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Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

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•       Resources       Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

As of 2015, approximately 25.4 million Americans held advanced degrees , with more citizens joining these ranks each year. As studies continue to show the career advancement and salary benefits of completing a master's degree, more and more students elect to pursue advanced educations. When considering their options, many question whether to enroll in a master's requiring a thesis or not. The following guide examines some of the reasons degree seekers may want to write a thesis while also highlighting why they might not. Students on the fence about this important decision can find expert advice, actionable tips, and relevant guidance to help them make an informed choice in the guide that follows.

Understanding the Master's Thesis

What is the difference between a thesis & non-thesis master's program, the decision not to do a thesis.

As students research various master's programs in their chosen discipline, it's common to find that many degrees require a thesis – especially if they want to enter a research-heavy field. While this word gets thrown around a lot in academia, some learners may want more information regarding what it entails in order to make an informed decision.

What is a Master's Thesis?

The master's thesis is an original piece of scholarship allowing the student to dig into a topic and produce an expanded document that demonstrates how their knowledge has grown throughout the degree program. These documents require significant independent research of primary and secondary sources and, depending on the subject, may require interviews and/or surveys to support the overarching argument.

Individual schools and departments dictate the length of these documents, but they typically range between 60 and 100 pages – or approximately 20,000 to 40,000 words. While tackling a document of such heft may seem overwhelming at first, learners need not fret. Each master's candidate receives a faculty advisor early in their tenure to provide support, feedback, and guidance throughout the process. Because the final thesis is expected to be of a publishable quality, learners seeking the highest marks typically send their supervisor excerpts of the document as they write to ensure they are on the right track.

When picking a thesis topic, no magical formula exists. Students should consider their interests and read extensively on that topic to get a better sense of existing scholarship. They should also speak to other academics working in that sphere to familiarize themselves with ongoing projects. Only after they feel reasonably well-read should they begin looking for uncovered angles or interesting ways of using emerging methodologies to bring new light to the topic.

When considering formatting, degree seekers should check with their specific schools and departments, as they may have unique requirements. To get a general understanding of what to expect, learners can review Simon Fraser University's guidelines on thesis formatting. After completing the thesis, some programs require an oral defense before a committee while others read the document and provide a grade. Check with your prospective schools to get a better sense of procedure.

Format & Components of a Master's Thesis

While this guide attempts to provide helpful and actionable information about the process of deciding whether to follow a thesis or non-thesis track in a master's program, readers should remember that specific components and requirements of a thesis vary according to discipline, university, and department. That being said, some commonalities exist across all these – especially when it comes to what students must include in their final drafts.

As the first section a reader encounters after moving through the table of contents and other anterior text, the introductory allows the writer to firmly establish what they want to accomplish. Sometimes also called the "research question" section, the introductory must clearly state the goals of the paper and the overarching hypothesis guiding the argument. This should be written in a professional yet accessible tone that allows individuals without specializations in the field to understand the text.

This section allows learners to demonstrate their deep knowledge of the field by providing context to existing texts within their chosen discipline Learners review the main bodies of work, highlighting any issues they find within each. Constructive criticism often centers around shortcomings, blind spots, or outdated hypotheses.

Students use this section to explain how they went about their work. While scientists may point to a specific method used to reach conclusions, historians may reference the use of an emerging framework for understanding history to bring new light to a topic. The point of this section is to demonstrate the thought processes that led to your findings.

This section allows for learners to show what they learned during the research process in a non-biased way. Students should simply state what information they gathered by utilizing a specific framework or methodology and arrange those findings, without interpretation, in an easy-to-read fashion.

After providing readers with all the necessary information, the discussion section exists for candidates to interpret the raw data and demonstrate how their research led to a new understanding or contributed a unique perspective to the field. This section should directly connect to the introduction by reinforcing the hypothesis and showing how you answered the questions posed.

Even though the previous sections give prospective degree seekers a better sense of what to expect if they decide to write a thesis during their master's program, they don't necessarily help learners decide whether to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track. The following section highlights some of the reasons students frequently choose to complete a thesis or bypass the process altogether by providing a pros and cons list.

Why a Thesis Program

• Especially when entering a research-heavy discipline, completing a thesis shows prospective schools and employers that you possess the skills needed for researching and writing long-form reports.
• Students hoping to pursue a Ph.D. stand in better stead with admissions panels if they wrote a thesis during a master's program.
• Individuals hoping to enter a field that values syntax and grammar often better their writing skills by completing a thesis.
• Students who write a thesis can submit the final product to various academic journals, increasing their chances of getting published.
• Theses expand students' understanding of what they're capable of, deepen their ability to carry out an argument, and develop their skills in making connections between ideas.

Why a Non-thesis Program

• Because they don't require a significant written product, non-thesis master's tend to take less time to complete.
• Often mirrors a bachelor's program in terms of structure, allowing learners to complete classes and take exams without a great deal of research or writing.
• Students who excel in project-based assignments can continue building skills in this arena rather than focusing on skills they don't plan to use (e.g. research)
• Provides learners the opportunity to work more closely and more frequently with faculty on real-world projects since they don't spend hundreds of hours researching/writing.
• Allows learners to take more classes and gain hands-on skills to fill the time they would have spent researching and writing a thesis.

How to Choose a Master's Program: FAQs

Within some academic disciplines and professional fields, research and writing plays a key role in work done on a daily basis. Because of this, master's programs in these fields require learners to complete theses to compete against peers and be seen as competent in their work. Other disciplines, conversely, rely on other tools to accomplish work and progress ideas – making theses less important.

Yes. Master's programs focused more on application than research typically don't require a thesis – although they may still give students the option. Examples of common non-thesis master's programs include nursing, business, and education.

Even though non-thesis students won't be writing a 100-page paper, that doesn't mean they avoid completing a significant project. In place of a thesis, most applied master's programs require students to take part in at least one internship or complete a culminating project. These projects typically ask learners to take what they learned throughout coursework and create an expansive final project – examples include case studies, creative works, or portfolios.

While students who followed a non-thesis path routinely receive acceptance to Ph.D. programs, those with theses often find the process easier. Even if a learner pursues a Ph.D. in a discipline that isn't research-heavy, admissions panels still want to get a sense of your academic interests and ability to engage in independent, nuanced thought. Students with theses can provide solid proof of these skills, while those without may struggle to demonstrate preparedness as thoroughly.

The answer to this question depends on many factors, but typically it is okay not to do a thesis if you plan to enter a field that doesn't depend heavily on research or writing, or if you don't plan to complete a Ph.D.

Students wanting to work in academic, research, or writing should always opt for the thesis track. They should also follow this path if they have any doctoral degree aspirations.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to complete a thesis rests with the individual student. Figuring out how to proceed on this front requires lots of careful consideration, and learners should ensure they consider various aspects before coming to a final decision. The following section helps students consider how they should and should not come to a conclusion.

Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a Thesis or Non-thesis Program

• Consider the longevity of your decision: will you feel the same in 5-10 years or are you making a decision based on current desires?
• Talk to others who with experience in this area. Ask them questions about their decision-making process and if they regret their choice.
• Research potential thesis topics before starting a program. Going in with a game plan can help you feel more confident and settled about the process than if you're scrambling for a topic while in school.
• Reach out to prospective schools to speak with faculty and/or current students following both tracks. This will provide knowledge specific to the school while also expanding your network if you choose to attend there.
• Research Ph.D. entrance requirements to ascertain if the majority expect learners to possess a thesis when applying. This will give you a sense of whether you may experience issues later on if you do not complete one.
• Decide not to complete a thesis simply because you have never taken on such a task and feel overwhelmed or fearful that you will fail.
• Complete a thesis simply because you think it will look good on your resume. Theses require intense devotion over an extended amount of time; learners who complete them without conviction often find the process miserable.
• Forget to research alternatives to writing a thesis. Just because you don't complete a research paper doesn't mean a non-thesis track lacks rigor or challenging coursework.
• Forget to read examples of theses by previous students. If you feel overwhelmed by the task, reading work other people have done can often make the task at hand feel less scary.
• Let yourself off easy by taking the non-thesis path. If you find you have extra time in the program, talk to your advisor about taking more classes, develop meaningful projects for yourself, or see about presenting at an academic conference.

From the Expert

Sudiksha Joshi, Ph.D. is a learning advocate. Her mission is to empower our youth to think bigger, bolder thoughts and forge a career path that will change the world. She taps into her natural curiosity and ability to identify strengths to help students and those in transition find their path from feeling lost in the traditional ways of achieving success to charting their own path. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Medium and LinkedIn.

Why might a student decide to follow a thesis track? Why might they follow a non-thesis track?

A student might decide to take a thesis track if she/he wants to pursue a Ph.D. Also, if the students want to focus on careers where research and writing have a strong focus, the students opt for the thesis option. Research assistantships at the graduate level are also more often available to students who opt for the thesis option.

A student who might feel that writing is not one of their strengths might choose to go the non-thesis track. Likewise, a student who has other work commitments may find a non-thesis option more convenient.

Do you have any tips for deciding on a program?

I chose a thesis option because being able to conduct independent research was a big reason to go to graduate school. Also, showing the ability that I could do research was what afforded me research assistantships which meant that my tuition was paid for and I got a stipend that paid for expenses while I was in graduate school. This also allowed me the opportunity to work closely with the faculty mentor that provided me with the support and the accountability I wanted.

I would not recommend taking a non-thesis option if all the degree requires is for you to take courses. You have little to show in terms of your learning other than your grades unless you are already working on something on the side that does that for you and all you need is a certificate.

Opt for a non-thesis option if you can still work closely with a professor or on a project and if you'd rather be involved in multiple projects rather than focus on a single project. If you already have a good (informed) reason for choosing one over the other, go for it.

What's the most important thing to consider when choosing a program?

The most important thing to consider when choosing a program is getting excited about the projects that at least one of the faculty members are involved in. Do some research and see why you are excited about a particular work that at least one of the faculty members have been involved in.

Who should students talk to when considering options?

Students should talk to other students and also reach out directly to the graduate coordinator and even individual faculty members. This means that students should have done prior homework and have some good questions ready. Asking good questions will get you at least halfway through to make the right decision.

• October 15, 2023
• Academic Advice

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Programs: Which is Right for You?

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Continuing your educational journey within your chosen field is an experience that fosters personal and professional growth. The next milestone in your academic path often involves pursuing a Master’s degree , with options ranging from thesis-based programs to non-thesis alternatives.  Deciding between these two paths is significant as it shapes your academic and career paths.

But how can you decide which is right for you before getting decision fatigue?

Let’s explore the difference between thesis vs. non-thesis Master’s programs, their unique characteristics, and reasons for choosing one or the other. 

Do You Have to Write a Thesis for Your Master’s Program?

Whether you have to write a thesis for your Master’s program depends on the specific requirements of the program you’re enrolled in. It’s important to note that while not all Master’s programs require writing a thesis, a significant number of them do.

What is a Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Program?

A thesis Master’s program involves completing a large research project spanning over several semesters. Students are expected to conduct original research on a specific topic under a faculty advisor’s guidance, culminating in a thesis likely to be published. Completing and defending the thesis is a crucial part of the degree requirement.

A non-thesis Master’s program doesn’t involve a specific research focus but rather a more coursework and practical experience, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge applicable to their field of study. After completing their program’s core course requirements, students can choose any of the electives to meet their degree requirements. Depending on the institution, you may be required to do a Master’s Degree Capstone project, including reviewing previous courses, a comprehensive exam, or a summary project. 

Why Choose a Thesis Master’s Program?

Thesis Master’s programs offer several advantages, be that contributing to new findings in your field, close collaboration with professors and researchers, and standing out to potential employers with your abilities to work independently and analyze complex issues. However, the primary advantages are:

Research Experience

Thesis programs allow you to conduct extensive research on a specific topic that piques your interest.  This way, you’ll gain expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. 

Academic Growth 

Writing a thesis helps sharpen your critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills. It also challenges you to think independently, analyze a large amount of data, and draw meaningful conclusions. Furthermore, it prepares you for doctoral studies, familiarizing you with the rigor of independent research and equips you with the necessary skills to succeed.

Why Choose a Non-Thesis Master’s Program?

Non-thesis master’s programs also come with numerous advantages for students, including flexibility in scheduling, a range of career opportunities, shorter competition time, etc. Here are the main advantages: 

Non-thesis programs prioritize coursework, fostering the development of practical skills and their real-world application. This approach enables you to actively engage in hands-on learning experiences highly sought after in today’s job market. Critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities are some of those skills.

Suitability for Professionals

Another advantage to pursuing a non-thesis Master’s program is that it doesn’t take as much time as the thesis Master’s programs. That way you can enter the workforce faster. It’s also well-suited for professionals already established in their field who are seeking to further their education and advance in their careers. 

The Academic and Career Outcomes of Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Programs

The academic outcomes for the thesis Master’s program graduates involve preparation for Ph.D. programs , opening doors to advanced research and specialized roles in research institutions. This provides solid research skills and helps them publish their work. Common career paths for graduates include research positions in academia, government, or private sectors. Some also pursue teaching careers in colleges and universities. Degree programs that usually require a thesis include sciences, social sciences, engineering, and humanities (history, philosophy, and language studies).

Non-thesis Master’s program graduates typically achieve academic outcomes focused on mastering practical, directly applicable skills within their field. While these programs are more career-oriented, graduates can still pursue a Ph.D. They can benefit from diverse career options in different settings and find employment in managerial, administrative, or specialized roles in their field. Degree programs that don’t usually require a thesis are business, education, healthcare administration, IT management, etc.

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Master’s Programs, That is the Question 

With their abundance of advantages, choosing between the two can be pretty tricky. So, let’s compare thesis vs. non-thesis Master’s programs and help you make an informed decision. 

Personal and Career Goals

A thesis Master’s program is ideal if you’re interested in furthering in academia and want to pursue a Ph.D ., as these programs can provide the necessary tools to enhance your credentials for research-based careers. Meanwhile, a non-thesis Master’s program will suit you better if you’re seeking to gain practical skills to integrate into the industry immediately, as they can include practical projects or internships according to industry demands. 

Time and Financial Considerations

Thesis Master’s programs can extend the duration of your studies, as researching, writing, and defending the thesis can take several semesters to complete and can cause financial strain due to additional costs like lab fees and materials. In contrast, non-thesis ones can help you enter the job market promptly as they are shorter, allowing you to save time and money.

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Field of Study and Program Requirements

When deciding between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program, a crucial element to take into account is the field of study and the program’s specific requirements. A thesis Master’s program is better suited for those pursuing research-oriented fields, while a non-thesis program is a more fitting choice for individuals with a strong focus on their career. Furthermore, program requirements for thesis programs require substantial research to culminate in a thesis, whereas non-thesis ones require capstone projects, internships, or comprehensive exams. 

Switching from a Non-Thesis to a Thesis Master’s Program, or Vice Versa

Switching from a non-thesis to a thesis Master’s program, or vice versa, is possible in many institutions, although the process and requirements may vary. Switching from a non-thesis to a thesis program generally requires getting approval from the academic advisor or department, completing additional research methodology classes, finding a thesis advisor, and applying to the thesis program. 

Switching from a thesis to a non-thesis Master’s program requires having at least a 3.0 GPA, getting approval from the academic advisor, transferring credits of research methodology classes, and formally applying to the thesis program.

Choosing between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program ultimately depends on your career goals, research interests, and personal preferences. Thesis programs provide a robust foundation for research-oriented careers and advanced studies, while non-thesis programs offer practical skills tailored for immediate industry integration. Regardless of your choice, both paths offer unique advantages, ensuring you gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in your chosen field. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the difference between a thesis vs. non-thesis master’s program.

The key difference between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program is that thesis Master’s programs require original research and completion of a thesis, whereas non-thesis ones focus on coursework and practical experiences. 

Do I have to write a thesis for a Master’s program?

If you’re pursuing a research-oriented Master’s degree in sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, etc., you’ll probably have to write a thesis. Whereas, if you’re pursuing a Master’s degree in education, business healthcare administration, or IT management, you’re more likely not to have to complete a thesis. 

Is a thesis required for all Master’s degree programs?

Although a thesis isn’t required for all master’s degree programs, many programs require one.

What should I consider when deciding between a thesis and non-thesis program?

There are several factors to consider when choosing between a thesis and a non-thesis Master’s program, including your career goals, interest in research, duration of studies, personal strengths and preferences, cost, and program requirements.

Are there any financial and duration differences between thesis and non-thesis Master’s programs?

There can be financial and duration differences between thesis and non-thesis Master’s programs. Thesis programs can be more expensive as you’ll have to spend additional resources on materials, lab fees, and data collection. In contrast, the main cost for non-thesis programs is tuition fees, which can be slightly lower. Furthermore, thesis programs require additional time to conduct research, write, and defend the thesis. In contrast, non-thesis programs allow students to earn the degree in a shorter period. 

Why should I choose a thesis Master’s program?

You should choose a thesis Master’s program if you’re interested in a research-heavy discipline and want to showcase your knowledge and expertise in an evidence-based, thorough thesis. 

Why should I choose a non-thesis Master’s program?

You should choose a non-thesis Master’s program if you want to enter the workforce earlier, don’t want to spend several semesters collecting data, and want to focus more on application than research.

Can non-thesis Master’s graduates still pursue doctoral studies later?

Yes, non-thesis Master’s graduates can still get accepted into a doctoral program. However, thesis Master’s graduates can go through the process more efficiently, as admissions panels want to gain insight into your academic interests and ability to engage in nuanced thought.

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Pursuing a non-thesis master’s degree: Is it worth it?

When navigating the world of master’s programs, the plethora of choices can be bewildering. For instance, prospective candidates often grapple with questions regarding the nature and value of non-thesis master’s degrees. To demystify these programs and provide clarity, delve into this guide to gain insights into commonly asked questions about non-thesis master’s degrees and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to determine whether such a program aligns with your academic and career goals.

What is a non-thesis master’s degree?

These programs are often more focused on coursework, examinations, projects, or practical experience.

Instead of conducting original research and writing a thesis, students in non-thesis master’s programs primarily take courses and complete a set number of credits or specific coursework.

A non-thesis master’s degree can be definitely worth it is you are aware of the differences and decide that this option best fits to your ambitions, learning style and future career prospects.

A non-thesis master’s degree can undoubtedly be worth it, provided that you are well-informed about the distinctions between program types and have carefully concluded that this option aligns with your aspirations, preferred learning approach, and the potential pathways it offers for your future career.

The difference between non-thesis and thesis master’s degrees

It’s crucial to understand that a thesis-based master’s degree isn’t exclusively tailored for those aspiring to enter academia or pursue a Ph.D. In fact, a significant majority of individuals pursuing a master’s program that includes a thesis ultimately find their paths in various professional fields.

However, it’s important to note that this does not imply that non-thesis master’s degrees are inherently inferior or misguided choices. The decision to pursue a non-thesis program should be a well-considered one, grounded in a thorough assessment of your personal motivations and objectives.

How common are non-thesis master’s degree?

Non-thesis master’s programs are designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge that can be immediately applied in a professional context, as opposed to focusing on original research. In several European countries, these programs may be referred to as “professional” or “applied” master’s degrees, emphasizing practical training and real-world experience.

In general, non-thesis master’s degrees are relatively less prevalent, and their particular structure and prerequisites exhibit variations not only between countries but also among different universities.

The length of a thesis vs. non-thesis master’s degree

It is erroneous to assume that a non-thesis master’s degree requires less time to complete than a master’s program with a thesis component.

Reasons to pursue a non-thesis master’s degree

Pursuing a non-thesis master’s degree can offer unique advantages for individuals with diverse career goals and learning preferences:

How to decide whether a non-thesis master’s degree is right for you

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What to Think About When Choosing Between a Thesis & Non-Thesis Master’s Degree

When choosing a graduate program, you’ll find that you may have to decide between pursuing either a thesis or non-thesis master’s degree. Although employers do not consider which you choose during the hiring process, your decision can significantly impact the skills you acquire in your academic career. 

What Is the difference?

A non-thesis master’s degree focuses on coursework . Students are immersed into projects and learning environments that help strengthen their knowledge in their field. Similar to undergraduate programs, a non-thesis program is structured around assignments, group and individual projects, and exams. Research may be included somewhere in the program, but it is primarily focused on helping students achieve skills that will help them become more successful in their careers. This degree path typically has more courses than a non-thesis degree but can be completed in a shorter amount of time.

A thesis master’s degree is more research intensive. Students who aim to work on a thesis can expect to do more reading and writing as they specialize their knowledge. The coursework is generally centered around preparation for a final thesis, building their skills in research, data collection, analysis, and writing. Professors act more as guides and advisors who help students clarify their goals and aid in their research projects and thesis development. Master’s theses are a great primer for anyone looking to pursue a Ph.D., as research skills will be crucial in the development of a dissertation.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong degree path. Both degrees offer a quality education that can help you excel. One thing to consider when deliberating is why you’re pursuing your graduate degree. If you’re going back to college to help you change fields or get to that next level of your career, a non-thesis master’s degree can help you get there. If you want to dive into a career in research and development or pursue a Ph.D., a thesis master’s degree may be more worthwhile. 

Another thing to consider is your learning style. What methods of learning do you enjoy more? If you thrive in group projects and assignments, a non-thesis degree may be more efficient in helping you retain information. For those of you independent thinkers who love to dive deeply into subjects, you might relish in the idea of the research needed in the production of a thesis. Think about what type of academic environment will motivate you to earn your degree. 

Here are 7 questions that you can ask yourself to help you decide:

• What are my career goals?
• Where do I see myself in 5 to 10 years?
• What motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in the first place?
• What are my plans after graduation?
• Do I want to learn in a classroom setting, or do I want to be more independent?
• Am I interested in learning about research?
• How much writing do I want in my program?

If you have any questions or want to learn more about what each program has to offer, reach out to your school’s faculty and admissions officers. After all, the most important thing about a program isn’t the name of the degree, but what you gain from it.

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Non-Thesis MS Program Main Page - School of Industrial Engineering - Purdue University

Non-Thesis Master's Program Overview

This option offers students the ability to develop a plan of study that maximizes the credits dedicated to their topic of interest, for example, Human Factors.

Program Highlights

• One to Two-year Residential Program:  Students take a combination of advanced technical courses, focusing their study on areas of interest, earning a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering.
• Online Program:  Students meet the same degree requirements of our residential program and maintain the flexibility of remote study.  
• Career Catalyzation:  Most graduates enter careers in diverse fields, often on advanced leadership tracks.  

Why Choose a Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering?

• Increased Employment Opportunities:  The program provides students with the technical skills needed in industry, such as decision making, systems engineering, operations, and oral and written communications.
• Increased Earning Potential.  Our alumni self-report that Purdue Industrial Engineering Master’s graduates earn 15% or more than their peers with a Bachelor’s degree.

Why Choose Purdue?

• Field Defining Innovation & Research:  The School of Industrial Engineering has been defining the field and educating future leaders in industrial engineering for 65 years. The graduate program is ranked in the top 10 and the IE on-line degree program is ranked #1 in the nation. 
• Excellence at Scale : As one of the top 10 engineering graduate programs in the nation, Purdue's College of Engineering is one of the largest and strongest programs in the nation with 13 different schools and departments.
• Affordable Tuition:  Tuition for our program is considerably cost effective compared to other programs.
• Low Cost of Living:  The cost of living in the Greater Lafayette-West Lafayette area is one of the lowest in the nation, with housing rent ranging from 23% to 179% less expensive than competing university cities (numbeo.com)

Curriculum Requirements

Courses selected for the non-thesis option are intended to provide depth of study in a particular area of interest. The curriculum is designed such that the student has broad selectivity over their coursework. Students are required to select at least 21 credit hours of coursework from IE courses, and are recommended to take at least 6 credit hours from a related area.

Credit Requirements for a Non-Thesis Master's Degree

Have at least 30 total graduate credit hours, which must include:

• 21 credit hours of IE course work; and,
• 9 credit hours of additional graduate-level coursework.

An overall GPA of 3.0 is required for completion of the master’s degree program.

Plan of Study Requirements for Non-Thesis Master's Degree

Completion Guidelines for Non-Thesis Master's Degree

Application Requirements

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Non-Thesis Master's Programs at Rice

Programs on this page primarily provide advanced coursework and a professional component and lead to master's degrees in certain specified disciplines, without a thesis. This page is meant to be a helpful guide to current Rice undergraduates thinking about graduate programs.

Master of Architecture (MArch)

Thesis-based, professional degree program leading to various stages of professional accreditation.

Master of Applied Chemical Sciences

The Applied Chemical Sciences program offers an alternative route for individuals pursuing an MS degree in chemistry without the requirement of an extensive research project and thesis. This option caters to various demographics: local industry professionals seeking career advancement, undergraduates aiming to enhance their employability before entering the workforce, and educators and non-traditional students aspiring to meet teaching eligibility criteria at community colleges.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The MAT is a non-thesis degree program for students who want to qualify for secondary school teaching following a bachelor's degree. This program offers 3 tracks: (1) a 5 year MAT for Rice undergraduates offered as a 4+1 format, (2) an MAT for new teachers that includes state of Texas teacher certification (full time program), and (3) an MAT for experienced teachers that can be completed with or without principal certification (part time program).

Master of Bioscience and Health Policy

This program will train you to practice science policy by deepening your background in science and broadening your experience with courses in business, management, sociology, economics, and policy studies. It will foster your understanding of the role of science in policymaking and the role of public policy in science. The coursework provides communication training, professional development, policy writing, and study skills enabling you to develop specific policy recommendations. You will also acquire the tool-set to become knowledgeable in the formulation and execution of public policy. The direct access to Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and their fellows allows you to work closely with policy scholars, meet with many of the leaders in science and technology policy, and attend discussions on the latest topics in bioscience and health policy. The program allows you to tailor your studies to your career focus and adjust your courses to fit interests in policy, health care management, bioinformatics, data analytics/science, technology transfer, and/or prepare better for medical school.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Offered by the Jones Graduate School of Business, the MBA degree can be obtained via the Full-Time MBA Program, the MBA for Professionals Program, or the MBA for Executives Program.

Master of Energy Geoscience

The Energy Geoscience (formerly Subsurface Geoscience) program is geared for students who have a geoscience background and would like to become proficient in their area of interest. Students can choose from four focus areas that will prepare them to apply geological knowledge and geophysical methods to find and develop reserves of oil and natural gas; or to hone their skills in manipulating and managing energy-related data, or refit or expand their skill-set to the new areas of the on-going energy transition.

Master of Environmental Analysis

The Environmental Analysis program is designed to impart students with robust methodologies essential for addressing environmental challenges encountered by both industrial and governmental entities. This interdisciplinary initiative draws upon courses from diverse fields including environmental science, earth science, statistics, chemistry, ecology, evolutionary biology, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, chemical engineering, economics, computer science, and sociology. Graduates of this program will possess a comprehensive skill set and knowledge base highly sought after by environmental consulting firms, energy production companies, and government agencies.

MBA/Master of Engineering

This program is offered by the JGSB and the George R. Brown School of Engineering, in any of the departments of engineering. This program prepares students to become managers in organizations requiring a high level of technical expertise and management skills.

MBA/Master of Science

This program is offered by the JGSB and the Weiss School of Natural Sciences Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Program. This program prepares students to become managers in organizations requiring specialized technical knowledge and general management skills.

Master of Bioengineering (MBE)

A non-thesis degree that provides students with greater depth in their bioengineering training to advance their career objective..

Master of Chemical Engineering (MChE)

The MChE program offers a non-thesis professional degree intended to better prepare students for a career in the field of chemical engineering. The curriculum is designed for recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering to complete in two semesters (fall and spring).

Master of Civil and Environmental Engineering (MCEE)

The MCEE is a professional non-thesis degree with sub-tracks in Civil Engineering or Sustainable Environmental Engineering and Design. Degree requires 30 semester hours of approved course work including a final project of 2 semester hours.

Master of Computational and Applied Mathematics (MCAM)

The Professional Masters of Computational and Applied Mathematics (MCAM) is a non-thesis master’s program designed for students interested in a technical career path in industry or business. The MCAM program provides students with a fundamental understanding of computational and applied mathematics tools that are essential to tackle complex problems in science, engineering and business. With proper planning and coordination of undergraduate major(s) and senior year courses, Rice undergraduates have the option to complete the MCAM degree with just a 5th year of study.

Master in Computational Science and Engineering (MCSE)

The Master in Computational Science and Engineering (MCSE) is a non-thesis degree program offered jointly by the Department of Computational and Applied Mathematics and Statistics in the School of Engineering. The program is designed to provide training and expertise in modern computational techniques that will find application in a wide range of industries, and technical and managerial functions within them.

Master of Computer Science (MCS)

The professional MCS degree is a terminal degree for students intending to pursue a technical career in the computer industry. Areas of concentration for the MCS include algorithms and complexity, artificial intelligence, robotics, compiler construction, distributed and parallel computing, graphics and geometric modeling, operating systems, and programming languages. The professional program normally requires three semesters of study.

Master of Data Science (MDS)

Rice's Master of Data Science (MDS) is a professional non-thesis degree designed to support the needs of interdisciplinary professionals intending to pursue a technical career in data science. The On-Campus MDS is a full-time program at the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas. The program hosts a lively and invigorating community of scholars in the Department of Computer Science, the largest academic department at Rice. The program offers students online or on-campus options with a curriculum that delivers the skills needed to collect, evaluate, interpret and communicate data. Students must apply to either the online or on-campus program and will be explicitly admitted to one program or the other.

Master of Electrical and Computing Engineering (MECE)

The master of electrical engineering (MECE) degree is a course-based program designed to increase a student’s mastery of advanced subjects; no thesis is required. The MECE prepares a student to succeed and advance rapidly in today’s competitive technical marketplace.

Master of Energy Economics (MEECON)

The Master of Energy Economics (MEECON) develops and educates future leaders and strategic thinkers in the energy sector.

Master of Engineering Management & Leadership (MEML)

The Master of Engineering Management & Leadership (MEML) at Rice University will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the new and emerging technology era known as Industry 4.0. The Master of Engineering Management & Leadership program at Rice University is a professional, non-thesis master’s degree meant for technical professionals with engineering or related technical backgrounds; recent college graduates from engineering and the computational science fields should also apply.

Master in Energy Transition and Sustainability

The Master of Energy Transition and Sustainability (METS) Program is an advanced, professional non-thesis degree designed in partnership with the George R. Brown School of Engineering (SoE) and the Wiess School of Natural Sciences (SoNS) at Rice University. The METS program empowers individuals with the knowledge and expertise required to spearhead the global energy transition. This joint degree program will require 31 credit hours of curated courses at the 500-level or above, including a culminating three-credit hour capstone course.

The METS program is tailored for individuals holding a BA or a BS degree in a quantitative major (engineering or science) from an accredited institution. The degree will also be of value to professionals currently in the traditional energy field to allow them to retool their skills to join the global workforce in the areas of the Energy Transition, ideally those with a science or engineering background.

Master of Global Affairs (MGA)

The Master of Global Affairs (MGA) allows students to benefit from the academic and research strengths of Rice and ingress the field of international policy to thrive as leaders in the next century.

Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Human Factors (MHCIHF)

The Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Human Factors is a full-time 2-year professional master’s program that will expand students’ knowledge of critical concepts and methods in psychology and how to apply those concepts to real-world problems.

Master of Industrial Engineering (MIE)

Industrial engineering improves the efficiency and safety of various systems in manufacturing, services, health care, energy, and logistics. It uses mathematical and physical models to make data-driven decisions needed in every major economic sector. The Professional Master's Program in Industrial Engineering at Rice University is for students seeking a deeper understanding of how sophisticated decision models can optimize complex systems in any industry as well as the nonprofit sector.

Master of Liberal Studies (MLS)

The part-time Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) program is designed for those who love to learn new ideas and discuss them with others. The MLS program allows students to explore timeless and timely human questions within the humanities, social sciences and sciences.

Master of Material Science and NanoEngineering (MMSNE)

The professional Master of Material Science and NanoEngineering (MMSNE) is open to students who have shown academic excellence in their undergraduate studies. This non-thesis degree option, combining engineering coursework with professional development and communications, is designed for engineers who have attained a bachelor's degree and are looking to further their careers in industry.

Master of Mechanical Engineering (MME)

The professional master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (MME) is a non-thesis degree program intended for students who have completed a 4-year bachelor’s program in engineering and wish to enter industry as practicing professionals, rather than pursuing a research oriented or academic career.

Master of Space Studies

The Space Studies program is tailored to enrich individuals' understanding of space engineering, science, program management, and policy. It encompasses advanced engineering, biological and physical science courses, and introduces students to economics, public policy, and management disciplines relevant to space commercialization and national policy. This program specifically aims to train scientists and engineers interested in program management, equipping them with the necessary tools to tackle the intricate challenges inherent in US space policy, human and robotic space exploration, and the role of science in space exploration and technology advancement.

Master of Social Policy Evaluation (MSPE)

The professional master's degree in Social Policy Evaluation (MSPE) provides the quantitative skills and hands-on application for real-world policy evaluations conducted at the Texas Policy Lab and other research centers at Rice.

Master of Statistics (MStat)

The professional Master of Statistics (MStat) Program includes a solid foundation in statistical computing, statistical modeling, experimental design, and mathematical statistics, plus electives in statistical methods and/or theory. It is a bridge to industry, designed to provide advanced learning and training in the applied aspects of statistics theory, methodology and techniques beyond the typical undergraduate program.

Office of Academic Advising

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Steps for a Non-Thesis Degree

Steps required to earn a non-thesis or thesis substitute master’s degree.

• Steps for a Master's Thesis Degree
• Navigating your Master’s Degree
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MS Degree Non Thesis - On Campus or Online

Students should indicate their intention to seek the non-thesis MS option when applying to the AE graduate program or through a departmental petition. The MS non-thesis option can be completed on campus or completely online .  It is designed to be completed in 1 year (16 hours per semester) of self-supported, full-time study. The Department of Aerospace Engineering does not provide funding for students in this program. It is expected that students pursuing the MS without Thesis degree will pay tuition and fees for the duration of their studies.

Students wishing to switch to the MS with Thesis program must have a faculty member who will oversee research and advise their thesis.  Securing a research advisor may include financial support in the form of research assistantship or teaching assistantship, but does not guarantee it.  

Students may transfer to the MS with thesis program at any time with research advisor’s approval and should reach out directly to possible advisors whose research areas and interests align with their own.  Any AE faculty member or AE Affiliate may serve as your research advisor.

Degree requirements

The MS non-thesis degree requirements are summarized in the table below.

The MS non-thesis degree requires 32 hours of coursework. Students must choose at least one course from each of the three AE specialty areas (AFMCP: Aerodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Combustion and Propulsion; CDS: Controls and Dynamical Systems; SMM: Solid Mechanics and Materials) and may concentrate in more depth in one particular area if they choose. They can also develop cross-disciplinary programs in consultation with their advisor.

For more information about AE graduate programs and courses, or to apply online, visit the graduate section of the AE website .

Program Information

In the non-thesis option, 32 hours of graded course work are required, selected in the following ways:

• All students in the MS non-thesis option must complete one course from all three areas listed among the Aerospace Engineering Breadth Requirements .
• Graduate students are expected to exhibit competence in applied mathematics. MS students may meet this requirement by taking a minimum of 3-4 hours of courses listed among Mathematics Requirements .
• The MS without Thesis Check List needs to be completed in consultation with your advisor to plan your program. A DARS Audit is an unofficial audit of progress toward the undergraduate student degree that reflects courses currently in progress. Recommended courses for various areas of research are also listed in the Suggested Program Tracts .

All MS degree candidates must complete Check Lists with their advisors to plan their programs.

Graduate Contacts

Ioannis Chasiotis     Director of Graduate Studies [email protected]

Jenna Russell Graduate Programs Coordinator [email protected]

Dung Quach Wisdom Graduate Programs Advisor [email protected]

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Can You Graduate From Stanford Without A Thesis?

For students who would rather have coursework-based options than research-focused thesis programs, Stanford University offers non-thesis Master’s degree programs. Without having to finish a thesis, these non-thesis programs offer the chance to gain advanced knowledge and abilities in a variety of subjects. Stanford has a wide variety of master’s degree programs. The focus in non-thesis programs is usually on coursework, projects, and thorough examinations, however, the exact requirements may differ depending on the department or discipline.

These programs are intended to be more course-intensive, giving students the opportunity to learn more about the subjects they have selected through organized coursework and real-world applications. Students may not do in-depth original research because there is no thesis project, but they can still have Stanford’s esteemed faculty, state-of-the-art resources, and active academic community.

For people who want to grow in their industry, learn new things, and progress in their careers without having to commit to a thesis project, Stanford’s non-thesis Master’s degree can be a compelling choice. Many times, these programs offer enough flexibility to meet the requirements of students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds.

Let’s take some graduate programs from Stanford University as examples and discuss them.

Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering at Stanford – doesn’t require a thesis or research project

The Master of Science program in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering at Stanford University offers students a non-thesis option for advanced education in this dynamic field. This program is distinctive in that it is centered on a structured curriculum of lecture courses, and it does not mandate the completion of a thesis or research project.

This Master’s degree program entails the successful completion of 45 quarter units of coursework, which must be taken at Stanford University. The coursework is thoughtfully categorized into four essential areas:

1. Basic Courses: These foundational courses lay the groundwork for a deep understanding of Aeronautics and Astronautics engineering, ensuring that students have a comprehensive knowledge base.

2. Mathematics Courses: The program includes mathematics courses to equip students with the necessary analytical and quantitative skills, enhancing their ability to address complex engineering challenges.

3. Technical Electives: Students have the flexibility to choose technical electives that align with their specific interests within the discipline. These courses allow for specialization in areas of particular relevance or personal interest.

4. Other Electives: The curriculum also includes elective courses that offer a broader perspective and may relate to interdisciplinary aspects of the field.

Importantly, this program does not require students to undertake thesis research. However, it does provide an optional avenue for students who wish to engage in research projects during their master’s studies. Students interested in this research opportunity can collaborate with a faculty member to supervise their research endeavors. By enrolling in AA290, students can receive academic credit for their research work. A notable feature is that up to 6 units of research can be counted towards the fulfillment of the Master of Science degree requirements.

This flexible, coursework-driven approach, enriched by the option to engage in research, accommodates a spectrum of interests and goals for students in the field of Aeronautics and Astronautics engineering, thereby providing a well-rounded and personalized educational experience at Stanford University.

Master of Science program in Bioengineering at Stanford – prefers unrestricted electives over thesis submission

The Master of Science program in Bioengineering is tailored for individuals aiming to enhance their expertise in the field and pursue rewarding careers in biotechnology, engineering, as well as medicine, and healthcare sectors. The curriculum comprises essential bioengineering courses, technical electives, seminars, and open-choice electives.

Students will initially be paired with a faculty advisor who will guide them in crafting a well-structured study plan, allowing them to specialize in a particular area of bioengineering.

The program is typically designed to be completed in approximately one year, and notably, it does not necessitate the completion of a thesis.

Core courses are centered on topics such as quantitative biology and the analysis of biological systems. Students have the flexibility to select relevant technical electives in consultation with their academic advisor, drawing from a diverse array of graduate-level offerings in disciplines including mathematics, statistics, engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, medicine, and more. Seminars play a vital role in highlighting cutting-edge bioengineering research and offering instruction in research ethics. Additionally, students have the freedom to choose unrestricted electives in collaboration with their advisor.

In essence, the MS program in Bioengineering provides a comprehensive and adaptable curriculum, enabling students to pursue their interests and expertise in various bioengineering fields while preparing them for exciting careers in the industry.

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford – grants flexibility for thesis and non-thesis courseway

The Master of Science program in Mechanical Engineering is specifically structured as a non-thesis degree, offering students significant latitude in tailoring their educational experience to align with their unique learning goals.

For those students inclined towards research, there is an opportunity to integrate a substantial research component into their course of study, thus earning course credits while delving into research endeavors. It is important to note, however, that admission to the MSME (Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering) program typically does not encompass financial assistance, and it is rare for incoming MS students to receive research or teaching assistantships.

At its core, the MS program in Mechanical Engineering grants the students the flexibility to construct a personalized educational journey, where they can engage in research if they wish, though it is essential to be mindful that financial support, in the form of assistantships, is not commonly available to MS students upon admission.

Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford – gives optional pathway for thesis

At Stanford University, the Master’s program in Materials Science and Engineering is known for its comprehensive training in the fundamentals of solid-state materials and materials engineering, which is delivered through advanced lectures and laboratory classes. This program is distinctive in that it serves as a terminal degree, with the majority of students typically not pursuing a Ph.D. program within the university.

To achieve a master’s degree in this program, students are required to successfully complete 45 course units, roughly equivalent to 15 quarter-long courses. The specific courses necessary for degree completion are detailed in the Materials Science and Engineering section of the Stanford Bulletin. While some students opt for a more rigorous course load, completing five classes each quarter and thereby finishing the program within a year, the standard duration for most students is between four and five quarters.

It is important to note that this master’s program does not necessitate the completion of a thesis or research project. Nevertheless, it offers an optional pathway for students who wish to engage in research during their master’s program. Those interested in this research opportunity can collaborate with a faculty member to supervise their research endeavors and can enroll in MSE 200 for academic credit. For additional information and approval, students are encouraged to reach out to the Student Services Manager after attending the Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) Orientation.

Masters in Applied Physics at Stanford – can score you a teaching assistantship by keeping thesis optional

The Master’s program in Applied Physics at Stanford University is designed with the aim of advancing students’ expertise and skills in the field of applied physics while preparing them for professional careers or potential doctoral studies. This objective is achieved through the successful completion of a range of courses, encompassing the primary field of study as well as related areas. To attain the M.S. degree, students are required to complete 45 units of coursework in the fields of science and/or engineering at Stanford. The M.S. program does not include a thesis component, and there is no requirement or guarantee for students to engage in research within faculty groups. It’s important to be aware that the department and the university do not provide financial assistance to students exclusively enrolled in the terminal M.S. program. However, it’s worth noting that eligible students often have the opportunity to secure teaching assistant appointments through other university departments.

For students who are already enrolled in the Ph.D. program, there is the option to apply for an M.S. degree as part of their educational journey toward earning a Ph.D. degree.

M.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering course at Stanford stands liberal to independent research thesis requirement

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Stanford University provides Master of Science (MS) programs tailored for individuals seeking advanced expertise in specific areas of civil and environmental engineering. These MS programs are designed to prepare students for careers in the industry or to pursue additional professional degrees. The MS degree in CEE is primarily a coursework-based program and does not mandate the completion of a research thesis. However, it’s worth noting that in many of these programs, students have the option to engage in independent research projects for academic credit if they choose to do so.

The Department of CEE offers Master’s degrees in five specialized areas, each providing a focused and in-depth education. The core courses and foundational knowledge necessary for success in any of these specializations are covered in cross-cutting courses, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education in modern CEE practices. These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their chosen fields within civil and environmental engineering.

M.S. in Chemical Engineering at Stanford – online course and no thesis obligation makes it one of the best courses

The Master of Science (MS) program , which is available in a fully online format, serves as a terminal degree program for individuals looking to acquire advanced expertise in a specific area of chemical engineering. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in industry or to pursue professional degrees in fields such as medicine, law, education, or business.

The foundation of this program rests on the completion of lecture courses centered around a specific theme within the domain of chemical engineering. Notably, there is no thesis requirement, and students are not obligated to conduct research. 

The MS program offers a range of options with well-structured coursework to cater to students seeking to enhance their academic preparation before embarking on a professional career in chemical engineering. It’s important to emphasize that this degree primarily consists of lecture-based coursework and does not entail research or thesis components. As a terminal Master’s degree, it does not serve as a prerequisite for, nor does it lead to admission into the department’s Ph.D. program.

A variety of non-thesis Master’s degree programs are available at Stanford University, giving students a great chance to enhance their knowledge in their fields of interest and get ready for a variety of professional positions. Because of the demanding coursework in these programs, students are able to pursue in-depth studies in their fields without having to finish a research thesis. Students can customize their educational experiences to meet their unique goals because of Stanford’s approach to flexibility, academic quality, and individualized learning. Even though these programs don’t end with a thesis, they give graduates the knowledge and abilities needed to succeed in their chosen fields or pursue higher education. For individuals looking to progress their careers and have a significant impact on the world, Stanford’s non-thesis Master’s degrees provide an essential route.

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Are there higher education systems in which is not required to write a thesis?

Are there higher education systems in which is not required to write a thesis as a part of the evaluation within the degrees? If yes, could you point me out some of them, please?

Furthermore, are these education systems in which is not required to write down a thesis a minority in the world? (nowadays, I guess yes)

• Could you answer quoting the countries which do not require a thesis as a part of the degree evaluation, please? This is indeed my question! Thank you, however! –  Always learning Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 16:37
• 2 I think that you're starting from the wrong premise: sometimes even in the same education system, different universities might have different requirements, especially at the undergraduate level. And sometimes you can choose between a thesis or a comprehensive exam. –  Massimo Ortolano Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 17:00
• @Massimo Ortolano, since you are Italian like me, could you show me some examples for which it is not required the writing up of a thesis in the Italian educational system, please? –  Always learning Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 17:08
• I don't have the time to go through university websites to give you specific examples, but, yes, there are. For instance, many universities give the option to do an internship or a project and write a short report about it, something that cannot be really considered a thesis. Some universities require to pass a more comprehensive exam. –  Massimo Ortolano Commented Feb 10, 2016 at 11:33
• Well, as I have graduated in Italy, I can say that I don't think that what you suggest is something common - actually, it is the first time I hear it. If it is true, I have learnt something new and I thank you for this but, still, if true, it is something that happens in exceptional cases and under specific requests. Thus, I don't think your comment answers somehow to my question, which refers to education systems in which the writing up of a thesis is not contemplated at all. –  Always learning Commented Feb 14, 2016 at 10:32

4 Answers 4

The question is a little vague. Many graduate degrees do not require a thesis. For instance, a law degree (JD), and many business degrees ( e.g. MBA) in some universities require no thesis paper.

It has been my experience as a college instructor that university departments are encouraging more writing and defending their written research.

• 3 To add to this, my University offers Master's Degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (and potentially other areas) that have the option of not completing a thesis. The two non-thesis options are either a Problem Report, or a Coursework option. Thesis option is strongly suggested if you intend to go on to do research as a career or seek a PhD. My University is in the USA by the way. –  Ramrod Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 21:24

Many undergraduate degrees do not require a thesis. Although which ones do and do not depend upon the school.

Many graduate degrees also do not require one. JDs, MBAs, and MDs all come to mind. Although, once again, this varies by school and by definition of a thesis. Many schools also allow their Masters students to graduate without a thesis.

Finally, all PhDs require a thesis. This will not vary.

So, the answer to your question is that it depends.

• If you know, I would like you to indicate the countries in which thesis, as a part of the degree study, is NOT required. I have the impression that many of you speak with regard to US but it does not exist only US as education system in the world, obviously ;) –  Always learning Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 16:35
• @Alwayslearning Actually, to the best of my understanding, this varies more by type of degree than by country. For example, a Ph.D. (or equivalent) always, everywhere requires a thesis. For medical doctors, on the other hand, I have never heard of any program that requires a thesis (unless it's a joint MD-PhD program, in which case see the prior sentence).. –  jakebeal Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 16:39
• I am speaking about undergraduate studies or master degrees. Of course, PhDs require the apprentice researcher to write down a dissertation! Thank you for your interest in answering! :) –  Always learning Commented Feb 9, 2016 at 16:41

My undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering at UT Austin did not require a thesis in 1997. I don't know what the current status of that degree program is.

Edited to add: UT also has Master's programs which are coursework-only. In ASE, they seemed to be for PhD students who needed to get out of the program and receive some sort of degree. Other programs may be/have been different.

As a gross overgeneralization... the more a given degree program thinks of itself as preparing students for a research career, the more likely it is to demand a thesis. At the other end of the continuum are degree programs with pipelines into anywhere-but-academia, which prefer non-thesis options such as capstone projects (e.g. an MFA exhibition) or internships/practicums.

Smack in the middle, for the sake of illustration, is the field of Library and Information {Science|Studies}. Some LIS master's programs in the US identify pretty strongly with academic librarianship and/or academe generally; these are more likely to require theses. Others have dumped the master's thesis in favor of an internship/practicum: "prove you can be a real-world professional."

Still others do comprehensive(-ish) exams, which is another non-thesis option. I don't have a good sense of what kinds of programs choose master's comps; I had to do them for my master's in Spanish (and wow, they were the worst experience ever).

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11 Open Curriculum Schools: Colleges Without Core Requirements

What’s covered:, what is an open curriculum, 11 colleges and universities with an open curriculum, what are your chances of acceptance at open curriculum schools.

A common factor that students consider when deciding whether they should apply to a specific college is the flexibility of a school’s curriculum. Some schools offer what is called an open curriculum—an opportunity for students to direct their own studies without fulfilling any specific core requirements.

Some students view open curriculum programs as an avenue for exploration that they can utilize to identify potential career paths. Other students simply want to take classes that interest them and see an open curriculum as a way to ensure that they stay engaged. Oftentimes, students who are certain of their career goals worry about “wasting time” with requirements that do not directly contribute to their area of study.

If you’re hoping to have an active role in shaping your educational experience, you might consider attending a college with an open curriculum. Read on to learn more about the open curriculum structure and to discover eleven schools that offer promising open curriculum programs.

An open curriculum has few, if any, distribution requirements (also known as core requirements or general education requirements). Students in open curriculum programs typically have the option to design their own distribution course load, programs of study, majors, and/or concentrations.

This doesn’t necessarily mean full freedom, as students are often required to take a writing course and fulfill specified major requirements, but an open curriculum program is typically more flexible than a program with core requirements.

A common misconception is that students in open curriculum programs don’t choose majors or concentrations. This is generally not true—open curriculum programs simply give students more freedom in selecting the courses that contribute to their distribution requirements and/or their major requirements.

It’s important to note that some open curriculum colleges and universities have students write a proposal or thesis about their work, particularly if they design their own majors or programs. This is because, in many cases, a board of advisors must approve the included courses to ensure that students are receiving a quality and comprehensive education.

Open curriculum programs can be beneficial to self-motivated students. If students are undecided about their majors , these programs can give them the freedom to explore different possibilities. On the other hand, if students are secure in their majors, these programs can give them the opportunity to focus on their interests.

That said, an open curriculum program may not be the best option for students who lack motivation or who aren’t self-starters, as they won’t be able to take full advantage of an open curriculum’s freedom and flexibility.

Curious about which schools offer an open curriculum? Read on to find out more.

1. Amherst College

Location: Amherst, Massachusetts

Acceptance rate: 9%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1420-1560/31-35

Undergrad enrollment: 1,800

Amherst College has no core curriculum. Students must complete one first-year seminar and requirements for their majors. Additionally, as students select their courses, they are able to choose from courses housed at Amherst or at any other school in the Five College Consortium , which includes many other colleges on this list.

Learn more about Amherst College and see your chances of acceptance.

2. Brown University

Location: Providence, Rhode Island

Acceptance rate: 6%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1500-1570/34-36

Undergrad enrollment: 7,100

Famous for its open curriculum, Brown University has only one curriculum requirement—a single writing course. Beyond that, students are the architects of their own education. That said, Brown acknowledges that most undergraduates sample courses in a diverse range of topics housed in the university’s various colleges before focusing on an academic concentration.

Learn more about Brown University and see your chances of acceptance.

3. Grinnell College

Location: Grinnell, Iowa

Acceptance rate: 11%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1390-1510/30-34

Undergrad enrollment: 1,700

At Grinnell, students design their own curriculum rather than choosing a prescribed major. The only requirement is that students must take one first-year tutorial, choosing from among 35 possible topics—which have previously included themes such as “Kendrick Lamar,” “Coping with Climate Change,” and “Exploring the Magical World of Calvin and Hobbes.”

Learn more about Grinnell College and see your chances of acceptance.

4. Hamilton College

Location: Clinton, New York

Acceptance rate: 14%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1440-1520/33-34

Undergrad enrollment: 2,000

Hamilton is known for its “Proseminars,” small classes that maximize interaction between students and instructors while promoting writing and critical-thinking skills. Students must pass at least three writing courses and complete their concentration requirements.

Students’ coursework must also include a diversity element. Individual departments approach this requirement in different ways consistent with their disciplines, but the overarching idea is that it encourages students to think critically about the experiences of social groups around the world.

Learn more about Hamilton College and see your chances of acceptance.

5. Hampshire College

Acceptance rate: 75%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: N/A

Undergrad enrollment: 400

Hampshire College allows students to build their own concentrations with the ultimate goal of developing students into self-starters and changemakers. Students at Hampshire College choose courses from five interdisciplinary schools—the School of Cognitive Science, the School of Critical Social Inquiry, the School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies, the School of Interdisciplinary Arts, and the School of Natural Science. Students at Hampshire also have access to the Five College Consortium mentioned above.

Learn more about Hampshire College and see your chances of acceptance.

6. NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study

Location: New York, New York

Acceptance rate (at Gallatin specifically): 30%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1350-1530/31-35

Undergrad enrollment (at Gallatin specifically): 1,500

A small school within New York University, Gallatin allows its students to design their own programs of study. Alongside advisors, first-year Gallatin students create an Intellectual Autobiography and Plan for Concentration (IAPC), which guides their unique NYU experience. Gallatin students generally take a wide range of courses, touching on most of NYU’s acclaimed schools. Experiential learning is also a key part of a student’s IAPC.

Learn more about NYU and see your chances of acceptance.

7. Smith College

Location: Northampton, Massachusetts

Acceptance rate: 30%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1390-1500/31-34

Undergrad enrollment: 2,500

Smith College, a private liberal arts women’s college, has no distribution requirements. Students design their curriculum under the guidance of an advisor and must simply meet the requirements of their major. Smith College is part of the Five College Consortium, which means students experience no shortage of courses and experiences to choose from.

Learn more about Smith College and see your chances of acceptance.

8. University of Rochester

Location: Rochester, New York

Acceptance rate: 41%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1390-1540/31-34

Undergrad enrollment: 6,500

While the University of Rochester has some requirements, it has a more open curriculum than many other colleges. Students must complete one required writing course, all of the courses for their chosen major (which will fall under the humanities, the social sciences, or the natural sciences and engineering), and one cluster (a set of three related courses) in each of the divisions that does not house their declared major.

Learn more about the University of Rochester and see your chances of acceptance.

9. Vassar College

Location: Poughkeepsie, New York

Acceptance rate: 20%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1440-1510/32-34

Vassar has some requirements, but the curriculum is more open than those at most schools. There are nine multidisciplinary programs and six interdepartmental programs. Students may choose a concentration in a department, direct their own learning in an independent program, or pursue a multidisciplinary and interdepartmental program. Students must complete a first-year writing seminar as well as their major requirements.

Learn more about Vassar College and see your chances of acceptance.

10. Wake Forest University

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Acceptance rate: 25%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1380-1480/30-33

Undergrad enrollment: 5,400

Wake Forest offers an open curriculum option to a small number of high-achieving students. While the general university population does go through a standard core requirements program, students have the opportunity to apply for the open curriculum option. Once accepted, open curriculum students design their own course of study with an advisor. These plans are then approved by a committee.

Learn more about Wake Forest University and see your chances of acceptance.

11. Wesleyan University

Location: Middletown, Connecticut

Acceptance rate: 19%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1460-1560/34-35

Undergrad enrollment: 3,300

Wesleyan has no core requirements. Students choose courses under the guidance of advisors and create “customized itineraries” in three spheres—the humanities and the arts (HA), the social and behavioral sciences (SBS), and the natural sciences and mathematics (NSM). That said, there are some checkpoints along the way. For example, students must complete at least two courses in each of these spheres by the end of their sophomore year.

Learn more about Wesleyan University and see your chances of acceptance.

As you probably noticed, many of the schools that offer open curriculum programs are highly selective. That said, your personal chances of acceptance at these schools may be higher or lower than the general acceptance rate.

To find out your personal chances of acceptance at each of these colleges and universities—along with any other colleges and universities you may be interested in—use CollegeVine’s free chancing engine . We take your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars into account to estimate your odds of acceptance at hundreds of different colleges across the country. The engine will also give you tips for improving your profile!

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64 Great Colleges That Don't Require Essays to Apply

College Info , College Essays

If the thought of writing a college essay fills you with terror, you might be wondering: are there any colleges that don't require essays?

The answer is yes, there are! This guide will give you an overview of colleges that don't require admissions essays, how to find these schools, and whether you should apply to one or not. We'll wrap up with a list of 64 colleges with no essay requirement that you can apply to.

Why Do Some Colleges Not Require an Essay?

In general, college essays help schools get a sense of you as a person—beyond your academic record, GPA, and test scores. They give you a chance to clearly articulate your goals and also give admissions officers a better idea of how you'll fit within the school's community. Finally, essays are helpful because they provide schools with concrete evidence of your writing ability.

However, there are many colleges that don't require essays for admissions. What are some reasons why? Let's take a look at the three biggest ones:

#1: Limited Resources

It takes a lot of admissions officers' time and energy to read and evaluate college essays.

At smaller schools with fewer resources, and even at larger schools that enroll tens of thousands of students, the resource costs associated with reading each essay for every single student might outweigh the benefits of getting additional information on applicants beyond GPAs, test scores, and transcripts.

Schools sometimes balance these concerns by requiring essays only for the most competitive programs (usually things such as engineering and nursing) or for scholarships, for which the additional information might be more instrumental in making decisions.

They need to use those limited resources for coffee.

#2: Specific Admissions Cutoffs/Criteria

Many colleges, particularly public schools, admit students based on a type of selection index, which tabulates some combination of GPA, test scores, and/or class rank.

If students meet the minimum index score cutoff, they will be admitted. In this case, the school might simply feel that additional information from an essay isn't necessary for making a decision regarding whether a student will be successful or not.

Selection indices are also often different for in-state and out-of-state students, with the latter being subject to more stringent academic criteria.

In addition, the selection index is sometimes used for scholarships, with students with higher index scores being awarded more money.

Schools with selection indices do often require or recommend college essays for borderline candidates so that students can provide additional information on why they'd be a good fit at the school in spite of not meeting the stated academic criteria.

#3: Make Admissions Process Easy and Appealing

Some colleges hope that by making the admissions process easy and requiring only a transcript, test scores, and basic demographic information, they'll attract a wider variety of applicants.

By presenting their application process as a simple alternative to more intensive processes that require letters of recommendation, essays, and so on, they can attract students who are on the fence about applying to college at all .

They could even potentially motivate highly qualified applicants to use them as one of their safety or match schools because the students won't need to write additional essays or do extra work to apply.

Some applications seem like you just have to click to apply!

How to Find Colleges That Don't Require Essays

There are over 4,000 postsecondary educational institutions in the US, and over 80 of these schools don't require essays for admission.

If you want to know whether a particular school requires an essay for admission, Google "[School Name] freshman admission requirements" or "[School Name] admissions essay." This should pull up pages from the school's official website, with links to guidelines on admission essays.

If, however, you're looking more generally for schools that don't require essays, you can check out our  list of 64 schools below or try one of the following starting places:

Public Universities in Your State

A significant number of public universities don't require essays for admissions.

Even if the major public schools in your state (such as the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign or UCLA) require essays for admission, you might find that the smaller campuses and smaller or more specialized state schools  might not require essays. So be sure to check those out!

You can actually get a pretty robust list of schools in your state by simply Googling "[State Name] colleges." Do this and a list of colleges will appear across the top of your screen. Thanks, Google!

Schools With Automatic Admissions Criteria

A school that has criteria for automatic admission (e.g., if you live in-state and have a particular class rank, GPA, and/or test score profile) might not require applicants who meet the automatic criteria to submit essays with their applications.

However, don't assume that just because you meet automatic admissions criteria that you won't need to write an essay.

At UT Austin, for example, all students must submit an essay , regardless of whether they meet the automatic admissions criteria. Although you could probably write just a straightforward paragraph in the essay section and still get admitted (since you meet the criteria), you'd likely be hurting your scholarship potential, not to mention jeopardizing your chances of being let into your desired major.

Small Private Liberal Arts Institutions

Another group of schools that might not require essays are smaller, private liberal arts institutions. These types of schools often serve a fairly niche market and might simply not get a high enough application volume to need essays to differentiate applicants.

Community Colleges

Local community colleges do not require essays for enrollment, since most allow anyone to enroll. Some even have automatic transfer agreements with local four-year universities. However, if you want to transfer to a particular four-year university after you finish at a community college, you might very well have to write an essay—so you could just be putting off the inevitable!

You can find a lot of no-essay colleges for your basket!

Complete List: 64 Colleges That Don't Require Essays

The following chart contains 64 colleges with no essay requirement, organized by state.  

Note that these are far from the only no-essay college applications —just some of the most notable. Follow our guidelines above for finding additional essay-free colleges.

Should You Apply to a College That Doesn't Require an Essay?

If you're reading this article, you're clearly worried about writing application essays for one reason or another. Maybe you're concerned about having enough time to finish everything. Or maybe you think your writing is terrible.

Here are some reasons to write college essays in spite of your misgivings:

#1: You Want to Apply to the Most Selective Schools

If you're hoping to apply to the most selective schools , you'll almost certainly have to write at least one essay. The most highly ranked no-essay school that I could find was the University of Pittsburgh—a great school. But if you're going for UChicago , MIT , Stanford , or an Ivy League-level school , you'll have to write an essay.

#2: You Want a Scholarship

Even if you do apply to a school that doesn't require an essay, you might still have to write an essay if you want to apply for the most competitive scholarships .

#3: You Have Special Circumstances to Explain

If you have any kind of special circumstance to explain—say, a dip in your grades one year due to a family illness—you definitely want to write about it in an essay. This will help you compensate for any perceived deficits in your academic record and also prevent you from being penalized in the admissions process for the vagaries of life.

There's value in telling your story to the admissions committee.

#4: You're a Good Writer

I'm thinking that most strong writers are going to actively want to write college essays, but just in case: if writing is one of your strengths, definitely write an essay. You want to show off your best qualities to admissions officers, after all! If your primary concern is time, use something like the Common Application so you don't have to write a new essay for every school.

#5: The Essay Prompt Is Short

Some college essays are barely essays at all. Some required essays have just a 250-word limit, and 500 words is pretty standard. For reference, the first section of this article—"Why Do Some Colleges Not Require Essays?"—is about 450 words, including sub-headings. That's not so bad!

#6: You Can Get Help

Although it's important that your college essays are your own work, you're allowed to get help with them! Colleges expect you to put your best foot forward, so if that means discussing ideas with parents and teachers, and having someone else look over your rough drafts and offer suggestions, that's completely fine. You don't have to go at it completely alone.

#7: You Can Reuse an Essay for All Your Schools

For schools that use the Common App , Coalition App , or Universal College App , you can generally use one essay for all your colleges. Some schools might require additional supplemental essays, though, so be sure to look that up in advance to avoid being blindsided later.

So Should I Write an Essay?

If it happens that all the schools you want to apply to don't require essays, then great! But overall, I'd say don't let the fact that a school has one (or even two) essays stop you from applying if you're genuinely interested in going there.

If you find writing essays stressful or if you're time-limited, there's nothing wrong with using some strategies to limit the number of polished essays you need to produce (such as using the Common App) and applying to a mix of essay and no-essay schools.

Key Takeaways: Colleges That Don't Require Essays

There are actually tons of colleges that don't require essays. Here are some common reasons why a college might not require an essay:

• Limited resources—it takes a lot of time and effort to read an essay by each applicant
• They might have certain GPA and/or test score admissions criteria and feel as though the information provided by an essay isn't necessary
• To make it more appealing to students by having an easier application process

So how can you find college applications without essays? Here are some places to start:

• Public schools in your state, especially smaller ones in case the bigger ones do require essays
• Schools with automatic admissions criteria—if you qualify for admission, you might not need to write an essay
• Smaller liberal arts institutions
• Community colleges

When it comes down to it, though, should you apply to colleges with no essay requirement? Here are some reasons you might want to write a college essay, even if you're apprehensive:

• The most selective colleges usually do require essays
• Scholarship applications for particular schools often require essays
• If you have special circumstances to explain, plan on writing an essay
• Strong writers should write essays to put their best foot forward
• Word limits are often very short—think 250-500 words (that's just a few paragraphs!)
• You're allowed (and encouraged) to get help with brainstorming ideas and revising drafts
• If you use an application system that can send applications to multiple schools, such as the Common App, Coalition App, or Universal College App, you might be able to write just one essay for all the schools you're applying to

No essay, no tears!

What's Next?

Need more help looking for colleges? See our step-by-step guide to college research . Also, check out how to decide where to go to college and the difference between a college and a university !

Decided to write an essay after all and need some help? Check out our comprehensive guide to writing a college essay and our guide to writing the "why this college" essay . Be sure to avoid these 10 college essay mistakes , too.

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Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.

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73 Best Colleges Without Supplemental Essays – 2024

May 27, 2024

When college application season arrives, it’s easy for students to become overwhelmed about the essays. There’s the personal statement , which many students have a general idea about, and then there are the supplemental essays. Supplemental essays can cover a range of college-specific prompts that help the colleges better understand why you’d be a great fit . Due to how personal and varied the supplemental essays can be, students often end up spending weeks, if not months, writing them.

However, across the country, there are colleges that do not require supplemental essays at all. For some students, applying to colleges without supplemental essays can make the overall application process much smoother. Benefits include experiencing less stress in their application preparation and diversifying prospective colleges while focusing more on their priority schools. Sometimes, though, these schools do ask for program-specific essays or optional essays, depending on the applicant.

Best Colleges without Supplemental Essays

1) albion college.

At Albion College, the application essay is not required, but it is recommended. Students are encouraged to provide any more details that they believe the admissions team should consider.

2) Allegheny College

As noted on their website, Allegheny College has not required the supplemental essay since their 2013-2014 application cycle. Students will find more essay questions in the Member Questions section of the Common Application.

3) Augusta University

Augusta University joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays as they do not require a personal essay at all. They do still require SAT or ACT scores and GPA.

4) Bates College

Since 1984, Bates College has not required SAT Subject Tests or ACT scores in their applications. There is an optional arts supplement for students who are applying to study art, creative writing, dance, film, music, and theater.

5) Case Western Reserve University

At Case Western Reserve University, the Common Application personal essay is required. However, if you’re applying to the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, then you’ll have to write supplemental essays.

Best Colleges Without Supplemental Essays (Continued)

6) clemson university.

Clemson University does not require students to complete a personal essay with the Common or Coalition Application. There is also a test-optional policy that may appeal to some students.

7) Coe College

At Coe College, the personal essay is optional for students who meet the college’s minimum academic standards. Coe College joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays that also have a test-optional policy.

8) Colby College

Colby College accepts the Common Application, Coalition Application, and QuestBridge Application, and they do not have any additional writing supplements. Test scores are optional for applicants at Colby College, and there is no application fee.

9) Colgate University

Colgate University is one of the colleges without supplemental essays required, but there is the option to write them. As stated on their website, “These prompts are not meant to feel like essays; they are simply an added perspective.

10) College of the Holy Cross

College of the Holy Cross does not require supplemental essays, but the following are optional: personal interview, SAT or ACT scores, and supplementary materials.

11) Denison University

Denison University joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays. Their website states that they wish to provide “equal access” to a Denison education, and they are also test-optional.

12) DePaul University

For first-year student applicants at DePaul University, personal essays are not required but optional. They have also been a test-optional university since 2012.

13) Dillard University

Dillard University is the oldest HBCU in Louisiana and is one of the colleges with no supplemental essay requirements. However, if students do not meet the minimum GPA and standardized test score requirements, then they must submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

14) Drew University

At Drew University, a personal statement is required, along with a counselor evaluation, teacher evaluation, and high school transcript.

15) Drexel University

Drexel University joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays. They do require all students to complete the 250 to 650 essay on the Common or Coalition Application. However, the short answer question is optional.

16) Fairleigh Dickinson University

At Fairleigh Dickinson University, all essays, résumés, and recommendations are optional.

17) Florida Gulf Coast University

The only essay required by Florida Gulf Coast University is a two-page personal essay that discusses academic performance, special talents, and what the student can contribute to the campus.

18) Florida State University

Although Florida State University is one of the colleges without supplemental essays, students should invest time into the Common Application personal statement.

19) Fordham University

At Fordham University, the Common Application essay is required, but there are also optional writing sections. If students choose not to write in these sections, they will not be penalized.

20) Franklin and Marshall College

Franklin and Marshall College joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays. They do require the personal essay in the Common Application, as well as standardized test scores, recommendations and other materials.

21) Furman University

At Furman University, first-year applicants do not need to submit a personal essay, and they are also test-optional.

22) Gannon University

Gannon University does not require students to submit a personal statement. It is optional but recommended for students to submit a statement. However, it is required for LECOM 4+4 Medical Program applicants.

23) Gettysburg College

Although Gettysburg College joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays, it does require a personal statement on the Common Application.

24) Grinnell College

Grinnell College does not require supplemental essays and it also does not have an application fee. Standardized test scores are also optional.

25) Hamilton College

Although Hamilton College joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays, the optional essays are still encouraged.

26) Hampshire College

Hampshire College only requires supplemental essays from international students applying as first-year or transfer students.

27) Hanover College

Hanover College states on their website that the essay or personal statement is optional, alongside test scores, letters of recommendation and résumé.

28) Hollins University

At Hollins University, for first-year students no personal statement is required and standardized test scores are optional.

29) Howard University

Howard University requires students to complete the Common Application essay and there is one optional supplemental essay.

30) Indiana University – Bloomington

Students applying to Indiana University – Bloomington must write the one essay in the Common Application or through Apply IU.

31) Kent State University

At Kent State University, first-year students are not required to submit a personal essay or a letter of recommendation. Test scores are also optional.

32) Kenyon College

Kenyon College joins this list as it is one of the colleges without supplemental essays. For first-year and transfer students, test scores are optional and flexible.

33) Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University does require the Common Application personal statement, but as of its most recent admissions cycle, no supplemental essay is required.

34) Mercer University

At Mercer University, applicants who wish to be test-optional must complete the supplemental essays. They must also have a 3.5 GPA and letter of recommendation.

35) Miami University

Miami University, not to be confused with the University of Miami, requires the Common App personal statement but not the supplemental essays.

36) Michigan State University

Michigan State University requires students to write only one essay on the MSU application, Common Application or Coalition Application.

37) Middlebury College

Middlebury College is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. They do still require the personal statement on the Common Application.

38) Muhlenberg College

Muhlenberg College requires students to submit the personal essay but no other supplemental essays.

39) New College of Florida

New College of Florida is one of the many colleges with no supplemental essays. However, they do still require a personal statement.

40) New Jersey Institute of Technology

New Jersey Institute of Technology only requires a personal statement included in the Common Application. There is no supplemental essay requirement.

41) New York Institute of Technology

Students applying to the New York Institute of Technology are required to write a 300 to 350 word essay as their only essay. They may require test-optional applicants to submit a graded essay.

42) Northeastern University

Northeastern is one of the best colleges without a supplemental essay requirement. They do require a personal statement, alongside other materials.

43) Nova Southeastern University

At Nova Southeastern University, the essay is entirely optional, and students can self-report their test scores.

44) Oberlin College

Oberlin requires a personal statement, but does not require any supplemental essays.

45) Ohio State University

Ohio State University only requires a personal statement. However, they also offer a COVID-19 impact statement on the Common Application for interested students.

46) Ripon College

At Ripon College, the personal statement itself is optional for applicants, along with other materials.

47) Rhodes College

Rhodes College does not require a supplemental essay, but they have the option for students to record an optional “ Elevator Pitch .”

48) Rowan University

Rowan University requires a personal statement in the Common Application, but joins this list as a college without supplemental essays.

49) St. Lawrence University

St. Lawrence University has no supplemental essay requirement, but it still requires the personal statement essay. They are also test-optional, depending on the applicant.

50) St. Mary’s University (San Antonio)

For students applying to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, the personal statement is only required if they choose not to submit test scores.

51) Seton Hall University

At Seton Hall University, the personal statement is required, but there are no other supplemental essays.

52) Siena College

Siena College has made the personal statement (open topic) optional for students applying.

53) Skidmore College

While Skidmore College does not require supplemental essays, students do often send in supplemental materials to further support their application.

54) Stony Brook University

At Stony Brook University, only a personal statement is required. However, students applying to the Honors, WISE, University Scholars, Scholars for Medicine, and Scholars for Dental Medicine must write supplemental essays.

55) Sewanee: The University of the South

Sewanee does not require supplemental essays and SAT/ACT scores are also optional.

56) Susquehanna University

Susquehanna University only requires supplemental essay materials for students applying to the creative writing, graphic design, studio art, and music programs.

57) Temple University

Temple University offers an optional essay as part of the Common Application for students to tell more about themselves beyond grades or test scores.

58) Union College

Union College does offer an optional supplemental essay question as part of their application.

59) University of Alabama

At the University of Alabama, essay submissions and letters of recommendation are not required but they are optional.

60) University of Albany

University of Albany joins the list as one of the colleges without supplemental essays. However, it does require a personal essay of at least 250 words on the Common Application of SUNY Application.

61) University of Arkansas

At the University of Arkansas, first-year students are not required to submit a personal essay. They accept self-reported test scores and letters of recommendation are also not required.

62) University of Arizona

Although the University of Arizona does not require an application essay, they strongly encourage students to submit the 500-word personal statement.

63) University of Cincinnati

Students applying to the University of Cincinnati are required to write the Cincinnati personal statement and the Common Application personal statement. However, there are no other required essays.

64) University of Colorado-Denver

University of Colorado-Denver requires the personal statement on the Common Application, but not other supplemental essays.

65) University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut joins this list as one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. The university does require a personal essay on the Common Application or the Coalition Application.

66) University of Dayton

The University of Dayton does not require any supplemental essays, although it does require a personal statement. The university is also test-optional.

67) University of Denver

The University of Denver only requires the personal statement on the Common Application.

68) University of Houston

Students who apply to the University of Houston without a test score must submit a short admissions essay and extracurricular activities.

69) University of Iowa

The University of Iowa does require a personal statement as part of their application, but there is no supplemental essay requirement.

70) University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is a college without supplemental essay requirements for first-year students. However, students applying to the Honors Program or the Engineering SELF Program must submit their responses.

71) University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky requires students to write one personal statement from seven of their given writing prompts.

72) University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

For first-year students applying to the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, the personal essay is not required, although it is encouraged.

73) University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln does not require a personal statement for first-year students. However, those applying to the Honors Program must write a 300-600 word essay.

Whether for the personal statement or any supplemental essay, writing college application essays can prove to be a challenging task. But if students plan ahead about how they want to approach the essays, it helps tremendously. Those who are about to apply to a college without supplemental essays can focus any extra time on other schools that do require them. It’s also great for students who wish to be considered primarily for their grades, test scores, personal statement and other reasons.

Best Colleges Without Supplemental Essays – Additional Resources 

• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples 
• How to Write a Body Paragraph for a College Essay
• UC Essay Examples
• Good Safety Schools
• College Search/Knowledge

Joanna Hong

With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.

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33 Colleges Without Supplemental Essays

At many top schools, essays form a critical part of the college admissions process. Overwhelmingly, students find writing essays to be the most stressful part of the application process. So, when applying to multiple schools, many applicants look for colleges without supplemental essays. Colleges that don’t require essays allow students to focus on other aspects of their application like extracurriculars, test scores, or recommendation letters. 

However, finding colleges that don’t require supplemental essays can be tedious. That’s why we’ve created a list of 33 colleges without supplemental essays to make the search easier.

Contrary to what you may have heard, you can find college application requirements without supplemental essays. Moreover, a lack of supplemental essay requirements doesn’t mean a university isn’t good.  

This guide will help you find colleges without supplemental essays that meet your needs. In addition to discussing colleges that don’t require essays, we’ll also talk about other college application requirements. By the end of this article, you’ll be better prepared for the college application process. 

What is a supplemental essay?

Before you start searching for colleges that don’t require supplemental essays, it’s important to understand what they actually are. Supplemental essays are extra essays that each school requires; some schools require only one, while others require several. They cover a range of prompts from the “why school” essay to the cultural diversity essay and more. Usually, supplemental essays are rather short, hovering in the 50-250-word limit range. They serve as an opportunity to showcase an applicant’s strengths, moments of personal growth, and personality. 

It’s important to note that supplemental essays are different from the personal statement on the Common Application . The Common App essay prompts allow you to submit one personal statement to every college where you apply. In other words, you’ll almost certainly write this personal statement plus supplemental essays for each college on your list . You can also look up each school’s supplemental writing requirements on the Common App site. 

There aren’t many colleges that don’t require essays at all. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. With that said, most American universities have some essay requirements, even if they don’t ask for writing supplements.

Supplemental essays vs. Personal Statement

Often, top colleges without supplemental essays will require students to write a personal statement . Recall that supplemental essays vary in length and number of essays to complete depending on the school. In contrast, the personal statement is one essay that most schools have as a part of their college application requirements. However, both supplemental essays and the personal statement are important when it comes to creating an authentic application narrative . 

The personal statement is a part of the Common Application. There are seven prompts to choose from, one of which is open, meaning you can write anything you’d like. The personal statement is longer than most supplemental essays at 650 words. While you’ll just write on one of these prompts, the others touch on common college essay topics. Don’t hesitate to brainstorm for a few of the Common App prompts, not just one.

Supplemental essays are usually shorter than the personal statement. School requirements will vary. While there are colleges without supplemental essays at all, others may have as many as six!

While there are many nuances to the college admissions process, there are several key steps to be aware of. Take our quiz to see just how prepared you are to submit your college applications!

How many supplemental essays do college require?

While there are competitive colleges without supplemental essays, the majority of universities require at least one supplemental essay. However, the number of required supplemental essays will vary greatly. 

For example, Northeastern University doesn’t have a writing supplement requirement on the Northeastern application. However, that doesn’t necessarily make the Northeastern application easier than other universities. Since it’s a top school, applicants will still need to do everything possible to make their Northeastern application stand out. 

Unlike the Northeastern application, the University of Chicago has one required “why school” essay and various supplemental essay prompts to choose from. In total, students applying to UChicago will write two supplemental essays. 

When it comes to the number of supplemental essays a school requires, there is no single answer. All schools will be different, so be sure to check each school’s individual application requirements on their admissions sites. 

What kind of colleges require essays?

Generally, it is rare to find colleges that don’t require essays at all. While there are some colleges without supplemental essays, most still require students to submit the personal statement. Therefore, most colleges in the U.S. require essays in some form. Even if you’re applying through a different platform like UC Apply or the Coalition Application , you’ll have to write.

A better question might be: why do colleges require essays? The majority of universities’ admissions teams use a holistic evaluation process. That means that each of the college application requirements receives equal consideration. Your supplemental essay is an opportunity to share more about yourself with admissions. Successful college essay ideas will center on stories that show personal growth and self-reflection. 

What are college application requirements?

If you’re looking for colleges without supplemental essays, then you’ll need to sift through each school’s requirements. Simply put, college application requirements are all the materials that applicants need for a complete application. 

Here are some of the most common application requirements: 

• Basic biographical and demographic information
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal statement
• Application fee
• Transcripts
• Counselor and/or Teacher letter(s) of recommendation

In the application, students will be able to add their essays. Keep in mind that each school’s college application requirements vary, so you should confirm specifics on their websites. 

Do all colleges require supplemental essays?

Luckily for those who dread essay writing, there are colleges without supplemental essays. Soon, we’re going to provide you with a comprehensive list of well-known colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. 

However, keep in mind that most schools do require students to complete the personal statement. So, for those who are hoping to find colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, it will be challenging. Nevertheless, students who have an extreme aversion to essay writing will find some top colleges without supplemental essays. 

Why apply to colleges that don’t require essays?

There are a few reasons that students want to apply to colleges without supplemental essays. Some students may feel like the essays are too stressful. And while there are ways to manage that stress and write compelling essays, some students may just prefer not to. 

However, probably the number one reason that students are intrigued by colleges without supplemental essays is time. Thinking of college essay ideas and writing essays is time-consuming. When you consider that some students apply to as many as 15 schools, it can feel overwhelming. Even adding just a few colleges that don’t require essays to your college list will lighten the burden. 

Additionally, there are many competitive colleges without supplemental essays. Just remember: if you apply to colleges without supplemental essays, make the rest of your application as competitive as possible. It certainly isn’t an excuse to slack on your application narrative. In fact, with colleges that don’t require essays, you must pay extra attention to your demonstration of academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. 

As stated above, colleges without supplemental essays usually still require a personal statement. However, this essay can be used for multiple schools. That is to say, once it’s written, you’re set for all of your applications to colleges without supplemental essays. 

33 Best Colleges without Supplemental Essays

Finally, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Let’s check out some colleges without supplemental essays. 

Top 33 Colleges without Essays

1. colby college.

This small liberal arts school in Waterville, Maine, is the first to make our list. As the 12 th oldest liberal arts school in the US, Colby College has ample experience providing students with an intimate learning environment. If you’re interested in a liberal arts education from a small Northeastern University, then check out Colby’s application requirements .  

2. Grinnell College

Students who attend Grinnell are encouraged to “pursue passions with purpose.” While it may seem surprising that such a school numbers among colleges that don’t require essays, take advantage of it and apply ! Grinnell College is consistently a high-ranking liberal arts school. Here, students are encouraged to create a course of study that best supports their intellectual freedom.

3. Middlebury College

Another of the many liberal arts colleges without supplemental essays on our list is Middlebury College. Located in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, the natural beauty will inspire your learning as a natural laboratory is just outside. Its acceptance rate is 13%, so you’ll need an impeccable application in the absence of supplemental essays. 

4. Colgate University

Located in New York state, Colgate University provides its students with a high quality liberal arts education. Like all others on our list, the Colgate application doesn’t include supplemental essays. There are 56 majors for students to choose from. Colgate values a curious mind, so be sure to show your curiosity in your Colgate application. Check out what you need to complete your Colgate application. 

5. Temple University

This is the first public research university on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Temple University has 17 schools and colleges in which to study, but an emphasis is placed on experiential learning. Given Temple’s location in the heart of North Philadelphia, students will have all the opportunities that the city provides. 

6. Oberlin College

The one-of-a-kind education provided by Oberlin College allows students to explore both academics and the arts. Indeed, the Oberlin College ranking across metrics speaks for itself: the Oberlin College ranking in national liberal arts colleges is #39 . And, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Oberlin College ranking in Most Innovative Schools is #16 . Of course, the Oberlin College ranking isn’t everything. But, the Oberlin College ranking does speak to the school’s quality, unique liberal arts education. For Oberlin College (not the conservatory) no supplemental essay is needed. 

7. Case Western Reserve University

There are hundreds of programs at Case Western Reserve for students to pursue. However, overall, the student population is committed to making a difference, with education a stepping stone to an impactful career. In addition to being one of our colleges without supplemental essays, Case Western Reserve is also test-optional through fall 2024. 

8. Bates College

The Bates way is all about “aligning who you are with what you do.” Students will be a part of a community with values such as social responsibility and diversity and inclusion. Check out the requirements for what it takes to be a part of this unique campus. Keep in mind that the Bates College acceptance rate is quite competitive. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is considered most selective at 17% . So, although Bates is among the colleges that don’t require essays, the Bates College acceptance rate means intense competition for admittance. 

9. Northeastern University

This well-known university in Boston , Massachusetts, is among the most competitive colleges without supplemental essays with an 18% acceptance rate. Experiential learning and research are among the core parts of a Northeastern University education. If you’re interested in innovation and impact, then see what you need to apply .

10. Hampshire College

It may be unsurprising that Hampshire College, the self-proclaimed “original disruptors of higher education,” is among the colleges that don’t require essays. Hampshire believes that their radical education experience leads to greater impact. This is a community that values experimentation, discovery, and investigation in a non-traditional manner. If that sounds up your alley, take a look at their application requirements. 

11. DePaul University

This large private university in Chicago, Illinois, is next on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Faculty provide high-quality teaching in order to give their students the best educational experience. DePaul aims to provide an experience that combines “mind, place, people, and heart.”

12. Drexel University

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is arguably one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. It’s nationally recognized for its co-op experience. This learning model allows all students to have ample hands-on experience in their field of interest before even graduating. Drexel admissions may not seem super competitive with an acceptance rate of 83% . However, that doesn’t mean you should slack on the application. Impressing Drexel admissions could lead to scholarships, which are also an extremely important part of the college application process. 

13. Kenyon College

This college may not be a household name, but they’ve played a huge part in the model of faculty advising nationwide. In fact, according to Kenyon College , they invented it. So you can imagine the quality attention the learning experience that students will receive here. 

14. Dillard University

Louisiana’s first private liberal arts HBCU makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. The undergraduate population is around 1,200, making it a small school. At Dillard, students can expect personalized attention and a tight-knit campus community. After applying and being accepted, students will have 22 majors to choose from. 

15. Skidmore College

Creative thinking is at the heart of Skidmore’s education model. Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, this private university offers students an excellent education in a bucolic college town . At Skidmore College , students are encouraged to explore a variety of educational interests as all majors are interdisciplinary.

16. Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio—the fastest-growing metropolitan in the Midwest — Ohio State University places an emphasis on improving local and global communities. In fact, they have contribution efforts in every county in Ohio. And, with six campuses throughout the state, students can choose which location will best serve them. 

17. Louisiana State University

As a leading research university in Baton Rouge, LSU is among the best colleges without supplemental essays. No matter their major, every student is able to participate in research opportunities. LSU ’s emphasis on research is a crux of the community as it comes from a drive to improve the world. 

18. University of Alabama

With over 100 areas of study in 8 schools and colleges, the University of Alabama provides students with ample options. At the University of Alabama, research is highly valued, but students are ultimately encouraged to pursue their passions. Check out the freshman requirements to learn more about applying. 

19. University of Cincinnati

Another large public research university makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. UC has excellent co-op and internship programs from which students can gain practical professional experience while studying. University of Cincinnati students will gain an excellent education and hands-on experience.

20. Clemson University

Clemson admissions prides itself on the university’s tireless work ethic. Through this, they encourage their students to “change lives, change perceptions, and…to change the world.” Students willing to work hard to achieve their future goals should check out the application requirements . Clemson admissions falls in the middle when it comes to selectivity. The Clemson admissions rate is 49% . Logically, we can see from the Clemson admissions rate that nearly half the students that apply will gain admittance. 

21. University of Pittsburgh

Located in the heart of the city, the University of Pittsburgh is among the top colleges without supplemental essays. This large public university focuses on innovation as a path to positive change. With a prime location, students are encouraged to take advantage of all that the university and city have to offer.  

22. Wesleyan University

Forming students to be “intellectually agile” is a huge part of the Wesleyan curriculum. With 45 majors to choose from, students are encouraged to take advantage of the large range of available courses. Additionally, there are over 5,000 internships opportunities available starting from your first year on campus. 

23. Miami University

You may have seen this school ranking in the top 50 public universities in the US. There’s certainly no doubt that Miami University in Ohio is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. With many dynamic undergraduate programs available, students will be able to pursue a wealth of careers in their chosen fields. An active student body helps in forming a strong campus community in a location brimming with natural beauty. 

24. University of Connecticut

As a large university with a rural location, the UConn campus community is like a small town of its own. Students can enjoy a wide range of study options, ample student organizations and clubs, and renowned leaders as faculty members. Learn more about the application requirements. 

25. University of Delaware

The beautiful campus and experienced faculty of the University of Delaware provide for about 18,000 students. Through research, internships, and study abroad opportunities, students are encouraged to find their authentic way of changing the world. 

26. Florida State University

FSU is one of the best value colleges without supplemental essays. Students here are intellectually curious, academically driven, and socially conscious. The FSU experience is centered around providing students with the tools to achieve their goals. 

27. University of Georgia

Even though this is a large university, students are seen as “the individual they are.” The University of Georgia is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, 92% of the university’s graduates are employed or continuing their studies within six months of graduation. 

28. University of Houston

As the third largest university in Texas , the University of Houston is one of our top colleges without supplemental essays. As a diverse campus community, the university aims to change lives and communities for the better. It emphasizes discovery and conversation as a foundation for students’ development.

29. Indiana University – Bloomington

The possibilities are endless when you study at Indiana University Bloomington . Students will gain hands-on experience in their field either in the lab or on the ground. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to learn from faculty who are renowned in their discipline. 

30. University of Kansas

There is certainly no lack of options when studying at the University of Kansas . There are over 400 degree and certificate programs to choose from spread out over 14 schools. Innovation, research, and the pursuit of knowledge are pillars of the UK educational experience. 

31. University of Kentucky

Another UK makes our list of colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. The University of Kentucky offers over 200 degree programs in 16 schools. One of the university’s main values is finding ways to advance Kentucky—from education, to health, economy, and culture— to ensure its progress. 

32. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Located in an ideal college town, UMass Amherst is the largest public research university in New England. The school offers over 110 majors on campus. In addition, students are encouraged to be curious explorers through study abroad opportunities. 

33. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

This large university with a city campus encourages students to discover the unknown. Whether it’s through internships or research opportunities, students are challenged to pursue their interests and push their academic limits. Learn more about the application requirements to get started.

As you review this list, please note that college essay requirements are subject to change. With this in mind, make sure to visit each school’s admissions website to confirm all supplemental essay requirements.

It may seem alluring to apply only to these colleges that don’t require essays. However, keep in mind that these institutions place more importance on GPA and extracurriculars. So, when considering applying to schools without supplemental essays, think about these factors. Will your application narrative be impactful to admissions teams without additional essays? Will your personality and values shine through? 

What is the best school that doesn’t require supplemental essays?

Looking at the acceptance rates of the colleges that don’t require essays, we can determine which schools are the most selective. In this case, Colby College ( 9% ), Grinnell College ( 11% ), and Middlebury College ( 13% ) have some of the most selective acceptance rates. However, the Bates College acceptance rate also makes it quite selective. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is similar to that of Northeastern University. 

The best colleges without supplemental essays will vary depending on what you’re looking for. So, how can you determine your top colleges without supplemental essays? Well, when making your college list you should consider factors such as majors, location, size, and campus culture. This will help you focus your college search on a few key criteria.

Firstly, make a list of what you want in your university. For example, do you want to go to school in a large city? Are internship or co-op programs important to you? Is your major available, and are you intrigued by its curriculum? Ideally, you want to be excited imagining yourself on a college’s campus. As you think about your college list priorities, you’ll be better able to identify which university is best for you. In fact, you may have already started by determining you want to look at colleges that don’t require essays!

College Application Requirements: Beyond Essays

Coming up with college essay ideas might be one of the biggest stressors in the college application process. And yet, there is certainly much more to completing an application than just essays. Colleges that don’t require essays still have other requirements that applicants will need to send by the school’s application deadlines . 

For example, let’s look at Colby admissions, which features on our list of colleges that don’t require essays. The Colby admissions site states the application requirements are the completed application, academic records, and financial aid application. Non-native English speakers may also be required to submit a language proficiency certification.

Additionally, there are optional materials you can add to enhance your application, which vary from school to school. Colby accepts standardized test scores , additional recommendation letters, an arts supplement, and an “elevator pitch” video.

Of course, these are just application requirements outlined by Colby admissions. Drexel admissions, Clemson admissions, and any other college admissions office will have other—often similar—application requirements. When comparing colleges to add to your college list, these requirements will likely be an important factor. 

Students can usually count on the following materials being required during the application process: 

• Completed application
• Academic records
• Teacher/counselor letters of recommendation
• Language proficiency exam (where applicable)

Many schools are continuing test-optional policies first instated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some do require standardized testing scores as well. Always check the admissions site for the application requirements and deadlines. For example, Colby and Drexel admissions have slight differences in their requirements, even though they’re both colleges that don’t require essays. Always confirm requirements on admissions websites!

How to make your college application stand out!

Even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, you still need to carefully craft a compelling application narrative. Creating a cohesive application narrative or personal brand during the college application process can be tricky. Ideally, your application should tell the story of who you are and what drives you, both academically and personally. You’ll show this through your grades, courses, achievements, and extracurricular activities . 

Regardless of other college essay ideas you need, you will need to write the Common App personal statement. This is the only significant writing the admissions teams will see from applicants at colleges that don’t require essays. In light of that, it needs to be an excellent example of your writing skills while also demonstrating your personality. 

The Common App provides students with a few college essay topics to choose from. In order to generate the best college essay ideas, choose to write on college essay topics that genuinely excite you. While brainstorming , make a list of college essay ideas from the given college essay topics. Think about anecdotes, meaningful experiences, and personal growth that pertain to the college essay topics. Successful college essay ideas lead to authentic essays, which is the key in standing out to admissions. 

Essay Guides and Essay Resources

As we’ve mentioned, even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, most applicants must complete the personal statement. Don’t stress about coming up with college essay ideas on your own! CollegeAdvisor.com provides ample free resources for students at every step of the college application process—including the essays. 

Unfortunately for those aiming to apply to colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, most require the personal statement. The best way to generate college essay ideas is by reading successful essay examples. Check out some of these Common App essay examples to understand what works. And, before even worrying about college essay ideas, learn more about the Common App essay in this article . We’ll outline the most important factors when writing this essay. 

If you’re reading this, you probably want to apply to colleges that don’t require essays. However, don’t let that limit you in the college application process. If you love a school, but they require supplemental essays, keep it on your list. Don’t let a disdain for essays keep you from attending your dream school .

CollegeAdvisor has many school-specific essay guides covering everything from college essay ideas to revising that final draft. Check out our USC , Yale , UChicago , and many more college-specific supplemental essay guides. If you’re stuck on thinking up college essay ideas, then these guides are a good place to begin.

Colleges Without Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, supplemental essays are one of the most stressful parts of the college application process for many students. From choosing college essay topics to generating college essay ideas and actually writing essays, there’s a lot of effort involved.

However, as you can see from this article, there are many colleges that don’t require essays. So, if you’re crunched for time or feel overwhelmed by needing various impactful college essay ideas, you have options. It’s never a bad idea to add some schools that don’t require essays to your college list. 

Keep in mind, though, that you’ll most likely still need to write the personal statement essay. But one essay is better than six. And, remember that CollegeAdvisor can provide personalized attention for anything from brainstorming college essay ideas to applying for financial aid. Reach out if you’d like some guidance in your college application process. Otherwise, take advantage of our large library of free resources!

This article was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Masters Degree

Online master’s in business administration (non-thesis), mba (non-thesis) online program summary:.

The online MBA (Non-Thesis) program provides students with the knowledge of the different principles which are key in the operation of today’s business organizations. Through the Master’s in Business Administration (Non-Thesis) program, OEd Post Grad aims to foster students in the Philippines with advanced technical knowledge in a specialized field, develop a global perspective in them, and enhance each of their strategic thinking so that they can each contribute to a better society.

Master’s in Business Administration (Non-Thesis) Objectives

The Master’s in Business Administration (Non-Thesis) program has been designed to provide students in the Philippines with knowledge of the principles that are fundamental to the operation of all business organizations, as well as advanced technical knowledge in a specialized field.

The online MBA (Non-Thesis) program aims to:

• Develop a global perspective in all candidates.
• Develop each candidate’s strategic thinking.

Curriculum:

The Master’s in Business Administration (Non-Thesis) is a comprehensive program designed to help students manage and succeed in business operations inside and outside the Philippines. With this, students are expected to strengthen their analytic skills as well as their strategic and problem-solving capabilities. Courses included in our MBA (Non-Thesis) program include Leadership and Organization, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Business Policy in the Philippines, and rooms for specialization.

Darrell Steward

Eleanor Pena

Samuel Nguyen

Online admission process for postgraduate students, registration.

Student Applicants should register at  oedportal.amauonline.com . Once registered, the mobile number (local) and email address should be verified. Log-in at  oedportal.amauonline.com  using the email address and the temporary password sent via email. Update your profile including the Personal Information, and Educational Background.

Once updated, Go to Enrollment Tab and click the Add New Category, choose your preferred program then Provide scanned copies of the following requirements for initial evaluation: -Diploma -Transcript of Records -Birth Certificate -Application Form (please send it at  [email protected] )

-Two recommendation letters (for DBA and DIT applicants)

Please be informed that original copies of these documents should be submitted within 90 days of enrollment. Including 2by2 photo with white background, Certified True Copy of Diploma, PSA Birth Certificate, Transcript of Records with Remarks: Copy for AMA University

The evaluation will take 24-48 hours. You will be notified by your OEd buddy about the result. Confirm the evaluation results of your online postgraduate admission and choose the subjects you wish to take, minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4.

Activation Once evaluated, you can proceed to the payment process by going to the Enrollment tab and click the View Assessment. Review the assessment and click Proceed to continue. Choose your preferred payment terms and mode of payment then select Pay. Pay the exact amount using your preferred payment method and wait for the payment confirmation. Your subjects will be activated right after payment has been confirmed.

Mylms you can access your subject 24/7 in your mylms. we encourage you to check all the activated subjects to make sure that they are correct. to report any issues or concerns, please use the post a student concern. , master’s in business administration (non-thesis) faqs.

Yes, it is! Postgraduate degrees, no matter what kind, opens a multitude of opportunities. It gives the bearer a significant advantage over their peers when it comes to job hunting, makes them more likely to receive promotions, allows them to be eligible for higher wages, and gives them more credibility in their respective fields.

It takes an average of 1 and a half terms to complete an MBA (Non-Thesis) degree.

Yes, you can get a Master’s in Business Administration (Non-Thesis) in the Philippines completely online! There’s no need for you to ever set foot in the OEd campus, not even to submit your application requirements nor for graduation. An online MBA (non-thesis) course is the same as a traditional course both in terms of curriculum and credits earned. Online degrees go through the same accreditation process from CHED as all the other traditional schools. The biggest difference between the two is the flexibility that comes with online learning.

Graduates of OEd’s online MBA non-thesis degree typically find jobs in the corporate world as financial advisors, management analysts, investment bankers, finance managers, HR managers, and business consultants.

Interested in learning more? Explore all our programs today.

Get in touch, need more information about our online mba courses, fill-up the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours, need more information about our online cpd courses, need more information about our oed short courses.

• Master in Learning and Teaching (Non-Thesis Program)
• Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education
• BAGCED Graduate Degree Programs

Master in Learning and Teaching

(non-thesis program, malt).

The Master in Learning and Teaching Program is designed for teachers and educational practitioners who already have adequate levels of content knowledge in their subjects or courses, but would like to develop a deeper and more principled understanding of the learning and teaching processes.  Graduates of this program can take on positions as masters teachers, curriculum developers, academic coordinators, learning specialists, and instructional leaders with a focus on learner-centered education.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor’s degree in an area that is relevant to the applicant’s area of teaching;
• A college grade-point average equivalent to 2.5 or 85%;
• Passing the admissions test administered by the ITEO;
• Teaching experience or professional experience related to education, training, child and/or adolescent development
• An interview with the department chairperson;
• For non- English speaking applicants, enrollment in an English language course at the Center for English Language Learning (CELL) prior the first trimester of the program.

An additional six (6) units of Advanced Technical Reading and Writing 1&2 will be required for applicants with a low score in the essay part of the entrance examination.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Written Comprehensive Examination

The WCE is the final check on the student’s competency in both pedagogy and his/her major field. Hence, the student takes the WCE in two tranches: the first part is on pedagogical knowledge and the second part is on the content knowledge.

Oral Comprehensive Examination (capstone project evaluation)

The student presents and defends his/her research work to a panel. The research, or the capstone project for the program, is done during enrollment in the Graduate Seminar course. A manuscript of the completed work must be submitted to the panel members prior to defense.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Core courses (12 units).

MLT411M   Principles of Learner-Centered Teaching (3 units) A course on principles and premises of learner-centered teaching, covering the range of strategies and approaches that teachers can use to facilitate effective student learning. The course shall emphasize hand-on or experiential learning of these approaches to teaching, and use of a wide range of educational technologies.

MLT412M    Learner-Centered Educational Assessment (3 units) The course focuses on normative and standards-based perspectives, on the relationships between assessment and learning, with emphasis on the important function of assessment in facilitating student learning.

MLT413M    Curriculum Design for Learner-Centered Education (3 units) A course on various models and principles of curriculum design and innovation, with particular emphasis on curricular approaches and elements that emphasize learner-centered educational approaches.  The course will require students to design and produce curricular modules that exemplify learner-centered educational principles.

MLT420M   Seminar in Learner-Centered Education (3 units) Seminar on current research, theory, and practice on particular topics in learner-centered education. Each seminar will focus on a specific topic to be chosen by the professor.

MAJOR COURSES (15 units)

MLT421M   Managing the Classroom Learning Environment (3 units) Principles and practice of classroom management with emphasis on the management of learner-centered classroom learning environments

MLT422M   Technology-Supported Learning Environments (3 units) Principles and practice on the effective application of technology in education.  Course will cover the application of basic design principles in the development of technology-mediated instructional materials.

MLT423M   Integration of Values in Learner-Centered Education (3 units) Principles and practice in the integration of values in a learner-centered educational environment.  The course will focus on issues in the curriculum of values education, and how values can be developed across the curriculum.

SPECIALIZATION COURSES (12 units)

MLT431M   Teaching Diverse Learners (3 units) A seminar course on current approaches to designing learning environments that address diversity among the learners.  Contemporary approaches will be contrasted with traditional individual different approaches and shall emphasize using dimensions of student diversity to improve student learning.

MLT432M   Instructional Leadership (3 units) A course on the principles of educational management as applied to the development of school learning environment that support teaching and learning practices consistent with the learner-centered educational approaches.

MLT446M   Directed Action Research for Learner-Centered Education (3 units) Directed Research course for students in non-thesis track.  Course will be a praxis course where students shall design, implement, and report an action research project on a topic of their choice.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS (0 units)

MALTCEW  Written Comprehensive Examination

MALT-OCE   Oral Comprehensive Examination (capstone project evaluation)

PREREQUISITE COURSES

ENG501M   Advanced Technical Reading and Writing 1 (3 units)  The first part of an intensive English academic reading and writing course focuses on the review of basic reading and writing skills and their application in the preparation of short academic papers such as definitions and descriptions, and non-prose forms. It emphasizes the mastery of active reading strategies, the effective use of rhetorical and organizational features of academic writing and proper documentation.

ENG502M   Advanced Technical Reading and Writing 2 (3 units ) The second part of an intensive English academic reading and writing course, focuses on the writing of data commentary and the various parts of a research report, with emphasis on the different rhetorical moves and the linguistic features that realize these moves. The course continues to emphasize the observance of integrity in writing and research.

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Arrange your classes around your life, instead of the other way around. Our online classes are built for your schedule and are the convenient, flexible way to earn your degree or get new job skills.

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More Gen Zers are ditching college, and they want better guidance on how to succeed without it

• Some Gen Zers are deciding college isn't worth the cost.
• Still, a recent report found that high schools rarely present alternative pathways to students.
• High schoolers, parents, and advocates say it's time to change the story.

LeLaina Wakeham, 25, is six years into a fulfilling, full-time career that didn't require a college degree .

Wakeham's decision was partly inspired by her father's background. He was born in Mexico, and after moving to the US when he was five, he taught himself "pretty much everything," she said. Despite not having a high school diploma or college degree, he started multiple successful businesses that allowed him to financially support his family.

"He really wanted us to be educated. He just didn't prioritize it coming from college," Wakeham told Business Insider. "So he pushed us to read on our own, to figure out what we were passionate about and figure out how to learn it, whether that was college or wasn't college, it wasn't a big deal to him."

During her senior year of high school, Wakeham was struggling to decide on her post-graduation route. For a class, she conducted a research project on how many people actually used the degrees they went to college for, and she found that many did not.

"I just realized I had already been wrestling with this decision, and I didn't know what I wanted to be. I didn't know what I wanted to do, and I didn't want to waste a ton of money if I did go to college," she said. "That project really helped me validate my decision of not going to college and starting a job."

Still, she noted that her school advisors didn't have much advice for her when she told them she was considering an alternate path. She studied on her own to get her license in mortgage lending, and she now works full time in real estate.

While college still remains the primary pathway for high school graduates and the most reliable option for career and wage growth, a growing number of young people are choosing to forego it. They say it's difficult to find support and information about their other options.

Wakeham said she could relate — she felt she was "getting written off as somebody who wouldn't be successful because I wasn't going to have a college degree."

"I was taught that the only way supposedly I'll be able to learn is if I go to college and get a business degree to teach me what I can teach myself," she said. "That's crazy."

College is the default. Gen Z needs a different conversation.

US Census Bureau data found the enrollment rate of high school graduates at 61.4% in October 2023 was slightly down from 62% in 2022. While college is still the primary route for Gen Zers, some experts said that those who want to pursue an alternative path lack the necessary guidance to set them up for success.

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High schools aren't necessarily intentionally ignoring Gen Zers who want a different path. Zach Hyrnowski, Gallup's senior education researcher, told BI. It could ultimately come down to a lack of resources and structural limitations. There aren't enough teachers and counselors to guide every student's individual path, meaning that the way high schools are funded and staffed could be limiting their abilities to help students with post-graduation options as much as they might want to.

"If you're responsible for the futures of 500 students, I understand that it's maybe not reasonable to be able to come up with customized options for every single one of them and really be able to go in-depth," Hyrnowski said.

He added that leaders over the years have made "a conscious policy decision" to push college. "We know the benefits that come along with that," he said, "but I wonder whether we've overcorrected."

Indeed, even as some Gen Zers don't think college is the best path for them, recent data has shown that college continues to provide long-lasting benefits when it comes to careers and earnings.

Hrynowski said, "If you go to college, you're more likely to be thriving in your life, you'll evaluate your life higher. You have higher subjective well-being. The data are there to suggest that college is a good thing."

But, he said, the reality is that there has never been a 100% college attendance rate after high school, and even so, kids who don't want to go to college are still continuing to hear about college as the primary route post-grad. A recent report from Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation found that while 68% of Gen Z high schoolers said people have talked to them "a lot" about college, less than a quarter said people have spoken to them about other routes like jobs that don't require degrees or starting a business.

"This was stemming from probably a well-intentioned place," Hyrnowski said, adding, "If the students tell us that that's not the path for them, are we meeting them where they're at and saying, 'Okay, if you don't want to go to college, here are your other options?'"

Hannah Maruyama, the co-author of " The Degree Free Way ," a book that offers guidance for students who do not want to go to college, told BI that many Gen Zers simply don't know what career options are out there beyond the most talked-about ones, like doctors, lawyers, and engineers. Maruyama said changing the conversation and helping students learn about the many jobs available that don't require a higher education would be pivotal.

"People are much more likely to be happy with their life and content with their life, and find paths that really help them live the way they want to if the jobs that they pick actually fit how they want their day to day, week to week, life to look like," she said.

Still, college continues to be the most talked about path post-high school. Wakeham said she hopes the conversation will shift so more Gen Zers like her could feel confident in the decision to forego higher education, and have the proper tools to commit to that decision.

"As an 18-year-old, you don't know what makes you happy, but I would say to take the time to figure out what makes you happy and what you like, what you're passionate about, and do it," Wakeham said. "We have so many options available where advisors might not be giving that to you, so take it upon yourself."

A college degree is not 'the ultimate measure of success'

Some state lawmakers have recognized the shifting perception of higher education and have started offering more jobs that do not require college degrees. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, for example, announced he would take executive action to expand apprenticeship opportunities in his state. It could help meet future demand from employers: the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 2020 and 2030, 60% of new jobs in the economy won't require college degrees.

Some high schools have shifted to place a greater emphasis on alternative routes since the pandemic. For example, a January report from the Center on Reinventing Public Education conducted 266 interviews from April 2022 to November 2023 with caregivers, educators, and administrators across six high schools in New England. It found that, among the interviews, the broad consensus was that high schools should prepare students not just for college or work but should present them with a variety of choices that will help them feel fulfilled.

Some of the schools in the study offered career-oriented courses prior to graduation, while others hosted workforce roundtables and career nights with local employers. "At one point, people defined success by college," an assistant superintendent said in the report. "And I think that people have come to realize now that that's not the ultimate measure of success."

Wakeham said she has no regrets about her decision to skip college — she's able to financially support herself and is looking forward to building her career in real estate.

"I have sales experience, I have financial literacy, and I networked so hard the first year when I was 18 and had nothing going for me," she said. "I really had to make a name for myself if I wanted to be successful in real estate. So I did. I learned everything I possibly could to be able to have an advantage."

Are you deciding whether college is for you? Are you a parent of a child making this decision? Share your story with this reporter at [email protected] .

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