Ma/ms?

[Azawakh]

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I hope this is an easy question. I am wondering what if any the difference is between an MS and a MA degree? Is one more desirable or prestigious than the other? I've seen scientific subjects conferred MA degrees and liberal arts subjects conferred MS degrees so I am utterly confused.

Thanks.

 

[Instatewaiter]

I hope this is an easy question. I am wondering what if any the difference is between an MS and a MA degree? Is one more desirable or prestigious than the other? I've seen scientific subjects conferred MA degrees and liberal arts subjects conferred MS degrees so I am utterly confused.

Thanks.

I am not sure that any liberal arts subjects do confer an MS. In a science discipline an MS is much more desirable when compared to an MA. Generally the MA programs are only graduate classes and do not involve a research thesis, while the MS degrees require the research thesis. There are some exceptions of course but this is generally how it is.

If you are looking to get into a certain type of school (dent, vet, med) you should look for a program that is specifically geared toward getting people in. Some of these programs are SMPs while others are normal graduate school (MS or MA).

 

[Azawakh]

I am not sure that any liberal arts subjects do confer an MS. In a science discipline an MS is much more desirable when compared to an MA. Generally the MA programs are only graduate classes and do not involve a research thesis, while the MS degrees require the research thesis. There are some exceptions of course but this is generally how it is.

If you are looking to get into a certain type of school (dent, vet, med) you should look for a program that is specifically geared toward getting people in. Some of these programs are SMPs while others are normal graduate school (MS or MA).

Thanks Instaitewaiter. I have been curious because I have a M.A from Boston University School of Medicine in Anatomy/Neurobiology w/ research based thesis. I also have friends who have or are in the process of getting a M.S in Journalism from Columbia University or a M.S in Education from Pace University and I couldn't understand what the distinction in the degrees meant. What you have said makes sense to me and has been my understanding but I have a M.A in a science that requires a thesis as far as I know.