Introduction:

This is one of the biggest confusion a student must undergo while choosing a master's program especially in United states. Many STEM programs have mandated that only for a thesis candidate the GRA/GIA position be awarded. This has made many students opt for thesis program just to get their fee slashed from international fee to US National fee along with a monthly stipend. Here we are going to talk about the pros and cons for both streams.

Non-Thesis:

Pros of Non-Thesis Program:

1. Curriculum focused more on Industry than academics.
2. There is a chance to do real-time projects at the end of the course which aids the students to get a blend of the industry.
3. If a person joins during Fall semester, the student has a good chance to get an offer during summer holidays to work in the industry as a CPT (Curriculum Practical Training) for a period of 40 hours per week from mid or end of month May to mid of month August which helps them gain a good amount of capital along with US industry exposure.
4. Students can complete their course much faster compared to thesis program.
5. Primary focus of this program is Industry.
6. It is like a bachelor's degree program but here you would be specializing more.
7. Option to work as GIA which will help in getting your fees down to US national fees.
8. Also, there is the opportunity to work as a student worker in university.

Cons of Non-Thesis Program:

1. GRA opportunity is denied.
2. Sometimes you will not be awarded the GIA if more thesis candidates are available.
3. Must pay international fee.
4. Cannot gain research experience.
5. Will miss the opportunity to learn academic writing and publishing opportunity in journals, increase citations etc.

Thesis:

Pros of Thesis Program:

1. You will get a position in university as GRA or GIA which helps you in paying US national fees.
2. You will earn a descent money as stipend during your studies.
3. Helps to work closely with the professor.
4. Knowledge and work experience on research and learn additional skills like academic writing and how to publish your research works in journals.
5. Will help you get more focused in academics.
6. Pathway to Ph.D.
7. Once you start your PhD and complete it you have a good chance of getting jobs in the academic side where H1b is not under any restrictions like lottery system.
8. Increasing the number of publications and drafting good papers may help you in getting an O-1 visa.
9. GC processing time is comparatively less compared to people with just master's degree.
10. Good for people who wish to choose academic as their careers in future.

Cons of Thesis Program:

1. May take more than 2 years to complete Masters.
2. The workload will be higher than non-thesis programs.
3. CPT and internships opportunity may be denied as you will be working for your advisor's research.
4. Most of the students from non-thesis would have started earning and you would be still pursuing your studies which may feel frustrating.
5. I have seen people leaving in the middle of thesis program due to the research pressure so choosing your advisor plays a crucial role.

Conclusion:

It is the student's option to choose a thesis or non-thesis stream based on their personal choice. My personal choice is that if your aim is to get into industry non-thesis stream would be the best option as you would get the opportunity to take up CPT, internship, completing the course sooner and you would be also able to pursue a Ph.D. later. On the other side if your focus is on academics, a thesis would be the best option especially if you are planning to pursue PhD program in the same university under the same advisor.

Good luck.

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