Thesis or Comp Exam?

[palemoss]

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Hi I am currently getting my M.A in Psychology at Pepperdine, and I am also doing research for 2 labs in the Los Angeles area; as I prepare to think about my Ph.D application - I am wondering whether or not it is necessary to write a thesis (conduct, design, and implement independent research) or just stick with working the labs and taking my comprehensive exams. Does a thesis really matter - essentially?

 

[krisrox]

Hi I am currently getting my M.A in Psychology at Pepperdine, and I am also doing research for 2 labs in the Los Angeles area; as I prepare to think about my Ph.D application - I am wondering whether or not it is necessary to write a thesis (conduct, design, and implement independent research) or just stick with working the labs and taking my comprehensive exams. Does a thesis really matter - essentially?

If you write a quantitative thesis, there's a good chance you can get the thesis requirement for your PhD program waived. It's also great experience to have in general.

 

[futureapppsy2]

If you write a quantitative thesis, there's a good chance you can get the thesis requirement for your PhD program waived. It's also great experience to have in general.

I would caution that the willingness to waive the thesis requirement with an outside MA thesis can vary greatly by program--the Clinical PhD program at my undergrad, for example, was rather "stingy" about doing this, even if it was officially an option. However, I completely agree that it is excellent experience in general, and it will probably help your application to PhD programs a good deal.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I would caution that the willingness to waive the thesis requirement with an outside MA thesis can vary greatly by program--the Clinical PhD program at my undergrad, for example, was rather "stingy" about doing this, even if it was officially an option. However, I completely agree that it is excellent experience in general, and it will probably help your application to PhD programs a good deal.

Agreed as well. Our program isn't a particularly severe stickler when it comes to waiving the thesis requirement if you completed a quantitative analysis of original research for your master's, but even if you didn't receive such a pass, having completed the study should increase the competitiveness of your application.