1.5 Pros and Cons: Thesis Vs. Comps

Thesis “Pros”

Students gain a high degree of expertise and mastery in the area under study.
The thesis timeline creates accountability and structure in completing the research project.
Doctoral programs often look favorably upon a completed thesis that demonstrates students’ ability to successfully complete a research project.
Doctoral programs that require a thesis might waive any thesis requirement they might have based upon the completed thesis at CLU.
Students can have the thesis bound into a book (see Section 6 Thesis Binding).
Students can earn quality letters for recommendation from their thesis committee members. These letters are often more meaningful than letters from employers or course instructors.

Thesis “Cons”

Despite the structure offered through coursework, the thesis requires a considerable amount of extra work and self-discipline. The amount of autonomy and work can be quite stressful.
Students take an extra 3-units (PSYC 566) in the Spring of their 2nd year for a total of 40-units versus 37-units for the comprehensive exam option.

Comps “Pros”

Students are given a review sheet to help them study.
The exam is completed in a single day compared to the thesis that takes two-years.
Questions that are not adequately answered can be successfully remitted before “failing.”
Students can still complete an research project, as noted in the prior section, which would allow the first three thesis pros to be achieved by the student. In the end, a good research project is just as valued as a good thesis.
Students can choose any 3-credit elective during their second year.
The entire program is 37-units versus 40-units with the thesis option.

Comps “Cons”

A six-hour, closed book, essay test can be stressful and exhausting.
Research experience is valued by PHD programs and many, but not all, PSYD programs.
The research project, if chosen, could not be as structured as the thesis option.