Professor Saiedian developed these guidelines in the mid-2000s
for his software engineering students, but any EECS student
may use them in other classes, ignoring the SE-specific
requirements. Other faculty may borrow these guidelines with
proper attribution.
Choosing between a thesis or non-thesis Master's degree
Incoming Master's students frequently inquire about the optimal
choice between a thesis option, project option, or course-only option. The
following encapsulates my responses to this common question.
- Time commitment clarification.
The time commitment for all is
equal. Contrary to the misconception that a thesis requires more
effort or talent, both paths demand dedication. The difference
lies in the nature of the work: a thesis path involves eight
courses and six hours of thesis work, while a course-only option
requires 10 courses. The effort for two additional courses
is comparable to the time needed for a thesis. Note that each
course entails a weekly commitment of three hours of lectures,
plus additional preparation time for exams, quizzes, projects,
presentations, averaging about 10 to 15 hours per week. The
same time invested in thesis research yields excellent results.
- Research thesis impact.
A research thesis's outcomes go beyond the classroom, often
resulting in publications and conference presentations in
computing sciences. These contributions showcase a student's
ability to conduct independent research, enhancing career
prospects. While both options require significant effort, the
research thesis offers a more in-depth, hands-on experience,
preparing students for advanced academic pursuits or
research-oriented careers.
- In-depth understanding.
A research thesis delves deeply into a specific area of
computing sciences, providing a profound understanding of
theoretical principles and practical applications. This enhanced
knowledge improves one's ability to analyze, synthesize,
and solve complex computational problems.
- Communication proficiency.
It is true that a research path require effective written
and oral communication skills to present findings, defend
arguments, and disseminate knowledge. Clear communication of
complex technical concepts is crucial for success in academia
and industry. Tools like GAI and Grammarly make this aspect
of thesis writing more manageable.
- Doctoral aspirations preparation.
For students considering doctoral studies, a research-based
Master's thesis provides invaluable experience in independent
research, dissertation writing, and presenting findings. It
also facilitates networking with potential doctoral advisors
and gaining insights into doctoral research expectations.
- Flexibility and discipline consideration.
For some students, especially full-time working students
accustomed to a structured learning approach, a course-only
option may be more suitable. Those who value academic
flexibility may find the thesis option preferable. While it
is feasible to plan for completing an MS thesis in a single
semester, it is generally more advisable to spread the work
over two consecutive semesters.
- Lasting artifact and personal and family pride. The research
work completed as a thesis, and later potentially continued into a
Ph.D. dissertation, becomes a lasting artifact, akin to a cherished
book. Publication of the research can be even more satisfying,
and extending the Master's work into a doctoral program brings
personal and family pride.
In conclusion, the attainment of your MS degree is achievable
through either approach. However, it is advisable to carefully
consider the aforementioned options before making a commitment
to a specific path.
Updated in October 2023.
The following summary is from gograd.org: