Before you decide on a Master’s program, ask yourself this question: what do you hope to do afterwards?

Generally speaking, students contemplating a PhD or an academic career are better served with a thesis based program.

Academic Degree

Both thesis and course Master’s lead to the same degree. The academic, thesis based Master’s differs from the professional degree in that it emphasizes original research and research methodology. Professional, course-based Master’s degrees are more structured and focus on the direct application of knowledge in teaching and educational administration contexts.

Interested in a PhD?

If so, the thesis-based program offers better preparation for a PhD program. Many course based Master’s degrees are not designed with doctoral study in mind, and therefore don’t offer certain training crucial for PhD students-namely, research methodology. Credits in a professional-style Master’s programs will not necessarily transfer to a doctoral program.

Advantages of a Course Based Master’s

You’ll have more time to pursue other learning opportunities, an internship, for example, can provide an applied education more relevant to your future career–not to mention networking opportunities. The benefits of an internship– networking and practical experience–might outweigh the benefits of a research project.

Number of Available program Options

At CALDO universities you will find more options of thesis-based masters Admission. For a Thesis based Master’s you will need a supervisor which may make the admission process a bit more complex. On the other hand, some course-based Master’s will require evidence of professional experience (e.g. MBA).

Duration

Thesis based Master’s are mostly 2 years, while course based Master’s usually vary between 1 to 2 years.

Funding

Only thesis based master’s may offer any funding from the university, course based Master’s are self-funded by students.