Jump to content

Applying to PhD with no thesis


Guest criminologist

Recommended Posts

Guest criminologist

I have decided to apply to some PhD programs for Criminology & Criminal Justice in the fall and I was wondering how much having a thesis matters when they review your application. I am currently enrolled in a professional criminal justice master's program (Top 10 CJ grad program) that does not have a thesis. However, it requires a non-thesis type policy paper that involves less research. Any way I expect all other parts of my application to be excellent such as GPA (both grad and undergrad), GRE, relevant background and courses etc. I know that most of the top schools do not require it (only a writing sample) but is it a big deal if an applicant did not do a full thesis. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest criminologist

For a Ph.D. research utilizing primary sources is preferred over a policy paper.

what is the main differences between a policy paper and thesis? I know a policy paper requires less research. one of the MS programs at my school has a policy paper option (3 credits) or a thesis option that is 6 credits. however some programs do not even have a thesis

Edited by gz390
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Primary sources. Either collect your own data and analyze it or go directly to original documents and analyze those. Policy formulation can, and usually is, based on secondary sources (other people's studies.) But don't take it from me... talk to professors in that program and compare the work products of both the policy paper and the thesis by finding them in the library. The good news is that you have time to conduct original research if you get on it now. By the way, it's not the title of the work that matters to those evaluating your writing sample, it is the nature and quality of the work that they care about.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Sort of unrelated-Is it common to apply to a PHD with just a bachelor's degree? Or is a research intensive master's degree expected?

Edited by JKBFSS
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use