RN-MSN Thesis vs. project

HealthyRN · Nov 3, 2007

It may depend on how the school defines it. However, the thesis option generally involves much more research than just completing a project. The thesis is required to be original research, which means that you develop the research problem, design the study, and follow it through to completion. Working on a master's thesis usually takes the entire two years or length of time that you are in the program.

In comparison, a project is completed over a shorter period of time, usually a semester. The student usually works off the research of a faculty member and utilizes secondary data (from studies that have already been done). Or it may be a smaller pilot study performed so a faculty member can use the results in a larger study. A project is on a much smaller scale than a thesis.

The thesis is a good option if your career plans involve furthering your education even more and getting a PhD. However, keep in mind that NP programs can be intense. My school strongly discourages the thesis option because there is simply not enough time in the program to fit in the time to do the research. You should definitely talk to your advisor about it. Research is a very involved process and it consumes A LOT of time.

Congratulations on your acceptance!

core0 · Nov 3, 2007

It may depend on how the school defines it. However, the thesis option generally involves much more research than just completing a project. The thesis is required to be original research, which means that you develop the research problem, design the study, and follow it through to completion. Working on a master's thesis usually takes the entire two years or length of time that you are in the program.
In comparison, a project is completed over a shorter period of time, usually a semester. The student usually works off the research of a faculty member and utilizes secondary data (from studies that have already been done). Or it may be a smaller pilot study performed so a faculty member can use the results in a larger study. A project is on a much smaller scale than a thesis.
The thesis is a good option if your career plans involve furthering your education even more and getting a PhD. However, keep in mind that NP programs can be intense. My school strongly discourages the thesis option because there is simply not enough time in the program to fit in the time to do the research. You should definitely talk to your advisor about it. Research is a very involved process and it consumes A LOT of time.
Congratulations on your acceptance!

The term thesis is used in a number of ways in the US. Generally in the US a thesis is associated with a Masters degree and a dissertation is associated with a doctorate. Interestingly overseas it is the opposite.

In the US a thesis need not be original research. It can be an extension of other research or a compilation of research in a particular field (sort of a larger version of a review article) (subject of course to your school policy).

A dissertation in the US always involves original research. It is usually substantially more involved than a thesis.

A project can be whatever that is defined by the program. In social sciences it is generally the application of a theory. For example in social work it might be the establishment of a support group.

Both a project and a thesis may require substantial time. You should find out the definitions before committing (this will also keep you from wasting your time if your definition does not fit theirs).

David Carpenter, PA-C

HealthyRN · Nov 3, 2007

Coreo is right. I was referring to the definitions provided by my university.

Dixiecup · Nov 3, 2007

Thank goodness the NP program I am in does not require one. I've written what feels like 1000 papers in the program already. I don't think I could survive that big one right at the end. :uhoh3:

Selke · Nov 3, 2007

I'm glad that my program (Frontier) does not require a thesis. Instead we are putting together an entire proposal for a birth center, from a written synopsis of nurse-midwifery and birth centers in the U.S., to a community assessment and marketing research, to financial aspects, to investigation of laws and policies governing BCs. My BC proposal will be in a community in a large midwestern city in a state which just legalized BCs ... I'm working with one of the CNMs instrumental in getting the legislation passed, so I'm hoping she will be able to use my project in the future.

I think there is too much to learn in 2 years for a MSN/NP/CNM/CRNA as it is; the thesis or any serious research project should be reserved for PhD work. If you have the option, as others have said, take the project. If you want to get a Phd I'd think you could still apply for a PhD program without having done a thesis.

Mahage, LPN · Nov 3, 2007

Yes, my program allows for a project. I wish they just required more clinical. I hate putting stuff together especially when you have to do it in tandem with a "partner." I like to work independently. Sort of a friendly loner type I guess. I think we have to do it with a partner, but what ever, most of my fellow students at Southern have been very motivated, no reason to think the folks in FNP program won't be. I am just so excited. More than a little scared too, I am starting my new job Monday, hospital orientation and then 14 weeks orientation/preceptoring on the MICU, finish my current BSN courses and then starting Grad school in Jan. It is a big chunk!

Thanks to everyone who has answered my question about project vs. thesis. Definately sounds like the project will be my avenue.

Mahage

I'm glad that my program (Frontier) does not require a thesis. Instead we are putting together an entire proposal for a birth center, from a written synopsis of nurse-midwifery and birth centers in the U.S., to a community assessment and marketing research, to financial aspects, to investigation of laws and policies governing BCs. My BC proposal will be in a community in a large midwestern city in a state which just legalized BCs ... I'm working with one of the CNMs instrumental in getting the legislation passed, so I'm hoping she will be able to use my project in the future.
I think there is too much to learn in 2 years for a MSN/NP/CNM/CRNA as it is; the thesis or any serious research project should be reserved for PhD work. If you have the option, as others have said, take the project. If you want to get a Phd I'd think you could still apply for a PhD program without having done a thesis.

Selke · Nov 3, 2007

I agree with you about more clinicals ... there are threads and much discussion about this on allnurses. I also agree about liking to work alone. Good luck!