The Difference Between MS and MSc – Masters Course Search
For our science aspirants, one of the most common questions is frequently “Is there a difference between MS and MSc degrees?” Exploring Master’s degrees can be quite a challenging task even when you know exactly what you want to study. Especially with an abundance of degree options, you might be running into uncertainty about which program is the right one for you.
Both MS and MSc degrees stand for Master of Science. These are both STEM subject programs with a lot in common and some slight differences. So, to help you make a complete and informed decision in your masters course search, we break down what these similarities and differences are below.
Overview of Master of Science Degrees
Both MS and MSc degrees are similar degrees that universities offer in STEM subjects, as well as other interdisciplinary fields (depending on the university). They are both Master of Science programs. A Master’s degree is a full-time postgraduate degree that can lead you further in your career or into higher education and research. Students often opt for a Master’s degree after completing their undergraduate education. For STEM students, taking a Master of Science degree can create multiple career and academic benefits.
Master’s degrees vary from subject to subject and university to university. A typical Master’s degree program will look as follows:
| Program duration | 1-2 years |
| Credits | 30–60 credit hours |
| Course delivery | Online/In-person |
| Enrollment type | Part-time/Full-time |
| Final Project | Project/Thesis |
| Cost of Study | Typically, more than undergraduate programs per year, but less overall than the overall cost of a bachelor’s degree |
What is the Difference Between MS and MSc Degrees?
A master of science degree spans programs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Some universities offer interdisciplinary programs, in fields like social sciences and business, as master of science programs.
The biggest difference between MS and MSc degrees comes down to where you are enrolling. An MS is the North American equivalent of an MSc degree. If you plan to study in the USA or Canada, your list of university courses will generally include MS options for Master’s programs.
On the flipside, European and Indian universities tend to offer MSc programs. Other countries in Asia also offer MSc degrees.
Another thing to keep in mind while running through your course subject list is that MS and MSc degrees can differ from university to university. Program structure, components, and learning opportunities will all depend on the faculty delivering it. So, be sure to explore the programs you are considering in-depth to better understand whether they align with the outcomes you’re looking for! A masters course search tool like GRADSearch can help you shortlist your options.
MS/MSc Degrees and MSci Degrees
Another factor to keep in mind while exploring your options is the difference between MS and MSc degrees and MSci degrees. An MSci is an undergraduate program, typical in the UK as an alternative to a BSc (Bachelor of Science) program. Students enroll in an entry-level undergraduate program and graduate with a master’s level degree!
Master of Science Academic Qualifications
Since both MSc and MS degrees are Master’s degrees, you will need to hold an appropriate undergraduate degree to qualify for admission. You may find that MSc degrees typically require a BSc degree to qualify for enrolment. Below, we break down the difference between MS and MSc degree qualifications across different international student destinations:
Australia
In Australia, Master of Science programs are typically 1-2 year-long degrees for full-time students. Depending on the program and university, the program may consist of coursework and research components. While you generally don’t need a Bachelor of Science program to qualify for an Australian Master of Science program, you do need to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Entry requirements and course structure will vary depending on the program and the Australian university!
Canada
In Canada, your list of university courses for MSc programs may have a pure coursework focus, research focus, or a combination of both. You will typically need to complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in a relevant field to qualify for an MSc degree. For full-time students, and depending on the university and program, this can be between 1-3 years long.
The UK
Students can choose between taught MSc programs and research-based MSc programs. Taught master’s programs involve lectures, coursework, exams, and project dissertations. For a master’s program with a strong research component, you may work on a longer-term project, involving a thesis. To qualify, you will typically need to hold a 2:1 or higher degree at the undergraduate level. This does not necessarily have to be a BSc degree as long as your qualification is in a relevant subject field. However, as with the other destinations here, the entry requirements of the program will depend on the university.
The USA
An MS degree in the USA can be purely course-driven, research-driven, or a combination of the two. As part of the program, you may need to complete a research project and present your findings, and/or write a thesis you will defend. You will need to complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree program to qualify for an MS degree. Some US programs offer joint 5-year programs where you enter at the undergraduate level and graduate with a master’s degree. Depending on the university, an MS degree may also use the abbreviations A.M., S.M., or Sc.M, due to their Latin naming equivalents.
Master of Science Subjects
The difference between MS and MSc degrees will depend in part on the university and the destination. Generally, Master of Science programs cover the STEM disciplines and subdisciplines. Some universities also categorize some interdisciplinary programs, like finance, economics, and social sciences, as a Master of Science. You will also need to keep in mind that some specialist programs that fall under STEM may have their own naming conventions. A master’s program in engineering, for example, may go by MEng instead of MSc.
It is a good idea, therefore, to start your program search using a subject keyword. With a tool like GRADSearch, for example, you can shortlist a course subject list using a keyword like “mathematics”, “physics”, or “finance”. This generates a complete list of programs matching this subject, regardless of the degree classification.
While master of science subjects can vary from university to university around the world, the diverse MS and MSc program opportunities out there can include:
• Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Food science
• Applied finance
• Human nutrition
• Agricultural economics
• Forensic technology
• Data analytics
• Biomedical sciences
• Business
To name a few.
Other Relevant Master’s Degrees
As we mentioned while discussing the difference between MS and MSc programs, a Master of Science is usually not the only available degree for STEM students. Certain degree programs have a specialist or interdisciplinary focus, distinguishing themselves from their MS or MSc counterparts.
Master of Research (MRes)
A Master of Research (MRes) degree, as the name implies, has a strong research focus and is ideal if you want to pursue a career in research. It includes more research work than a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc/MS) program. This can be helpful if you want to do a PhD or work in research. Some schools might call similar programs an MSc or MS, so be sure to check the course details before you apply.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a postgraduate research degree that can vary in structure and course content depending on the university and the part of the world. In the UK, for example, MPhil programs are primarily research degrees. You will have to complete an original research and complete a thesis. MPhil programs are great launch pads for future PhD prospects in the UK. Note, though, that the MPhil degree can vary from country to country, and even within countries. In the UK, some universities offer the MPhil as either a taught degree or a research degree, for instance.
Master of Engineering (MEng)
The Master of Engineering (MEng) degree can be academic or professional. The academic track focuses on engineering theories and practice. The professional track prepares students for work in engineering. Some programs require students to publish original research in an industry journal. Others include hands-on training in industry and professional settings. Some programs combine both as conditions for graduation.
MSci, MMath, MPhy
These master's degrees follow directly after an undergraduate program and are common in science and technology subjects. Your entry into the program is at the undergraduate level, but these programs usually take one year longer than an undergraduate degree. You graduate at the end of the program with a master’s level qualification! Students may also have the option to skip the final year and graduate with a bachelor's degree instead.
How to Choose the Right Degree Program?
The difference between MS and MSc degree programs may be harder to pinpoint, given different universities and destinations use the terms. Thankfully, this does not need to interfere with your program search for a master's degree!
Geography
The MS is a more common degree in North America, whereas you’re likely to run into the MSc in the UK and India. Naming conventions aside, the program content matters more, as different universities and programs will structure their master of science programs differently. In choosing where you want to study, consider factors like student visas, scholarships, internships, post-study opportunities, etc.
Specialization
A master’s degree will be a specialist program that hones in on the foundational base you built in an undergraduate program. Be mindful in selecting which niche you want to specialize in, as this directly impacts your career and academic opportunities in the future. While researching, look into the program structure, outcomes, and objectives of your course subject list. How do these align with your study and work goals? Consider also the career opportunities you will access thanks to this degree.
University
Master of Science programs can vary widely among universities in the same country, as well as country to country. As you are researching your programs, consider whether the university providers are offering what you are looking for in your higher education. Alongside the program itself, look into:
• Scholarship options
• Career support services
• Internships and work placement programs
• Industry networks
• Faculty
• Subject rankings for your chosen program
Future Goals
Master’s programs are often opportunities for international students to take their careers to new heights. As a result, a master of science program that helps you upskill or reskill is a great opportunity to gain qualifications that help you do just that.
Rounding Up
Choosing between an MS or an MSc is not as complex as it may seem. Ultimately, the difference between an MS and MSc degree can boil down to the country as well as the university within that country offering the program. While the abbreviations can give you a sense of the field the program is in, researching by subject and specialization and reviewing the course outline gives you a better idea of what to expect from it.
