Masters Degree

"The following information discusses Master's Degrees in general. Not all schools will offer all of the different types of master's degrees. Please use the navigation menu and click on the link of the school in order to see which specific programs they have."

General Information

A master's degree is an academic degree usually awarded for completion of a postgraduate or graduate course of one to three years in duration. In the United Kingdom it is sometimes awarded for an undergraduate course whose final year consists of higher-level courses and a major research project. In the recent standardized European system of higher education diplomas, it corresponds to a two-year graduate program to be entered after three years of undergraduate studies and in preparation for either high-qualification employment or for doctoral studies.

Types of Masters Degrees

MA, MS

The Master of Arts (Magister Artium) and Master of Science (Magister Scientiae) degrees are the basic type in most subjects and may be entirely course-based, entirely research-based or a mixture. The master's degree is intermediate between a bachelor's degree and a doctorate. In some fields or graduate programs, one customarily earns a master's before a doctorate; in others, work on a doctorate begins immediately after the bachelor's degree. Some programs provide for a joint bachelor's and master's degree after about five years.

Professional Masters Degrees

Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Public Administration (MPA), are professional degrees focusing in management for the private and public sector.

MASc, MEng

The Master of Engineering degree is awarded to students who have done graduate work at the masters level in the field of engineering. While in the United States, candidates in engineering are typically awarded MS degrees, in the U.K. and Canada, they are generally given MSc or MEng degrees.

MEd

Master of Education degrees are similar to MA, MS, and MSc where the subject studied is education.

In the United States some states license teachers with a bachelor's degree but require a master's within a set number of years as continuing education.

MAT

Coursework and practica leading to a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is intended to prepare individuals for a teaching career in a specific subject of middle and/or secondary-level curricula (i.e., middle or high school). The MAT differs from the MEd degree in that the course requirements are dominated by classes in the subject area to be taught (e.g., foreign language, math, science, etc.) rather than educational theory. Work toward most MAT degrees will, however, necessarily include classes on educational theory in order to meet program and state requirements. Work toward the MAT degree may also include practica (i.e., student teaching).

MFA

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a two to three year terminal degree in a creative field of study such as theatre arts, creative writing, filmmaking or studio art.

MPhil and MRes

A Master of Philosophy or Magister Philosophiae (MPhil) is a research degree awarded for the completion of a thesis. It is a shorter version of the Ph.D. and some universities routinely enter potential PhD students into the MPhil programme and allow them to upgrade to the full PhD programme a year or two into the course. The Master of Research degree is a more structured and organised version of the MPhil, usually designed to prepare a student for a career in research. For example, an MRes may combine individual research with periods of work placement in research establisments.

Featured Programs [10]

M.S. in Computer Engineering

Walden University The M.S. in Computer Engineering program prepares students to work in the dynamic and rapidly expanding field of digital technology. Courses focus on developing students� knowledge and skills in the design and implementation of computers and computer systems, the integration of computers into larger systems, and the application of digital solutions to a broad range of engineering problems.

M.S. in Computer Engineering / Computer Systems Specialization

Walden University The M.S. in Computer Engineering program prepares students to work in the dynamic and rapidly expanding field of digital technology. Courses focus on developing students� knowledge and skills in the design and implementation of computers and computer systems, the integration of computers into larger systems, and the application of digital solutions to a broad range of engineering...

M.S. in Computer Engineering / Digital Systems Specialization

Walden University The M.S. in Computer Engineering program prepares students to work in the dynamic and rapidly expanding field of digital technology. Courses focus on developing students� knowledge and skills in the design and implementation of computers and computer systems, the integration of computers into larger systems, and the application of digital solutions to a broad range of engineering...

M.S. in Computer Engineering / Secure Computing Specialization

Walden University Computers and networks resistant to unauthorized intrusion or sabotage can be obtained only if security is made an inher�ent part of their design and construction. The Secure Com�puting specialization educates students on possible security imperfections in computers and networks and the principles and techniques used in building software that is inherently resistant to interference in its...

M.S. in Computer Science

Walden University In the Master of Science in Computer Science program, students develop an advanced body of knowledge in the design, analysis, and implementation of algorithmic processes that transform raw data into valuable information. This program takes a non-engineering approach to computing with the primary emphasis on software, operating systems, and programming languages.

M.S. in Computer Science / Algorithms and Complexity Specialization

Walden University The study and development of algorithms are at the heart of computer science. Students specializing in this area learn about theoretical aspects of algorithm design as well as the design of algorithms to solve problems in a variety of application areas.

M.S. in Computer Science / Computer Systems Specialization

Walden University This area of study includes computer architecture, operating systems, and compilers that together provide the virtual machine supporting all computer applications. Students specializing in Computer Systems study material that forms the foundation on which application software is built.

M.S. in Computer Science / Data Management Specialization

Walden University The organization and management of information is one of the key application areas in computer science. The Data Management specialization offers students an opportunity to learn about databases, information retrieval, information security, and distributed collection and storage of data.

M.S. in Computer Science / Simulation and Game Design Specialization

Walden University Simulations are used in both civilian and military applications to provide training and explore novel scenarios. Computer and video games are one of the largest sectors of the entertainment industry, surpassing the film sector in total revenues. The development of simulations and games utilizes knowledge from several areas of computer science and software engineering. The Simulation and Game...

M.S. in Computer Science / Web Applications Specialization

Walden University The World Wide Web has become an integral part of how people live today. The array of Web-based applications continues to grow at an exponential rate. This diversity of Web functionality is made possible by a combination of networks and distributed hardware and software systems. Students selecting this specialization can take courses in a number of areas, such as distributed computing, database...