Do MBA programs require a thesis?

The answer is yes and no, because it really depends on the business school and the specific MBA program. While some schools require a thesis for their MBA program, others are taking a different approach and instead offering a non-thesis option that generally requires more coursework and sometimes an end-of-program project. For something like an MBA, a thesis could prove to be unneeded, depending on what your ultimate career goals are. Due to the real-world nature of MBA programs, a thesis component may not have as much application if your focus is on something like the financial sector and that is where your professional aspirations lie. Indeed, having experience in research is not always a necessity for some people, and their time would be better spent by taking more courses or working on a project that relates more directly to their interests. It is because of this variability that makes it a personal choice, and you will have to look at the MBA program breakdowns for each school you are considering and see which ones offer thesis and non-thesis options.

For more information about what a master's thesis is, check out this article: What is a master's thesis?