MS Chemistry - non-thesis based vs. thesis based, SDSU, GWU

[Natasha G]

Hi I am currently trying to decide between 2, potentially 3 MS chem programs. I have offers from GWU (w/ fellowship), SDSU, and UBC (conditional offer). I think the UBC offer is less likely as it is contingent on me confirming a lab supervisor prior to May 31 and I have not had any luck so far. I'm currently about to graduate from UCSD where I have had some research experience.

I am mostly choosing between GWU MS in Environmental and Green Chemistry and SDSU for MS Chemistry. I want to pursue environmental chemistry work in the future but mostly, I want to really focus on research, and I am considering doing a PhD in the future. Although GWU is a more prestigious school, the program does not really provide a 'thesis' option. I know that this doesn't mean I can't do research, but I feel that it is less likely? Rather, it's more centered around coursework and 1 capstone project during the last semester. SDSU is very thesis based with a lab supervisor that you work with throughout the whole program. I am wondering if it would be better for me to choose SDSU over GWU based on the fact that I am guaranteed to really gain experience in a lab-setting and doing research, whereas at GWU, I feel that I would be less able to conduct serious research, although I could be wrong. 

Edited April 4, 2018 by Natasha G
missing detail