Thesis or not?

[Dranger]

I have seen some NP programs offer a thesis or a clinic seminar/research option. I would prefer not to do a thesis and focus on the other options if at all possible.

My question is if there is an advantage of actually doing the thesis? I really do not have an interest in doing the DNP or any research oriented practice in the future. Also it seemed like the thesis was more credits which is a substantial money difference.

Thoughts? Was anyone else given the option to do a thesis in their program?

[MallysMama]

My program doesn't require it of their MSN students. (Thankfully!!)

[HikingNinja, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

I'm finishing a program now that has a capstone final project (it's basically a thesis - you have to conduct research, use human participants, etc). It's time consuming, but not so bad. It will look good on my doctoral applications.

[Dranger]

I'm finishing a program now that has a capstone final project (it's basically a thesis - you have to conduct research, use human participants, etc). It's time consuming, but not so bad. It will look good on my doctoral applications.

But for those not pursuing a doctorate at this time? I really enjoyed clinical seminar class in undergrad and I rather focus on topics like that rather than a large research thesis.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Many years ago, I had the choice in my MSN program. I took the easier way out and took an extra class or two rather than do a thesis. My apartment-mate took the thesis option and delays in her research project made her wait an extra semester to graduate.

Later, when I started my PhD program ... I had to "make up" for the lack of a thesis. Fortunately for me, they accepted a project I had done (and published) as a CNS. So it was no big deal. Had they not accepted that project, I would have had to take an extra class or two and do a project before being allowed to start my PhD classes.