Master's degree question

[cookderosa]

I am considering the idea of getting a master's in history from American Military University, possibly in military history. Having never gotten a master's degree before, I don't know much about it.

They appear to offer a non-thesis history degree and a thesis history degree. Which is better? Any tips or suggestions? Is one less work than the other? Does having done a thesis grant you an edge when it comes to the job market?

Here's the info on the basic history non-thesis option:
Program

and the thesis option:
Program


Also, I can't really figure out the difference between the two military history degree programs. Any idea what a "capstone option" is? Neither of these seem to mention a thesis, but I assume a thesis would still be part of it? Here's the two options:

Program

Program



And furthermore, does anyone have experience working with AMU and would they even recommend that option at all?

>>

A thesis can be the brick wall for many people. It is a research project in a nut shell. My brother's thesis allowed him to use other people's research (kinda like a 100 page report) but the thesis I will do requires conducting original research (I'm trying not to think about it lol).

A capstone just means taking an additional class(s)! If I had a capstone option, I'd be on it faster than anything....however, PhD applications want to know about your research interest and skills- so your thesis is the document that shows your skills. I found more than one application that wanted a writing sample, and without a thesis, it might look like you missed something. It all comes down to the tried and true question- what do you want to do with your degree? If you want to teach, you should write a thesis. Academic types love to talk about that kind of stuff. If you want to go into a PhD program, do a thesis. If this degree is for "you" then you can take your pick!

My husband will be enrolling at APUS for Spring start, he works in business and industry and will NOT be doing a thesis for his masters. In his words "I want to do as little writing as possible!" No one in his field knows or cares about a thesis- really.