After earning an undergraduate degree, some graduates may choose to continue their education as graduate students. There are several degrees they may pursue, including a Master of Arts, frequently referred to as an “MA,” or a Master of Science, frequently referred to as an “MS.” Some students pursue a master’s degree because they want more instruction and experience in their chosen field, while others go to graduate school to study a field that differs from what they studied as undergraduates. Some students also pursue a master’s degree to improve their career prospects and earning potential.
Differences Between an MA and an MSThe MA and MS often differ in academic focus, but the distinction is not always strict. Students interested in fields such as history, languages, writing, communication, social sciences, and the liberal arts often pursue a Master of Arts. Students interested in fields such as engineering, biology, chemistry, mathematics, data science, and technology often pursue a Master of Science. However, universities may classify degrees differently, and some fields can offer either an MA or an MS, depending on the program’s goals and curriculum.
The coursework in each program is specific to the subject area and institution. For example, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in a writing-related field might take courses focused on rhetoric, creative writing, professional writing, editing, or research methods. A student pursuing a Master of Science in an engineering-related field might take courses in design, systems, computation, quantitative analysis, or laboratory-based research. While there can be crossover between the two degrees, the majority of coursework usually relates to the student’s field of study and program requirements.
Students may also find that the structure of their courses varies by program. Many MA programs emphasize seminars, reading, writing, discussion, and critical analysis. Many MS programs, especially in scientific and technical fields, may include laboratories, quantitative work, applied projects, or research-based study. However, this varies widely by university and discipline.
Many master’s programs include a culminating requirement, but it is not always called a thesis project. Depending on the university and program, students may complete a thesis, capstone project, comprehensive exam, portfolio, recital, performance, exhibition, internship, or applied research project. These requirements are usually completed near the end of the program and may involve research, writing, practical application, and/or a presentation. The level of rigor depends on the discipline, university, degree requirements, and whether the program is research-oriented or professionally oriented.
You might now be wondering whether a student can pursue another degree after completing a master’s. In some cases, a master’s degree may be a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest academic credential commonly offered or required in that field. In other cases, students can go on to pursue further education, including a PhD or another doctoral degree. Some people also pursue more than one master’s degree to build expertise in multiple fields.
If you are considering graduate studies but are hesitant, keep in mind that many master’s programs take less time to complete than undergraduate programs. Program length varies by country, institution, field, and enrollment status. In many countries, bachelor’s programs are designed to take about three to four years, while master’s programs often take about one to two years of full-time study. Part-time, research-based, professional, or highly specialized programs may take longer. Some institutions also offer accelerated master’s programs, including options that allow eligible students to complete a master’s degree with about one additional year of study beyond the bachelor’s degree.
A higher degree is often associated with higher median earnings, but it does not guarantee a higher salary for every student or in every field. Before committing to a program, prospective students should compare tuition costs, funding opportunities, program outcomes, career goals, and the time required to complete the degree. They should also try to connect with a professional, faculty member, or current student in their program of interest before making a final decision.
We hope that this article on the difference between MA and MS was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
