Master of Engineering vs Master of Science

When it comes pursuing a masters degree in the domain of science, the conundrum of choosing between Master of Science and Master of Engineering leaves none. While Engineering is driven by technological innovations, encompassing different branches of science, Master of Science will take you into the roots of the chosen specialization. Master of Engineering vs Master of Science is a common debate as both the degrees share certain similarities also but mostly have their own core areas. Are you exploring parameters for consideration before deciding upon which stream of study to opt for? If yes, then, this blog intends to present MEng vs MS in detail!

Master of Engineering vs Master of Science: Course Highlights 

Before getting started withy core differences in both the courses, let us take a quick look at some differences between Master of Engineering vs Master of Science-

Course	MS	M.Eng
Nature	This is a professional degree	This is considered as a non-professional degree
Curriculum	Since this is a professional degree, the entire syllabus is based more on coursework and it teaches the students how to use theoretical concepts to practical applications.	Since it is a non-professional degree, it focuses more on research. The main focus of the curriculum is on theoretical concepts.
Nature of Study	The students are evaluated predominantly through tests or projects. Here, the thesis presentations have no function.	In addition to regular exams and projects, students are also evaluated through thesis presentations.
Duration	2 Years	2 Years
Focus Area	Research, Theory	Innovation and Technical Skills
Course Objective	Prepares students for future PhDs	Trains students for technical or industry-led jobs
Entrance Exam	GRE	GRE
Cost	Mostly Affordable	Expensive
Popular Courses	–MS in Machine Learning    –MS in Mechanical Engineering  –MS in Engineering Management	-Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering  –ME Electronics -Master of Engineering (Mechatronics)
Top Universities	– New Jersey Institute of Technology, Southern –New Hampshire University –University of Colorado –California State University	–Western Sydney University  –The University of New South Wales –University of Wollongong –University of Ottawa

Mtech vs MS: Which is a Better Choice? 

What is MEng?

In our analysis of MEng vs MS, it is important to understand what is MEng. Masters of Engineering or MEng is a coursework-based professional engineering master’s degree. This is more of an advanced degree in engineering that those who choose to become Chartered Engineers are seeking. Masters in Engineering are sought by students wishing to become trained engineers.

We now move on to understanding what is MS, in our comparison of MEng vs MS. A post-graduation thesis which is commonly pursued by people in subjects belonging to the field of engineering, computer science, and general sciences is Masters of Science, or more commonly referred to as MS or MSc. There are a variety of subjects that can be pursued by students at the Masters of Science level.  All candidates are required to have completed their graduation successfully to be eligible for MS.

What is MS?

Specializations – Master of Engineering vs Master of Science

The next crucial difference between Master of Science vs Master of Engineering is the field they can be pursued in. It will streamline your whole journey if you acquaint yourself beforehand about the specializations available for both degree programs so as to prepare yourself for the future educational forays. MS is more of a research oriented program and then it can be pursued in any stream of science whether medical or non-medical. Some of the popular fields of MS are-

• Physics
• Information Systems
• Data Science
• Technology Management
• Food Safety, Hygiene and Management

Master of Engineering is mostly tough to get into the industries, hence, you will only find streams that are technologically trending and belong to the non-medical side of science. Some of its popular specializations include.

• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering – Automotive
• Transportation Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Explore: List of Professional Courses after Graduation

MEng vs MS – Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for MEng is different from MS. To draw an analysis between MEng vs MS let us first look at the eligibility criteria for MEng and MS individually.

For MEng

If the programme is an undergraduate (integrated) or postgraduate degree, the exact entry criteria will differ –

• An integrated MEng would follow a framework for undergraduate applications (through UCAS, or its equivalent). With subjects and grades specified by your university, you will need appropriate A Levels (or other secondary qualifications).
• A Bachelor’s degree would be required for a postgraduate MEng. This is a BEng (Bachelors in Engineering) your university can stipulate, particularly if you are studying a specialised MSc (Eng.).

Explore: MS in UK: Your Masters Guide

For MS

An important point of differentiation between MEng vs MS is the eligibility criteria for MS. it is quite different from the eligibility criteria of MEng. A bachelor’s degree is the major prerequisite for a Master of Science. Besides this, depending on the curriculum, there might be particular prerequisites. Some programmes require you at the undergraduate level to have studied a subject. Some programmes encourage you to obtain a master’s degree only if you have completed the same subject in your undergraduate studies. Although it is not a difficult and easy rule, you are encouraged to study the same course because it will be easier for you to develop your knowledge as you have already gained the subject’s basics. So, from the very beginning, you won’t waste your time studying a specific subject.

A valid GRE/GMAT score (taken within the last 5 years), a SOP (Statement of Purpose), 2 LoR’s (Letters of Recommendation) and all your official transcripts are required for most foreign colleges. In addition to this, you may be asked by individual universities to submit more essays to get a better understanding of your motivations and motivation to follow the programme.

Must Read: 1 Year Masters Programs in Canada

Best Colleges – MS vs MEng

Another important aspect of comparing 2 courses is the list of universities offering them. Checkout the best universities for MS and MEng.

For MEng 

There are a variety of colleges for pursuing MEng abroad. They are mentioned below.

• University of Alberta
• The University of British Columbia
• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of Calgary
• University of Windsor
• University of Waterloo

Also Read: MS in Engineering Management – An Engineer’s MBA

For MS

Mentioned below are the colleges and universities abroad for students to pursue MS. 

• Sacred Heart University
• The University of Tampa
• University of Alberta
• University of Greenwich
• University of Windsor
• University of East London

Also Read: MSc Courses

MEng vs MS – Jobs & Career

Let us now explore the career prospects available after completing MEng and MS and which one has a better job market.

Job prospects after MEng

After studying MEng (Master of Engineering), from mechanical, electrical or chemical or civil engineering, one may work in various engineering fields. Professionals in engineering with advanced degrees are in huge demand in the industry. This sector is expected to expand anywhere from 7 to 29 percent, according to Forbes. While there will be a lot of people with an engineering undergraduate degree, people with an advanced degree such as a Master’s Degree in Engineering appear to have better job prospects.

It is also useful for someone who has finished an undergraduate to obtain a master’s degree. However, it is a smart choice to research something that will be good for you in the long run. A Master of Engineering degree is the third-best Master’s degree to receive in terms of pay and demand, according to Forbes, as the average salary is $121,000 (INR 89,01,365) per year for mid-career professionals with a graduate degree.

Job prospects after MS

One of the best ways to decide which course is better between MEng vs MS, it is important to understand the job prospects these courses serve. Although some entry-level computer science positions do not require a master’s degree, recent research shows that the advantages are seen by professionals in the sector who have opted to go back to school. Computer science graduates are expected to be the highest earners of the most valuable master’s degrees, topping engineering, business, and math and science among all master’s degree categories.

Salary & Growth -MS vs MEng

In drawing the comparison between MEng vs MS, an important point of differentiation is the average salary. Mentioned below is the average salary for students who pursue MEng and MS.

Average Salary for MEng

• Electrical engineer – $82,000 (INR 60,32,33)
• Software engineer – $95,000 (INR 69,88,675)
• Senior software engineer – $118,000 (INR 86,80,670)
• Project engineer – $75,000 (INR 55,17,375)
• Mechanical engineer – $77,000 (INR 56,64,505)

Explore: Best Engineering Courses For Future

Average Salary for MS

• Computer Science – $81,039 (INR 59,61,634)
• Engineering – $75,053 (INR 55,21,273)
• Business – $74,066 (INR 54,48,665)
• Math and Sciences – $70,061 (INR 51,54,037)

Tips to Pick between These Programs

Whether you’re thinking about a ME or an MS degree, taking the following factors into account can be useful in guiding your decision:
Think ab

• Out your preferences in the STEM subjects. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills are necessary for both degree fields, while the ME degree may call for more applied mathematics for engineering. The emphasis of an MS, however, is on your scientific knowledge and growth as well as the application of technology in research and analysis.
• Find out what programmes are offered locally. It’s also crucial to think about the programmes that are offered in nearby schools and universities, as many of them provide financial incentives to local students.
• Consult an advisor about your financial aid choices. Always consult a financial advisor to better understand your financial situation. These experts can frequently assist you in locating grants, scholarships, and suitable lending solutions that fit your spending plan.
• Consider your expected future wage needs. Take into account your earning potential with both degrees. For instance, a ME degree may have a higher earning potential than a conventional MS degree due to its specialised character.

Must Read: MS in India: Courses and Colleges

FAQs

Hopefully, this blog has cleared many confusions regarding Master of Engineering vs Master of Science. Could not decide which course is the best for you? Don’t worry, let our experts at study abroad help you choose the best-matched course & higher education options, with one-touch access to personalised mentors. They will also assist you in choosing the right specialization and leading global universities. Sign up your free 30 minutes of e-counselling with the team now!