MS vs. MA?

[dreamingaboutmedicine]

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Hi all!
I've heard that a MS degree helps way more than an MA degree when applying to D.O school, as an MS is a two-year research intensive program while an MA is only 1 year. Has anyone had any experience and would like to chime in on whether it does help or not?

 

[Mentallyblonde]

They are pretty different. Do an MS is you need to prove to adcoms that you are academically capable. Do the MA and one year of working experience if you need to prove you have clinical experience. I don't think the grades from an MA program will be weighted like an SMP/Postbacc becausue it is a more technical degree program.

 

[sab3156]

Why are you doing an MS? Do you have grades/MCAT below the DO average?

 

[dreamingaboutmedicine]

Why are you doing an MS? Do you have grades/MCAT below the DO average?

Nope, I am in a 5 year combined BA/MS program so I automatically get an MS as well as a BA when I’m done with undergrad. I was just curious because I see a lot of people doing MAs now!

 

[Goro]

Hi all!
I've heard that a MS degree helps way more than an MA degree when applying to D.O school, as an MS is a two-year research intensive program while an MA is only 1 year. Has anyone had any experience and would like to chime in on whether it does help or not?

It's going to depend what the MA is in, and how you did in that program.

But it has to be science related

 

[Mentallyblonde]

They are pretty different. Do an MS is you need to prove to adcoms that you are academically capable. Do the MA and one year of working experience if you need to prove you have clinical experience. I don't think the grades from an MA program will be weighted like an SMP/Postbacc becausue it is a more technical degree program.

By MA you mean medical Assistant? Right?

 

[IslandStyle808]

Nope, I am in a 5 year combined BA/MS program so I automatically get an MS as well as a BA when I’m done with undergrad. I was just curious because I see a lot of people doing MAs now!

Depends on the school. There was an MD school I interviewed at a while back and the admissions dean preferred the MS to the MA, because he knew it was science specific. It also added points to getting an interview at that same school.

 

[Moose A Moose]

Whether it be MA or MS, they'll only be impressed if the course load was rigorous. Since a MS will generally include these types of classes en masse, that degree is sought after more by students and adcoms.

Edit: rigorous = high level science courses, etc