Originally Posted by doober
Is not every candidate for an advanced degree required to write a thesis?
Depends on the program. If it's more of an academic based master's degree, then a thesis is required. If it's more a business or technology based one, it may not be required. Some programs may require a project or additional coursework instead of a thesis.
In my program (information assurance) and the University of Maryland, I am not required to write a thesis. In fact, it isn't even an option. Instead of the 30 credits + a thesis, we take 39 credits instead. A project was an option previously and is in some programs, but mine doesn't require it anymore.
Instead, I have to write tons of papers during the coursework to make up for it.