{"id":4682,"date":"2009-09-14T22:11:04","date_gmt":"2009-09-14T22:11:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/?p=4682"},"modified":"2025-08-14T12:10:29","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T19:10:29","slug":"thesis-project","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/graduate\/mscsse\/curriculum\/thesis-project","title":{"rendered":"Choose your path: Thesis or Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As you near the culmination of your master\u2019s journey, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to dive deep into a topic that excites you<\/strong> \u2014 either through a 10-credit master\u2019s thesis (CSS 700) or a master\u2019s project (CSS 595).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Your capstone experience is an opportunity to explore a topic that reflects your unique background and interests<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before developing your proposal, you\u2019ll collaborate with your faculty chair and supervisory committee to shape a proposal that aligns your goals with our faculty\u2019s expertise. Starting with their guidance ensures your proposal is on the right track from day one. Throughout the journey, your committee will be there to offer feedback, support and evaluation as you create a capstone that you\u2019re proud of.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Which path fits you best?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Aspect<\/th>Thesis \u2013 CSS 700<\/th>Project \u2013 CSS 595<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Method<\/td>Research-based<\/td>Application-based<\/td><\/tr>
Goal<\/td>Contribute new knowledge to your field<\/td>Solve a real-world problem using academic concepts<\/td><\/tr>
Outcome<\/td>A scholarly written document aimed at an academic audience as a contribution to an existing body of knowledge<\/td>Application of academic concepts into real-world context culminating into an artifact or deliverable<\/td><\/tr>
Timeline<\/td>2-3 quarters, based on consultation with your chair\/committee<\/td>2-3 quarters, based on consultation with your chair\/committee<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Review the process to begin and complete your thesis or project<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Thesis or Project \u2014 What’s the difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Thesis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ideal for students considering a Ph.D. or careers in research, the thesis is a scholarly written document aimed at an academic audience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll engage deeply with theory, conduct original research, analyze data, and produce a formal academic paper that contributes to an existing body of knowledge. This path is best suited for those who want to advance the scholarly conversation in their field.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Project <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Perfect for students who want to apply their skills in a practical setting, the project emphasizes the real-world application of scholarly principles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll design and build a solution \u2014 such as a software tool, system, or prototype \u2014 and document your process and outcomes. This option is ideal for those aiming to innovate, solve industry-relevant problems or transition directly into applied roles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n

Showcase your research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before graduation, you\u2019ll present your work to your faculty committee and broader academic community. This is your moment to share your expertise, creativity and impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore past Projects & Theses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a master’s program candidate you will present your culminating research prior to graduation. Read recent thesis and project titles and abstracts in the final exam schedule to see current research.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

View examples in the Thesis\/Project Final Defense Schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As you near the culmination of your master\u2019s journey, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to dive deep into a topic that excites you \u2014 either through a 10-credit master\u2019s thesis (CSS 700) or a master\u2019s project (CSS 595). Your capstone experience is an opportunity to explore a topic that reflects your unique background and interests. Before…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":569,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_is_archived":false,"_archived_contact_email":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4682","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"related_links":{"toggle_visibility":false,"link_1":"","link_2":"","link_3":"","link_4":"","link_5":""},"highlight_box":{"toggle_visibility":false,"title":"","content":"","button":"","button_style":"angled-purple-button","button_screen_reader_text":""},"contact_type_1":{"toggle_visibility":true,"contact_title":"School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics","email":"stemgrad@uw.edu","phone":"425.352.5490","box":"","address_line_1":"","address_line_2":"","location":""},"contact_type_2":{"toggle_visibility":false,"contact_title":"","email":"","phone":"","box":"","address_line_1":"","address_line_2":"","location":""},"social_media":{"toggle_visibility":false,"facebook_url":"","instagram_url":"","linkedin_url":"","twitter_url":"","youtube_url":""},"blog_archive_sidebar_visibility":false},"yoast_head":"\nChoose your path: Thesis or Project - School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/graduate\/mscsse\/curriculum\/thesis-project\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Choose your path: Thesis or Project - School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"As you near the culmination of your master\u2019s journey, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to dive deep into a topic that excites you \u2014 either through a 10-credit master\u2019s thesis (CSS 700) or a master\u2019s project (CSS 595). 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