Types Of Masters Degrees

There are different types of master’s degrees. However, the two most popular ones are the Master of Science (M.Si., M.Sc., M.C.A., or M.S.) and Master of Arts (M.A.); Any of these may be research based, course based or a combination of the two. Some master’s degree awarding universities prefer calling the names of these types of master’s degrees in Latin due to the flexibility of their

Latin pronunciation.

The Master’s of Science and Master’s of Arts may be called scientiae magister or magister scientiae and artium magister or magister artium, respectively. For example, MIT, University of Chicago, and Harvard University use S.M. and A.M. for their different types of Master’s degrees. It is more common to see Master’s of Science being abbreviated as M.Sc or MSc in Europe and commonwealth nations, and M.S. or MS in the United States.

There are other types of master’s degrees which are specifically referred as ‘tagged degrees’, including Master of Fine arts (M.F.A.), Master of Music (M.Mus or M.M), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Public Administration (MPA), and Master of Business Administration.

Post-graduate master’s degree: There are different types of master’s degrees under the post-graduate level. Their abbreviations include; MBus, MCom, MBA, MCA, MPH, MPA, MSW, MSc, Med, and MA). To qualify to study for any of these, the candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree.

Master’s degree in management or business includes MIM, MCom, MBA, MCA, MA, MEng, and MSc). These programs are sometimes being addressed in conflicting ways. There are some types of Master’s degrees in management commonly known as Master’s of Arts (MA) or Science (MSc). These programs generally do not need any professional experience and are sometimes known as MIM programs. Most people with first degrees in social sciences would normally go for MSc in management, while those with other backgrounds often go for MA in management. However, the MBA is mostly for people who have about 3 years working experience after their first degrees and is open to people from all types of academic background.

Executive master’s degree (EMS, EMBA): This type of master’s degree is specifically designed for executive professionals. The mode of admission, academic structure and graduate requirements of the executive master’s degree is quite different from other types of master’s degrees because it is not a full-time program. The program allows executive professionals the flexibility they require to manage their career and education at the same time.

Integrated master’s degree (MSc, MMath, Meng) is a one year program which usually follows an undergraduate degree program. The Master of Science is one of the most common types of master’s degrees. It is either done after the completion of the normal undergraduate program or combined with the graduate program as an extra year. However, for the combined study, the graduate degree is awarded only at the completion of the full master’s degree.

Structure of the different types of master’s degrees

There are different structures taken for the wide range of master’s degree available which might differ by university and by country. Some universities may require a dissertation and defense while others might not.