The following are unofficial guidelines comparing the master’s thesis (PSCI 5909) and master’s research essay (PSCI 5908) and their relative features.
Thesis
Research Essay
80-100 pages
65-80 pages
based around original research using primary sources (e.g. – documents, interviews, raw data such as election studies, etc.)
original theoretically-filling clear gap in existing literature
while incorporating original research and primary documents, these may not form the core of the work if there is strong analysis and discussion of secondary sources
designed, researched and written with regular consultations of the supervisor and/or other faculty
supervisor must be consulted at major points of the process but will have a lesser role; other faculty usually not involved until grading
should represent a distinct and original contribution to the field
should represent a strong understanding of the field and an original and insightful interpretation of it
will reflect the workload of four one-term graduate courses, for 2.0 credits
will reflect the workload of two one-term graduate courses, for 1.0 credit
takes on average approximately eight months of full-time work from beginning to completion, but this will vary considerably according to a wide range of factors
takes on average approximately four months on a full-time basis, but will also vary considerably
defended before a formal thesis board
graded by the supervisor and one other faculty member
as a distinct contribution to the field, should likely be publishable if it can be summarized into article length
may or may not be publishable
Will be particularly valuable for students who:
strongly wish to study a particular topic in depth using primary resources
want to undertake a major piece of research to prepare themselves for eventual PhD studies
are not planning to proceed to the PhD and seek a final “capstone” to their academic career
Will be particularly valuable for students who:
have a wide range of scholarly interests and do not feel strongly drawn to a single topic
hope to proceed more quickly to a PhD and do not feel they need to conduct major research at this stage
do not plan a future research career and would rather develop general writing and analytical skills