What are the pros/cons of doing a thesis & dissertation vs. NO thesis/dissertation during grad school?

Answer 1

If you plan on going on for your PhD, then, it is wise to do a thesis. This is because the thesis could be part of the research one will do for the PhD.

If one is going for a PhD, then, it is required to write a dissertation. In addition to writing the PhD, the student will defend it in front of a faculty committee.

If one does not plan on going further for a PhD, then, another option could be possible for the Master's Degree. I have 2 Master's Degrees. I did not want to go on for a PhD. So, I chose, in both cases to write a "major paper." This is similar to a seminar paper or a more lengthy research paper. I still had to pass muster with my faculty advisers, writing several versions of my paper until it was accepted.

Answer 2

The no-thesis route will take longer if you're doing it as night school like I did. However, you know when you'll graduate. And oral exams may be tougher with an all-classes option because you may forget things. On the other hand, if you can jump in and burn through all the classes, it may take no more time to do it this way.

Thesis research can be interesting and a lot of fun. You'll be intimately familiar with your subject when it comes time for oral exams. The down side is if you get an "advisor from hell" you may have to jump through a lot of hoops just to get a sign-off on your work.

I haven't run into anyone that got any benefit for having written a thesis but then I'm an Engineer not a scientist or an academic.

Answer 3

Most PhD programs require a dissertaion; whereas, it is possible to get through a Master's program without a thesis. I wrote two lengthy near-thesis papers as an undergraduate so I was glad to skip that requirement as a Master's candidate. But I have been told not to go back for my PhD until I have something to say because there WILL be a dissertaion waiting for you at the end.