Do you need a thesis for masters?

A. While not all master’s programs require a thesis, many do. A thesis is typically a research project you complete during your last semester of school that involves a lot of research and writing.

A. While not all master’s programs require a thesis, many do. A Master’s Thesis is typically a research project you complete during your last semester of school that involves a lot of research and writing. A non-thesis degree program may be available to students in specific instances. However, when such is the case, there are usually additional courses required for these students, and some may find it takes longer to complete the program. Non-thesis degrees may be more suited to people who are more interested in applying their knowledge to the real world or creating art (non-written) rather than pursuing a doctorate in the future. Although the non-thesis option is available to students enrolled in a terminal program, they may still be required to write a paper or complete a project before graduation. Some universities will allow students to take a comprehensive test as an alternative to writing a thesis. 

Because thesis requirements vary by program, check your school’s requirements before beginning your degree. 

Here are a few additional resources that are directly or indirectly related to the question answered here: 

1. Master Thesis – This resource guide analyzes what a master’s thesis is. Explore its format and structure and learn some guidelines and tips to write one. 
2. Dissertation – Find out what a dissertation is and what it entails. This guide will walk you through the many types of dissertations and give you tips on how to prepare for writing one. 
3. Online College Courses – This comprehensive guide walks you through all aspects of online college courses and the many options they offer.