My master’s program offers three completion routes—thesis, major paper, and coursework. As an interdisciplinary student, I had the freedom to design a program that crossed several fields, which was both exciting and overwhelming. Despite my beautifully colour-coded Excel sheet prioritizing potential courses, I struggled to narrow my options. Co-requisites, special-permission requirements, and the possibility of stacking courses toward post-graduate certificates added even more complexity to the planning process.
I knew early on that a strictly course-based master’s didn’t appeal to me. I wanted some form of synthesis – something more than simply accumulating credits. At the same time, a thesis felt too restrictive – leaving little room for all the courses I was genuinely excited about. Consequently, the major paper route felt like the best of both worlds: enough space to explore a wide range of topics while still offering a deeper dive into one area of interest.
I was fully committed to this pathway until two of my electives were unexpectedly cancelled. That disruption created just enough room near the end of my program to consider the idea of shifting to a thesis. I found myself asking: Do I need a thesis? Do I want a thesis?
I spoke with family, colleagues, peers, and my program advisor, and together I compiled the following simple list of pros and cons.
Pros:
- It would provide a stronger foundation for a future transition into a doctoral program
- It would offer the opportunity to synthesize my learning into a publishable manuscript
- It represents a significant academic accomplishment that could open doors
Cons:
- It would reduce the time I have available for my family, including my ailing mother
- It may not be necessary for my professional prospects, given my existing research and publication experience
- It would limit my ability to take additional courses that genuinely interest me
- It would narrow my focus at a time when I’m still enjoying broad exploration
After weighing these considerations, I ultimately chose to stay with the paper route—which may feel like an anticlimactic ending to this reflection, but in many ways, it’s a perfect example of career development in action. It reflects responsiveness to changing circumstances, ongoing self‑assessment, and the willingness to revisit goals and adjust plans accordingly.
To honour my desire for deeper inquiry, I enrolled in a directed study that will function as an extended literature review, while my final paper will allow me to create something more tangible—though I’m still discovering what that will be. For now, my priority is to expand, explore, and experience as much as I can within this academic space, trusting that clarity about the final product will emerge through the process.
This response was reviewed and refined using Microsoft Copilot to assist with grammar, spelling, and clarity. The AI was used solely for editing purposes and did not alter the original ideas or voice of the author.
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