You’ve pored over dozens of graduate studies websites, explored the programs available, narrowed your list to the ones that support your goals and, just as you’re ready to start writing your applications, you realize… There are more options to choose from?
Once you’ve found the right graduate program, it’s time to decide what type of degree maps to your needs and goals. Master’s programs offer several different formats, including coursework, major research paper (MRP) and thesis streams; some also have co-op or work-integrated learning (WIL) options.
Like most big life decisions, choosing the right type of graduate degree is highly individual. You’ll need to consider your immediate and future goals, timeline, and how you like to learn. Let’s break down the main differences and explore how each type of degree can prepare you for specific outcomes and pathways.
The master's degree: Coursework, MRP or thesis
Many master’s programs let you choose how you want to study — strictly coursework, a combination of coursework and a shorter research paper called an MRP, or a combination of coursework and a larger research project called a master’s thesis. Here’s a breakdown of each type of learning experience. You can check out the table that follows for a quick side-by-side comparison.
Coursework
If you’re looking to level-up your knowledge and gain practical skills to advance your career, a coursework-based master’s is a great option. Your learning will involve a combination of required and elective courses that you complete over one to two years, though part-time studies can take longer. Many coursework-based programs also include a work-integrated learning (WIL) component, such as co-op, an internship or some other form of industry experience. That means you graduate with a combination of relevant knowledge, in-demand skills and hands-on experience that you can apply directly to your next job or endeavour.
Major research paper (MRP
If researching a topic in depth excites you, but you aren’t interested in the rigour or time commitment of a master’s thesis, an MRP is an ideal solution. It’s a long research paper that’s typically between 30 and 60 pages long, depending on the discipline. MRPs are completed in combination with courses and, sometimes, work-integrated learning, so you’ll walk away with research, coursework and industry experience.
Just like writing a master’s or doctoral thesis, completing an MRP demonstrates your written communication skills, as well as your ability to use research methods to explore a question or problem related to your field. A major element of the MRP is reviewing previous literature related to your research question and showing you understand existing theories and concepts. You won’t be expected to make an original contribution to the field (but that doesn’t mean you won’t). Unlike a master’s or PhD thesis, there’s no oral defense; instead, you submit your paper to your supervisor and, sometimes, additional readers for review and approval.
Master's thesis
If you’re eager to dive into a large research project, pursuing a master’s thesis could be the perfect option. The required length of the dissertation is between 60 and 150 pages, depending on the discipline, with STEM theses typically being shorter than humanities and social sciences ones. Students complete the master’s thesis in combination with coursework, usually taking fewer courses than in the MRP stream.
On top of being longer than an MRP, a master’s thesis demonstrates mastery of the research craft. Your goal is to identify and address a gap in the literature using research methods and an understanding of previous work in the field. Students have a supervisor and are expected to present their dissertation — known as an oral defense — in front of a committee.
Quick comparison: Types of master's degrees
| Type of program | Coursework | MRP | Thesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical structure | 8-12 courses | 6 courses and independent research for a shorter report/paper | 4 courses and independent research for a longer report/paper (dissertation) |
| Typical length (full-time study) | 1.5 - 2 years | 1 - 1.5 years | 2 years |
| Assessment | Assignments, essays and/or exams (depending on the discipline) | Assignments, essays and/or exams (depending on the discipline) and a major paper or report | Assignments, essays and/or exams (depending on the discipline) and a longer dissertation that includes a thesis defense |
| Career goals | Applied roles, professional upskilling or reskilling, management | Professional upskilling or reskilling, management, consulting, policy development | Policy development, industry R&D, academic, PhD |
| Choose this option if | You want to level-up your knowledge, advance to a higher level in your career, complete on a shorter timeline, and avoid intensive research. | You want to explore a topic in depth, combine independent and small-group learning, and finish on a faster timeline than a thesis. | You want to dive into a rigorous research project, get published, learn independently, and pursue a research-focused career or doctorate. |
A question of experience: WIL or regular studies
Looking to roll up your sleeves, get messy and test your skills and knowledge in the real world? Graduate programs with co-op or WIL components combine academic and hands-on learning to give you direct experience in the field. Co-op involves one or more job placements related to your degree, typically following a program structure that alternates between study and paid work terms. Some programs may include internships, volunteer roles or other industry partnerships.
There are numerous benefits to WIL during graduate studies, including…
- Building relevant skills by applying classroom learning to real-world scenarios
- Strengthening your professional network by connecting with peers, senior colleagues and mentors in the industry
- Testing different roles to help you decide what jobs to pursue after graduation
- Earning a pay cheque to help you finance your studies
When deciding if WIL is right for you, consider how the added program requirements will affect your timeline to completion. Co-op, for example, extends the length of your degree, adding anywhere from an extra term to an extra year to your studies.
Gaining work experience while you study can give you a major career boost after you graduate, but it’s not for everyone. Perhaps you already have industry connections or are returning to a previous employer after you finish your degree. Or maybe you’re pursuing an academic or research-focused career path and experiences like a master’s thesis or research assistantship would better support your goals. Sticking with a regular stream is a great option if you want to focus on academic learning and finish your degree faster.
To PhD... or not to PhD?
If you’re planning ahead for an academic career or if you’re already in a master’s program and considering applying to PhD programs, you may be wondering how doctoral studies differ from master’s programs.
The most obvious contrast is the length of the program. While a master’s can also include a dissertation, a doctoral thesis is typically much longer and more in-depth than a master’s thesis. It involves deep, original research conducted over four or more years under the supervision of a faculty member who is an expert in the field.
Another major difference is the nature of the research. At the PhD level, students are expected to make an original contribution to the discipline by presenting a new perspective, discovery or application. Just like in a master’s thesis, the doctoral dissertation involves an oral defense in front of a committee.
In many doctoral programs, there are additional requirements to meet aside from completing the thesis, including coursework, comprehensive exams in your area(s) of specialization, language requirements and teaching.
Quick comparison: Master's vs PhD
| Type of degree | Mater's | PhD |
|---|---|---|
| Typical length | Combination of courses and, sometimes, research | Combination of courses, comprehensive exams, research, teaching |
| Typical length (full-time study) | 1-2 years | 4+ years |
| Thesis | 60-150 pages demonstrating advanced research skills and understanding of the field | 150-300+ pages demonstrating expertise in research, including a thorough literature review, in-depth analysis, novel approach/perspective and significant original contribution to the field |
| Goals | Professional advancement, skill specialization, academic path, PhD prerequisite | Academic career, leadership in research, subject-matter expertise |
| Career pathways | Professional, technical, management, teaching | Faculty member, advanced research, R&D leadership, think tank, policy |
| Opportunities | Teaching assistantship, research assistantship | Teaching assistantship or instructor position, research assistantship |
| Funding | Self-funded or partially funded | Funded |
Choose your adventure
When applying to grad school, the number of options for what, where and how to study can feel overwhelming. The best place to start is to get clear on your goals before making any decisions about the content or structure of the degree you want to pursue.
If you’re looking for a job promotion, skills upgrade or specialization, then a coursework-based master’s with co-op can give you a significant leg-up. Doing an MRP might be beneficial if you’re interested in a professional role with a research and analysis component (e.g., government or policy). And if you’re headed toward an academic, R&D or policy career, a research-based degree — either a thesis-based master’s or a PhD — can help you build the skills you need to get there.