Thesis vs non- thesis : what is the difference? is one of the most important questions posed by students wishing to pursue their graduate studies.
Choosing the most appropriate program between these two options requires a thorough understanding of the advantages and challenges each path presents. Do you prefer to delve into scientific research and formulate a specialized academic thesis, or are you looking to develop your applied and cognitive skills without the need for a research project?
This article will take you on a comprehensive journey to understand the key differences between a thesis and non-thesis master's degree, helping you make the right decision that aligns with your career goals and academic aspirations.
Before we talk about Thesis vs non- thesis : what is the difference?, we must define the thesis. Its meaning will become clear by comparing it with similar things, such as articles and research, and defining each one.
It's also called "classroom research," and is conducted by a student under the supervision of a professor in a subject they're studying in their class or department.
Its purpose is to train students to research and rely on themselves to organize and organize their ideas, presenting them in a sound and sequential manner.
It also trains them to be sincere and honest in conveying information and to take responsibility for their writing.
Typically, an essay doesn't exceed ten pages.
It is a requirement for graduation with a bachelor's degree and is also called a "graduation thesis."
It requires students to conduct research on a specific topic of their choice under the supervision of a professor.
It is more in-depth than an essay. It requires a higher level of intellectual effort in analyzing, critiquing, and accessing information.
Its purpose is to train students to think more logically and in depth, choosing a topic and discussing it without superficiality.
It is not intended to invent something new.
A thesis is a higher-level scientific research project than any of the above. It is often designed to obtain a doctorate degree.
Therefore, the researcher selects a specific topic, defines its aspects and themes, and organizes its ideas and approaches to produce a new contribution that lacks scientific knowledge.
It may take two years, or perhaps several years, until the researcher completes it.
Thesis vs non- thesis : what is the difference? Whatever your decision, Turkey has a large number of universities that teach master's degrees with or without a thesis, whether private or public universities, amounting to about 200 universities, some of which compete with international universities.
Include the introduction and research questions.
Mention how data was collected and analyzed.
Explain the context of your research question.
Mention current knowledge and previous research, as well as the thesis question.
Explain what others have said about the same topic in their research.
Research method and analysis.
Mention where the research method and analysis are described.
This is where you should see the research results from the data you analyzed.
You should demonstrate to supervisors and internal and external examiners that you have a comprehensive understanding of the requirements, such as the research question.
Discuss your findings in clear language.
You may want to link your findings to previous research to demonstrate your relevance throughout the project.
Make sure you summarize your main points.
Keep your points short and clear.
Thesis vs non- thesis : what is the difference? Choosing a master's program, whether with or without a thesis, is not an easy task. However, students can choose and determine their master's topic during their studies. To facilitate the student's choice of master's program, questions known as "smart questions" can be answered, which can help students determine their master's topic such as
What is the purpose of earning a master's degree?
Where do I see myself in five years as a near-term future plan and 10 years as a long-term future plan?
Will getting a master's degree help me in my career future?
What are my plans for after graduation?
Do I want to study in a classroom setting or pursue my education independently?
Is my interest focused on learning more research or just getting a higher degree?
The researcher must first answer all these questions in order to determine the topic of the master’s program.
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The length of a dissertation varies depending on the type of research, the scientific material, and the nature of its analysis.
However, it typically ranges from (100 :120 pages), with a maximum of (20,000 : 25,000 words), and cannot exceed 35,000 words.
The dissertation typically takes two semesters to complete.
The master's thesis discussion committee consists of three faculty members, one of whom may be from outside the university, and the three may be from within the university.
The supervisor of the researcher's thesis may be the link between the student and the thesis discussion committee, but the student must communicate directly with the committee members, especially when the discussion date approaches.
Before discussing Thesis vs non- thesis : what is the difference? Let's talk about the advantages of obtaining a master 's degree and why you should pursue a master in your specialty.
There are many advantages to obtaining a master’s degree, the most important of which are
There is no doubt that obtaining a master's degree gives a student a distinguished social standing in the community in which they live
Greater financial return, and career advancement.
The possibility of completing the educational journey to obtain postgraduate studies and a doctorate.
Providing more opportunities to get a prestigious job whether inside or outside the country
Attending and participating in scientific conferences.
Possibility of publishing scientific research in international journals.
Read more: Advantages of studying a master's degree in Türkiye
A student who wishes to obtain a master's degree, whether with a thesis or without a thesis, this does not affect the academic degree and both are acceptable, but there are some matters that clarify to us the difference between a master's degree with a thesis and without a thesis. Through the following table, we will answer the question of Thesis vs non- thesis : what is the difference?.
| Master's with thesis | Master's without thesis |
|
If the student wants to obtain a doctorate degree, the master's degree must be by thesis, because the doctorate degree requires a master's thesis. |
If a student is not pursuing a doctorate degree but is already involved in group projects and assignments, a master's degree without a thesis would be better for him. |
|
The length of the message is longer and of great scientific quality, and the writing style here is purely scientific. |
There will be no long research as the master's without thesis is suitable for students who do not want to go into in-depth research. |
|
Scientific research project can be published |
It cannot be published |
|
It can take several semesters. |
It takes about 6 hours of work. |
|
It aims to demonstrate the researcher's ability to think critically about a specific topic and gather information about it in depth. |
Focuses on individual and group projects and exams. |
|
Other people's research can be used to prove the validity of one's theory or hypothesis or to provide evidence for a particular piece of information. |
It focuses on training courses and projects that help him write a final thesis and become more successful in his professional life. |
|
The information provided is the responsibility of the researcher, who is responsible for its accuracy and correctness. |
The Master's degree without a thesis focuses on providing researchers with the skills and abilities that will help them in their professional lives. |
|
The thesis is considered the end of the master's program. |
Obtaining a master's degree without a thesis is easier and more flexible. |
The student undergoes a new scientific experience from which he learns to organize his thoughts and acquire critical thinking skills.
The student gains experience on how to write a research paper and there is no wasted time later when writing another research paper.
Student acquisition of writing and presentation skills.
Gaining self-confidence and the ability to speak in front of supervisors and examiners.
An employer cannot know whether a master's degree holder has the ability to think critically, logically and analytically.
The research cannot be published on a scientific website.
It cannot be asserted that the researcher is unique in the research material.
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Yes, there is a great similarity between the master’s degree with and without thesis, as follows
Whether the program is with or without a thesis, a master's degree is obtained at the end.
It requires the researcher to have a deep understanding of the research topic and to scrutinize the information, whether the master’s degree is with or without a thesis.
The researcher is required to follow the scientific method and academic writing, whether the master's degree is with or without a thesis.
Ethical practices, respect for intellectual property, and non-plagiarism are required of the researcher, whether the master's degree is with or without a thesis.
A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for admission to a master's degree, whether with or without thesis, in Turkey.
Requirements vary from one university to another depending on the major, language of study, and years of study. Each university has its own criteria, although all universities adhere to the general requirements for higher education.
The duration of a master's degree in Türkiye varies depending on the program and whether it is with or without a thesis:
The study period is two years, consisting of four semesters. Two semesters are allocated to theoretical studies and the other two semesters are allocated to writing scientific research.
The student is allowed to extend his study for another academic year, with a maximum of two semesters, depending on his effort.
The study period does not exceed one year, at a rate of three semesters.
You do not need to write a thesis.
Read also: Advantages of studying in Turkey
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Thesis vs non- thesis : what is the difference? We hope we answer this question well and explain the meaning of the thesis and the difference between it and a thesis-free degree. Through what has been presented, the student can determine what is appropriate for his abilities and educational plan.
If a student wishes to prepare for a doctorate, they must ensure that the master's degree is a thesis.
For programs that do not require a thesis, students may submit a project called a graduation project.
Yes, it is possible to transfer from a thesis program to a non-thesis program, but in specific cases determined based on the program and the policies of the university to which the researcher belongs.
No, the message is for the master’s and doctorate degrees, but the difference is that the doctoral message must be a thesis, while the master’s can be with or without a thesis.
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