What is the difference between an MEd graduating paper and an MA thesis?
A graduating paper is different from an MA thesis. The former is optional whereas the latter is required. A graduating paper is typically under 50 pages long and is not based on empirical research whereas the latter is usually 60-100 pages long and involves data collection and analysis. MEd papers are awarded 3 credits and MA theses are awarded 9 credits, and it normally takes one additional year after coursework is completed to conduct research, write, and defend an MA thesis. MEd students who want to do a graduating paper should talk to their advisors at the end of the first year of their program so that they have enough time to plan the paper and to work on drafts of the paper.
