What is the difference between a course- and thesis- based degree?

Course-based

  • Training for specific job skills
  • Theoretical - practical
  • More prescribed by the program
  • Surveys of techniques

Thesis-based

  • Training for career skills (e.g. active project management and problem-solving skills)
  • Knowledge development via scientific publications
  • Mentor-apprentice relationship
  • Explore an area of interest in great depth