A Master’s degree is an advanced postgraduate academic degree that is awarded after completing graduate-level study beyond a Bachelor’s degree. There are two main types of Master’s degrees that are commonly awarded – a Master of Arts (MA) and a Master of Science (MS). The key differences between these two degrees lie in the focus of study and research requirements.
Master of Arts (MA)
A Master of Arts is a type of Master’s degree that places a stronger emphasis on humanities, liberal arts, and social science disciplines. Some common MA programs include:
- English
- History
- Education
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Economics
- Sociology
MA programs tend to focus more on abstract reasoning, critical thinking, communication skills, and general knowledge. Coursework often involves advanced study of social systems, culture, human behavior, communication, and artistic expression. Research requirements usually entail writing a thesis paper making an original contribution to existing knowledge in the field of study.
The curriculum focuses less on technical, scientific, or math skills and more on developing analytical, verbal, and written abilities. MA degrees qualify graduates for careers in education, creative fields, business, government, journalism, human resources, and social services. Common jobs with an MA include high school teacher, college professor, counselor, researcher, writer, community organizer, administrator, manager, and policy analyst.
Typical Requirements for MA Degrees
While specific requirements can vary by school and program, MA degrees typically have the following components:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- 30-60 graduate credit hours
- Thesis paper making an original contribution to the field
Full-time students usually complete an MA within 1-2 years. Part-time students may take 3-4 years. Some schools also offer accelerated MA programs that can be finished more quickly.
Master of Science (MS)
A Master of Science is a type of Master’s degree with a stronger emphasis on scientific, mathematical, and technical disciplines. Some common MS programs include:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Statistics
- Accounting
MS programs focus heavily on technical expertise, quantitative research, and advanced knowledge of scientific and mathematical principles. Coursework emphasizes computational methods, experimental techniques, and the application of theory to real-world problems. Research usually involves conducting original experiments, data analysis, or engineering/programming projects.
The rigorous curriculum develops expertise in specialized technical fields to prepare graduates for science and technology careers. MS degrees qualify graduates for jobs such as software developer, engineer, data scientist, financial analyst, laboratory scientist, professor, and quantitative researcher. Other common occupations include actuary, statistician, operations manager, systems analyst, and various roles in the tech industry.
Typical Requirements for MS Degrees
While specifics vary by university and program, MS degrees generally require:
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM or quantitative field
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- 30-60 graduate credit hours
- Thesis paper or technical project
Full-time students can often complete an MS within 1-2 years. Part-time students may need 3-4 years. There are also accelerated MS programs that can be finished more quickly.
Key Differences Between MA and MS Degrees
While MA and MS degrees are both advanced Master’s level qualifications, there are some important distinctions between the two types:
Master of Arts (MA) | Master of Science (MS) |
---|---|
Focus on humanities, liberal arts, social sciences | Focus on STEM and technical disciplines |
Develops verbal, written, analytical abilities | Develops technical expertise and quantitative skills |
Abstract reasoning, critical thinking | Scientific method, research, data analysis |
Prepares for jobs in education, social services, business, government | Prepares for jobs in science, engineering, tech, analytics |
Thesis paper making original contribution to field | Thesis project or engineering/programming project |
In summary, MA programs focus on cultivating general intellectual abilities while MS programs focus on building specialized technical skills. Both require extensive postgraduate study and research culminating in a thesis paper or project.
Which Type of Masters is Right for You?
Deciding between an MA or MS degree depends largely on your interests and career goals:
- An MA is best for those interested in social sciences, humanities, arts, communication, and improving analytical skills.
- An MS is best for those interested in STEM disciplines, quantitative and technical skills, science, engineering, and research.
Look at your undergraduate degree field – an MA builds directly on a background in the arts, humanities, or social sciences while an MS builds on a STEM or quantitative background. Think about your career aspirations and what skills you want to develop through graduate study. Research the kinds of jobs and work you hope to do after earning your degree.
Both MA and MS programs advance your expertise and expand your job prospects. The key is choosing the one that aligns with your academic interests, talents, and professional goals. Speak with graduate admissions counselors about whether an MA or MS makes the most sense given your specific situation and desired career path.
Conclusion
In summary, the two main types of Master’s degrees are the Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS). MAs focus on humanities and social sciences while MS degrees focus on STEM and technical disciplines. Both require extensive postgraduate study and research culminating in a thesis paper or project. Deciding between an MA or MS depends on your academic background, interests, skills, and career aspirations. Aligning your graduate studies closely with your professional goals will help you get the most value out of a Master’s program.