How important is the name value of the school?

[lulupear]

I have been accepted by a starting program that's going to be the first Master degree that the country (Canada) offers.

The school that I have been accepted is highly reputed, has got great networks, and is situated in my home town.

 

There are two problems that I have accepting the offer.

1) My faculty advisor does not respond to my email or voice message I left him. He also happens to be a department chair so that may be why he's so busy but honestly- he's the one who first implemented the program and faculty advisor so should he not be responding??

Unhelpful staff does not help the matter either.

 

2) The program does not offer a thesis/research project option. It is solely course-based. 

 

Curriculum is amazing however and I think I will enjoy the courses.

 

Should I accept the offer from this school despite the flaws?

 

I wanted a program that's got a nurturing environment, a program that I can write a thesis if not research paper.

 

I do have offers from other schools but their department is not as highly regarded as the one I mentioned above. But still good.

 

How much of the department's/school's reputation should I weigh when deciding the school?