Research based MS or Academic MS in engineering(US), how these two differ?which one is harder/expensive?

Answer 1

I think you need to look at the programs again. There tend to be two types of Masters degrees offered in America.

1. No Thesis. You take a specified number of courses in conjunction with an advisor.

2. Thesis. You take a specified number of courses in conjunction with an advisor. You also write a thesis on an original piece of research and defend it.

They both cost the same generally, but there is more scholarship money in the research option. Also, there is usually a higher number of jobs available for those who choose the research option.