MS in Civil Engineering, 1 year non-thesis vs 2 years thesis

[jayquinas]

I am an international applicant for MS programs in Civil Engineering, (Geotechnical Engineering) and admitted a few schools so far: Cornell, UW Seattle, SUNY Buffalo, UI Chicago, IIT.

By the way, Cornell and UW offered me a 1-year non-thesis program(MEng at Cornell, MS non-thesis track at UW) whereas the others offered 2 years thesis option program.

Since I am thinking of PhD afterward, I am wondering which one would have more benefits. I guess I would get more research experience and enough time for PhD apply with 2 years thesis program. However, I cannot disregard the reputation and outstanding faculty at Cornell and UW.

It would be great if you give a thought about it. Thanks a lot.

Edited March 24, 2016 by jayquinas