of students, selected on a competitive basis.

The curriculum is designed to allow students to complete the MS in Maritime Archaeology and Conservation in a two-year framework. All students are required to write a thesis in order to complete the degree, a thesis-based graduate degree being essential for many employment opportunities, and is also a prerequisite for being listed on the   Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA) .

In addition to the below courses, all MS students must have competence in at least one foreign language used in research. This language should be one with significant scientific literature of relevance to the student’s research areas (e.g. French, German, Spanish, and Russian) or be a language the student will use in his or her field research.

Required Courses:

• ANTH 605 – Conservation of Archaeological Resources I
• ANTH 608 – Skills in Maritime Archaeology
• ANTH 611 – Introduction to Nautical Archaeology
• ANTH 615 – History of Wooden Shipbuilding
• ANTH 616 – Research and Reconstruction of Ships

Maritime Elective Courses:

• ANTH 602 – Archaeological Methods and Theory
• ANTH 603 – Seafaring Life and Maritime Communities
• ANTH 606 – Conservation of Archaeological Resources II
• ANTH 607 – Historical Archaeology
• ANTH 610 – Outfitting and Sailing the Wooden Ship 1400-1900
• ANTH 612 – Pre-Classical Seafaring
• ANTH 613 – Classical Seafaring
• ANTH 614 – Books and Treatises on Shipbuilding
• ANTH 617 – Conservation III
• ANTH 618 – Medieval Seafaring in the Mediterranean
• ANTH 628 – New World Seafaring
• ANTH 629 – Post Medieval Seafaring
• ANTH 633 – Deep-Submergence Archaeology
• ANTH 642 – Research Design in Anthropology
• ANTH 644 – Classical Archaeology
• ANTH 645 – Cultural Resource Management
• ANTH 685 – Directed Studies
• ANTH 689 – Special Topics

Master of Arts (Thesis Option) – for PhD students only

Applicants new to Texas A&M may   not   apply to this program. This degree is   only   available to current Texas A&M graduate students who are seeking an MA before continuing through the PhD program.

Work leading to the degree of Master of Arts (MA) in Anthropology is designed to give prospective candidates a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of their professional field and training in their methods of research. In addition to the general anthropology MA degree, the department offers a nautical archaeology area of specialization through the Nautical Archaeology Program which involves specialized coursework in ship construction and recording, seafaring, and conservation methods. The Department offers two MA degrees, the MA Thesis Option and the MA Non-Thesis Option. The Non-Thesis Option is available only to students in the Archaeology, Biological, and Cultural Programs.

Student’s Advisory Committee Upon admission to the MA program, the student will be assigned a provisional advisor. The advisor will be a faculty member whose research is related to the topics of interest identified by the student in his or her application materials, but may or may not continue as advisory committee chair. Incoming students should consult with their advisor before registering for classes regarding any background preparation they may need in preparation for the core courses. By the end of the first year, the student should select an advisory committee chair and, in consultation with the chair, select the remainder of the advisory committee. The student’s advisory committee will consist of not fewer than three members of the graduate faculty representative of the student’s fields of study and research. Two of the members should be faculty in the department and one must be from outside the department. The duties of the committee include the responsibility for the proposed degree program, thesis research proposal, the thesis and its oral defense.

Degree Plan A student must prepare a degree plan for approval by his or her advisory committee. The degree plan lists the courses that the student will take to satisfy the course requirements of the MA degree. This plan must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies   before   a student can register for the fourth semester. The degree plan may be modified later by the student with the approval of his or her Advisory Committee.

All degree plans must include the following:

Residence An MA student must spend one semester in full-time residence beyond the baccalaureate degree.

Archaeology, Biological, and Cultural Programs – Core Courses

• ANTH 601 – Biological Anthropology
• ANTH 604 – Cultural Methods and Theory

Students who have taken similar graduate level courses before entering Texas A&M may petition to bypass ANTH 601, ANTH 602, and ANTH 604. Petitions to bypass a course must be made in writing and must include a copy of the syllabus of the equivalent course. Faculty who teach the core course will review the petition and vote to accept or reject it.

Archaeology Program students must take ANTH 602, Archaeological Methods and Theory, at Texas A&M. There are   no exceptions   to this policy.

Anthropology Courses All students must take   at least   9 credit hours within anthropology. (This is   in addition   to the core courses   and   ANTH 691 Research.)

Quantitative Methods ALL students   must   take STAT 651, Statistics in Research, or an equivalent course. Any course that is not STAT 651 or ANTH 642, for example a graduate-level statistics course taken at another university, must have prior departmental approval before being placed on a student’s degree plan.

Outside Electives All students must take   at least   6 credit hours outside the Department of Anthropology in subjects related to their research interests. These include such courses as history, geography, geology, ecology, second foreign languages, and other areas of technical or theoretical specialization approved by the student’s advisory committee. Courses required to satisfy the minimum foreign language requirement and STAT 651 cannot be used to meet this requirement.

Nautical Archaeology Program – Core Courses (16 Credit Hours)

• ANTH 602 Archaeological Methods and Theory (or ANTH 604 Cultural Methods and Theory if ANTH 602 was taken elsewhere or as an undergrad)
• ANTH 605 Conservation of Archaeological Resources I
• ANTH 611 Nautical Archaeology
• ANTH 615 History of Shipbuilding Technology
• ANTH 616 Research and Reconstruction of Ships

Seminar Courses (12 credit hours) Students take 12 hours in Nautical Archaeology seminars.

All Programs Research Hours and Directed Studies No more than 12 hours may be used in any combination of the following categories: (This includes 684, 685, 690, 691, and 695 in all departments.) No more than 6 credit hours in the combination of 691 Research or 684 Internship may be used. No more than 8 credit hours of 685 Directed Studies may be used. No more than 3 hours of 690 Theory of Research may be used. No more than 3 hours of 695 Frontiers in Research may be used.

Undergraduate Courses No more than 9 hours of advanced undergraduate courses (300- or 400-level) may be used.

Other Course Exclusions No more than 2 hours of 681 Seminar may be used on a degree plan. No credit hours of FREN 601 or GERM 603 may be used. No more than 3 hours of ENGL 697 may be used. No correspondence study may be used. No credit hours for continuing education courses may be used. No credit hours of extension course work may be used. A course taken S/U may not be used on the degree plan. Exceptions: 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, and 695.

Transfer Credit No more than 12 hours may be transferred from an accredited institution. A grade of B or higher is required. A student must be in a degree-seeking status at Texas A&M or the institution where courses were taken when the courses were completed. Courses previously used for another degree are not acceptable for degree plan credit.

Total Hours The degree plan must include   at least   30 credit hours.

Foreign Language Requirement MA students are expected to have competence in at least one foreign language. Normally that competence is obtained as an undergraduate student with four semesters of language study. Students entering the program without previous language training will be expected to obtain it during their graduate studies. The student’s advisory committee will determine the best way to meet these expectations.

Time Limit Students must complete all requirements within 7 years.

Continuous Enrollment Students who have completed all formal course work on their degree plan must be registered each   fall and spring semester   until they graduate. Usually, a student will register for 1 credit hour of ANTH 691 Research each semester while finishing the thesis. Students who fail to register for a semester will be blocked from registration until they have undergone a favorable recommendation from a departmental review committee, the endorsement of the department head, and the approval of the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Thesis Proposal The research proposal is a description of the research which the student intends to undertake and which will be reported in a detailed, comprehensive fashion in the completed thesis or dissertation. It offers the student an opportunity to convince the chair and other members of the advisory committee of his/her ability to pursue the projected topic to a successful conclusion. Filing the proposal is one of the requirements for graduation with a Master of Arts Thesis Option.

The proposal must be approved by the entire advisory committee. Committee members, the student, and the department head sign the Proposal Title Page, found on the   Proposal Approval Form .

The proposal and signed title page are then submitted to OGAPS. The proposal must be approved by OGAPS   at least 14 weeks prior to graduation . The proposal must be approved by OGAPS   at least 15 working days prior to the final examination , the thesis defense.

Thesis Defense OGAPS must approve the   Request and Announcement of the Final Examination   10 business days   before the exam takes place. All members of the student’s advisory committee must have a copy of the thesis before the defense can be scheduled. For students who qualify under the rules of the university, the oral thesis defense may be waived at the discretion of the committee. The format of the thesis must be acceptable to the Thesis Office. The thesis must be approved by all members of the student’s advisory committee and must represent the candidate’s ability to conduct independent research and communicate the results of that research.

Award of MA Degree The semester a student intends to graduate, an application for graduation must be submitted electronically to the   Office of the Registrar   by the deadline given on the   Academic Calendar .  There is also a graduation fee that must paid. A student must be registered in residence in the University for the semester in which the degree is to be conferred. The style and format of the thesis must be approved by the library thesis clerk and the student must deposit three copies of the thesis in the library before the degree can be awarded. The final copies of the thesis must be deposited within one year of the thesis defense.  For more information about graduation, please visit  Texas A&M’s Graduation Website .

Master of Arts (Non-Thesis Option) – for PhD students only

Applicants new to Texas A&M may   not   apply to this program. This degree is only available to current Texas A&M graduate students who are seeking an MA before continuing through the PhD program.

Archaeology, Biological, Cultural Programs – Core Courses

Archaeology Program students must take ANTH 602 Archaeological Methods and Theory at Texas A&M. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Anthropology Courses All students must take at least 9 credit hours within anthropology. (This is in addition to the core courses.)

Quantitative Methods All students   must   take STAT 651 Statistics in Research or an equivalent course. Any course that is not STAT 651 or ANTH 642, for example a graduate-level statistics course taken at another university, must have prior departmental approval before being placed on a student’s degree plan.

Outside Electives All students must take at least 6 credit hours outside the Department of Anthropology in subjects related to their research interests. These include such courses as history, geography, geology, ecology, second foreign languages, and other areas of technical or theoretical specialization approved by the student’s advisory committee. Courses required to satisfy the minimum foreign language requirement and STAT 651 cannot be used to meet this requirement.

Research Hours, Internships, and Directed Studies No more than 9 hours may be used in any combination of the following categories: (This includes 685, 690, and 695 in all departments.) No more than 8 credit hours of 685 Directed Studies may be used. No more than 3 hours of 690 Theory of Research may be used. No more than 3 hours of 695 Frontiers in Research may be used. No credit hours of 691 Research may be used. No credit hours of 684 Internship may be used.

Advanced Undergraduate Courses No more than 9 hours of advanced undergraduate courses (300- or 400-level) may be used.

Other Course Exclusions No more than 2 hours of 681 Seminar may be used on a degree plan. No credit hours of FREN 601 or GERM 603 may be used. No more than 3 hours of ENGL 697 may be used. No correspondence study may be used. No credit hours for continuing education courses may be used. No credit hours of extension course work may be used.

Transfer Credit No more than 12 hours may be transferred from an accredited institution. A grade of B or higher is required. A student must be in a degree-seeking status at Texas A&M or the institution where courses were taken when the courses were completed. Courses previously used for another degree are not acceptable for degree plan credit. Course work in which no formal grades or letter grades are given is not acceptable.

Total Hours The degree plan must include   at least   36 credit hours.

Final Examination A final comprehensive examination is required. Students may not be exempted from this exam. This exam may be either oral or written and is determined by the advisory committee. The exam may not be held prior to the mid-point of the semester or summer term in which remaining course work will be completed. A student shall be given only one opportunity to repeat the final exam and that must be before the end of the following regular semester   (summer terms are excluded) .

Continuous Enrollment An MA-NTO student should graduate the same semester in which they complete their coursework on the degree plan. A terminal MA-NTO student (one who will not continue in the PhD track) is   not required   to register the semester they graduate if all degree plan coursework is complete. If a student needs to register for any reason after degree plan coursework is finished, they should register for ANTH 685 Directed Studies.

Award of MA Degree The semester a student intends to graduate an application for graduation must be submitted electronically to the   Office of the Registrar   by the deadline given on the   Academic Calendar .  There is also a graduation fee that must paid.  For more information about graduation, please visit  Texas A&M’s Graduation Website .

Click here   for a complete list of graduate anthropology course offerings.

First-ever Gen-Z Insights event hosted by UC NEXT Innovation Scholars

Partnering with industry, reshaping engagement norms.

In academia, the intersection of innovation, collaboration and the fresh perspectives of the University of Cincinnati NEXT Innovation Scholars (NIS) holds immense promise.

As a multi-disciplinary student group of innovators, the program balances university, corporate and non-profit partners. NIS students are driven by curiosity, passion, future creation and pursuing innovation, fostering a community of forward-thinkers poised to tackle tomorrow's challenges today.

Recently, these young visionaries hosted an inaugural Gen-Z Insights showcase event at the UC 1819 Innovation Hub . The packed room of attendees included 1819 corporate partners such as Kao and Main Street Ventures and distinguished faculty and staff members. All were eager to hear and learn more from NIS scholars and the industry projects they worked on throughout the year.  

The Gen-Z event is a great example of the potential unleashed by applying human-centered approaches to innovation and collaborating across disciplines.

Aaron Bradley Director, UC NEXT Innovation Scholars Program

Showcasing talent

Next Innovation Scholars serve as panelists at the Gen-Z event. Photo/Erin Seccia

Director of UC NEXT Innovation Scholars Program, Aaron Bradley, led the event, posing questions to a group of NIS panelists.

“Every semester, the students in our program participate in a variety of team-based innovation consulting projects that all include significant research and insight development," Bradley said. "These insights inform our project work, but we also saw an opportunity to share some of the larger macro themes and thought-provoking findings with a broader audience. I think it’s particularly interesting to hear the insights of future leaders who will play a critical role in the creating the future we’ll all live in.”

The NIS program is a testament to UC's commitment to nurturing innovation. It empowers students to engage in real-world projects spanning industry partnerships, community initiatives and campus collaborations. Under this program, students delve into diverse fields, applying cutting-edge technologies and novel approaches to solve complex problems.

At the Gen-Z Insights event, the following six NIS students served as panelists: Yatra Patel, Eliza Angelo, Sophia Lammi, Max Kemats, Jonathan Raj and Faith Rider. Representing five colleges and nine unique majors, the scholars detailed their research-derived insights, creative concepts, exploration of future trends and teaching and training methodologies used to unlock innovative and new strategic tactics to empower others.

Real-world impact

Director of the NIS program, Aaron Bradley, mingles with corporate leaders and students prior to panelist discussions. Photo/Erin Seccia

One example shared by NIS students included work with one of the largest privately held companies in the world. Under a non-disclosure agreement, they couldn't share specific details of the project they were commissioned to carry out.

However, students did impart aspects of the process they used to pull off 50 consumer interviews within a two-week timeframe, leading to a presentation of insights and recommendations at the company’s headquarters in California. Compiling their consumer research and presenting it to the company’s insights and innovation teams provided the company with multiple concepts informing the development of new brands that will be brought to market in 2024 and 2025.

Attendees of the Gen-Z event gained a significant understanding of the transformative power of the NIS program as scholars shared unique applications of generative AI across various domains, such as education, sustainability, medicine, business and design, to name a few.

NIS panelist Sophia Lammi is a student at the UC College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning and the College of Arts and Sciences. Lammi disclosed a collective perspective on education on behalf of the Gen-Z generation.

"I'm currently leading a team with UC's Arts and Sciences College to explore what the future of humanities education could look like," Lammi said. "Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha have grown up as technology natives, but the connection to technology isn’t necessarily related to computer science or learning to code. There’s still a need for human connection, even in a highly digital world.” 

Embracing human-centered innovation

NIS students answer questions from 1819 corporate partners, Procter & Gamble. Photo/Erin Seccia

Corporate leaders posed questions to the panelists to better understand what matters most to Gen-Zers as future consumers. Panelists acknowledged their generation's influence and expressed feeling overwhelmed at times due to their over-awareness of climate change and a sense that they are helpless to reverse its effects. On the flip side, they embrace being the torchbearers of tomorrow.

This generation possesses a unique blend of digital fluency, social consciousness and entrepreneurial spirit, which are instrumental in driving innovation and advancing positive transformation. In addition to showcasing the outcomes of their projects, NIS scholars reflected on the program's intangible benefits, including enhanced critical thinking, problem-solving skills and collaboration abilities with others from diverse backgrounds, disciplines and cultures.

“The Gen-Z event is a great example of the potential unleashed by applying human-centered approaches to innovation and collaborating across disciplines," Bradley said. "It highlights the potential of our students, and we’re thankful for the platform that 1819 and the Cincinnati Innovation District have given our scholars to explore and excel.”

Featured image at top: NEXT Innovation Scholars hosted a Gen-Z Insights showcase event at the UC 1819 Innovation Hub. Photo/Erin Seccia

Innovation Lives Here

The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction.  Next Lives Here.

• Innovation Agenda
• 1819 Innovation Hub
• Cincinnati Innovation District

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Fall 2024 Non-Tech in Tech Mentorship Program – Apply Now!

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Curious about Seattle’s booming tech scene, but don’t want to work in software engineering or data science? Tech companies require a broad range of skill sets and roles to function – including marketing, sales, account management, human resources, operations, project management, and more. Join this program to learn how your skills, strengths and interests can translate into a career in tech and explore professional development topics to prepare you for your job & internship search.

Students will indicate areas of interest within tech during the application process:

• Customer Service/ Account Management / Sales
• Human Resources / Recruiting
• Marketing / Communications / Social Media
• Project Management / Program Management

The Industry Mentorship Program will be offering identity-based matching for students who identify as People of Color and/or LGBTQIA+. Depending on preferences and mentor availability, students will have the opportunity to be matched with a mentor that shares their identity(s) or similar life experiences. As we continue to develop this identity mentorship initiative, we hope to expand our programming to include additional identity groups in future quarters.

Program Details

Admitted students will be enrolled in a 1 credit (CR/NC) GEN ST course:

• Week 1 (in-person):  Preparatory session to learn what to expect and meet with your group to plan topics and questions for your mentor
• Week 2-9 (virtual) : Mentor meetings & reflection assignments
• Week 10 (in-person) : Wrap-up networking event will all mentors and students in the program

Application Criteria

• Undergraduate student at UW Seattle
• Must have completed 3 quarters at UW or transferred to UW with the equivalent credits
• Must be available during the Fall 2024 quarter on Tuesdays OR Wednesdays from 4:00-7:00pm

Interested in hearing from past mentees?  Check out the  Fall 2023 Student Program Evaluations  to get an idea of the student experience in the mentorship program.

Questions?  Contact Lauren Sevilla at  [email protected] .

Applications for the Fall 2024 Non-Tech in Tech Mentorship Program will close May 3rd at 11:59PM.

Connect with us:

Contact us: 9a-5p, M-F | 134 Mary Gates Hall | Seattle, WA 98195 | (206) 543-0535 tel | [email protected]

The Division of Student Life acknowledges the Coast Salish people of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot Nations. Student Life is committed to developing and maintaining an inclusive climate that honors the diverse array of students, faculty, and staff. We strive to provide pathways for success and to purposefully confront and dismantle existing physical, social, and psychological barriers for minoritized students and communities. We engage in this work while learning and demonstrating cultural humility.