Thesis or Non-thesis?

[GradTX]

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Hi,

I'm a hopeful MSTP student in a master's program right now. I'm having trouble with my PI caring about my project or the lab in general. For example, we've needed a new MilliQ water system for months, but he can't get off his rear to order it. He also doesn't seem to understand that I'm graduating in 6 months--whenever we talk (which is becoming a rare event these days), he acts like I'm going to be around for a few more years. How much would it hurt me to walk non-thesis? I should have at least two publications (not first author 🙁) by the time I leave. Do ad-coms understand that some PIs come from hades? 😉

Thanks for the input.

 

[CaipirinhaQuinho]

Hey man,

I'm in a similar situation. My PI is a little more involved in my research, but I still rarely talk to him. I'm applying mstp right now, and I don't see it making a difference in admissions if I don't finish the Masters. I want to finish it for pride though. It's been very hard trying to finish experiments when I'm gone for weeks at a time on interviews. I suggest you bring up your concerns to your PI. I will be doing the same very shortly. I think i'm just going to tell my PI that the project needs to be done before next summer and I'll do whatever it takes for him to sign off on it.

 

[Vader]

Definitely discuss these issues with your advisor. Both you and he should be clear on the goals for your thesis.

You really need a good letter from your research advisor, so make sure that you and he talk and come to an understanding on how best to achieve your goals.