One choice that is often available for graduate students is to write a critical thesis. A critical thesis explores an idea or piece of work or area of study deeply, and relies on the author to add to the subject with original critical thinking and ideas. This is a popular thesis option for students studying subjects such as English, literature and history.
A creative thesis is common for students who study subjects such as art, photography or writing. Rather than submit a critical work, these students present a representation of their creative work. A writing student, for instance, might submit a collection of poems or a novella as their final project. Students studying for a master's in education sometimes submit a portfolio representative of their work.
Students studying subjects such as math, science or engineering may choose a research thesis option. Rather than writing a creative or critical thesis, these students may choose to participate in a research project and present the findings to their academic committee. A research thesis may take a semester or more to complete.
Students who have more than one major often have a choice between producing a complete creative, critical or research thesis for each major, or working with advisers from each to come up with a plan for a single, inclusive thesis. Students with double majors should start working with advisers as soon as possible to coordinate their thesis options.