What's the difference between a dissertation and a thesis?

[THOMAS]

How does a thesis differ in purpose from a dissertation? Is a dissertation longer than a thesis? What level of study typically requires writing a dissertation? At what academic level do students usually write a thesis? Are dissertations and theses structured differently?
Which requires more original research, a dissertation or a thesis? Do dissertations or theses have more stringent review processes? Can the terms "dissertation" and "thesis" mean different things in different countries? Do both dissertations and theses require a defense? Is there a difference in how dissertations and theses are published?

 

[TED]

A dissertation and a thesis serve different purposes and levels of study. A dissertation is usually required for a doctoral degree, focusing on original research and contributing new knowledge to a field. It involves extensive research, often over several years. A thesis, on the other hand, is typically a requirement for a master's degree. It demonstrates the student's understanding and ability to analyze existing research on a topic. The dissertation is longer, with more in-depth research, while the thesis is shorter and centers on demonstrating mastery of the subject matter. In essence, a dissertation is about exploring and claiming new ground, while a thesis is about proving learned theories and concepts.