Key takeaways
- A Master of Science (MS or MSc) is an advanced program that focuses on science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, and sometimes social economics.
- Earning an MS degree typically takes about 2 years to complete if studying full time, with 30-60 credit hours required depending on the program.
- Generally, those who earn an MS degree hope to advance their career, transition into a research role, or continue their education to get a PhD.
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If you’re thinking of pursuing a Master of Science degree, consider this your guide on everything you need to know, including admission requirements, program duration, curriculum, benefits, and potential career paths.
What is a Master of Science?
A Master of Science (MS or MSc) is a graduate degree awarded to those who complete advanced coursework in fields like science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. It can occasionally be given to those studying social economics—like psychology or economics—if they focus on quantitative research.
What is the difference between a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science degree?
Earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) provides foundational knowledge in a specific field. Many BS graduates choose to enter the workforce after completing their degree, while others continue their education by pursuing a Master of Science. In doing so, they can build upon their knowledge with advanced study, further their careers, or increase their earning potential.
For example, let’s say you major in computer science at the bachelor’s level. With a BS, you could work as a software developer or IT support specialist. However, if you complete a Master of Science, you may qualify for more specialized roles as a mechanical engineer or data scientist. Whether you go on to complete a Master of Science after a Bachelor of Science will depend on your career goals and interests.
Programs that offer Master of Science degrees
MS degrees are generally offered in fields that emphasize quantitative skills, scientific methods, research, and data analysis. These programs include:
- Computer science: Information technology, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity
- Engineering: Mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil
- Environmental science: Biology, chemistry, physics
- Health science: Public health, nutrition science, biomedical
- Mathematics: Statistics, financial
- Social science: Psychology, economics, sociology
- STEM-focused business: Business analytics, finance, operations research
Admission requirements for an MS program
Before you can apply for an MS program, you will need a relevant bachelor’s degree. For example, you could first earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science and then apply for an MSc in computer science. Other common admission requirements may include:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 (some top schools may expect a 3.5 GPA)
- A graduate exam score, such as the GRE
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
- A resume
How long does it take to complete an MS degree?
On average, earning a MSc degree takes about 2 years. Students typically need to take 30-60 credit hours to graduate depending on their program.
What does the curriculum look like?
Students earning an MS degree can expect lectures, seminars, lab work, and independent research. While the curriculum for each Master of Science program may differ, they all generally follow a similar structure:
- Core classes: Graduate students will complete the required credit hours in foundational classes.
- Electives: Students may choose certain electives based on their career goals.
- Thesis/capstone: Some MSc programs require students to complete a research-focused thesis statement, while others—like software or engineering design—may require a capstone project.
- Lab work: Students can expect to spend time performing experiments.
MS vs. other graduate degrees
Depending on your interests and goals, there is a degree type for you. Take a look at the difference between a Master of Science degree and other graduate degree options:
| Degree | Focus | Best for |
| Master of Science (MS) | Technical and quantitative | STEM careers, PhD preparation, research |
| Master of Arts (MA) | Humanities and social sciences | Writing, policy, analysis, education |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Business leadership and management | Career advancement, leadership roles |
| Master of Engineering (MEng) | Applying industry-specific skills, leadership training, and real-world application | Practicing engineers who want to advance their knowledge, skills, and job position |
Benefits of pursuing an MS degree
Wondering if a Master of Science degree is right for you? There are actually several benefits to pursuing this graduate degree:
- Specialized skills: Master’s programs are specialized to help graduates learn field-specific knowledge, which is a big personal achievement and also looks great to future employers.
- Higher earnings: Earning a master’s degree can potentially increase your salary.
- Career movement: Having a master’s degree can often mean you don’t have to stay stagnant in your job. There could be more flexibility to move up the corporate ladder, including those in leadership or management positions.
- Networking opportunities: Graduate programs are a great way to build relationships with professors and peers, which can lead to possible job or research opportunities down the road.
- Personal satisfaction: Pursuing a graduate degree is no small feat. It’s a huge goal, and there should be a sense of accomplishment once completed.
Pathways after completing an MS
There are three common pathways that graduates typically take after earning their MS degree. These include:
- Career advancement: Many MS graduates want to advance in their careers and need a degree to do so. This degree can help them qualify for higher roles and increased salaries.
- A transition into research roles: Because of their advanced focus on research, an MS degree can prepare graduates for research-focused positions.
- Continuing education toward a PhD: Some graduates may not go into the workforce, but instead pursue their PhD in advanced research.
Choosing the right MS program
Ultimately, choosing the right Master of Science program for you will come down to your goals and interests, the program’s location and reputation, cost, and career outcomes. If you find a program that aligns with your goals, is worth the cost, and leads to the opportunities you want, you’ve found the one.
To find out if a Master of Science is right for you, you should consider your career goals. Use College Raptor’s Career Finder tool to explore careers that interest you, and see the education level required for each.
