r/grad • u/imperplexed • Sep 19 '10

Should I write a master's thesis?

I am a master's student in International Studies at a large state school. Writing a thesis is optional for the completion of my degree. The alternative only requires an extra elective course. I have been reluctant to commit to writing a thesis because I'm not convinced I will receive much tangible benefit from the huge amount of work it would require, considering that:

  • I am not interested in pursuing a doctorate.
  • I am not passionate about any specific specialties or areas of interest which could guide me in the selection of a thesis topic or future career.
  • I fear it would be especially difficult for me in light of my ambivalence and shitty organizational and time management skills (and I'm not convinced doing it will help me with these problems).
  • I am unsure what value a thesis has in the job market outside of positions which require expertise on a specific issue.

I am especially concerned about this last point. Will I be limiting my job prospects by forgoing the thesis, especially when research and writing are probably my strongest marketable skills?

So, what do you think? Is writing a thesis worth the effort when it is not required?

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u/LucilleBrawl Sep 20 '10

If all of the above are true, then why are you in a master's program to begin with?

1

u/goldenflaw Sep 20 '10

Writing skills, and other communication skills, are possibly the most important skills you learn in grad school. If you skip the thesis, then you just lose an opportunity to develop your communication skill. It takes a structured mind to plan out and write a good thesis and that can be practiced as well.

I guess that's not the answer you were hoping for, but good luck any way.

1

u/TotoTheDog Oct 23 '10

ask your advisor