Thesis or non thesis option plus and minus points

[Adip]

Hello,

I am going to apply for masters in mechanical engineering in US. Most of the universities offer thesis and non thesis options. What are advantages and disadvantages of two? How does it matter in long time career? Can I change my choice afterwards? Please help

[ktel]

Typically non-thesis is more career oriented, while thesis is more academia oriented, not to say you couldn't go into industry with a thesis-based MS. A thesis-based MS is sometimes funded in the US (almost always funded in Canada) while a non-thesis based MS is not funded (typically) and can be quite expensive. Both degrees can prepare you for a career in industry, but for a career in academia you would need a PhD, and to get a PhD you would probably want to do the thesis-based MS. There is the chance a thesis-based MS could over-qualify you for some jobs and limit your options. Since the programs are typically only 1-2 year programs, it would be difficult to change your choice mid-way through without having to do everything all over, although for some programs it would be possible.

[robot_hamster]

I was always told that you only do a non-thesis if you know for sure you won't ever want to pursue a PhD. If you think you're going to go on for a PhD, it is helpful to have done a thesis.