Master of Engineering vs Master of Science in Engineering

But, you’ll find plenty of schools and grads ready to argue with this - you’ll find that both the MS engineering degree and ME degree are a mix of coursework and research. And, you’re not going to find a MEng or MS degree that’s entirely practical or classroom-based.

But, there are still a few differences in the MEng vs MS showdown. 

What’s the difference between MSc, MS and SM?

In truth, not much. These are all different abbreviations for a Master of Science.

• MSc is more commonly used in the UK and Europe.
• MS is the preferred form in the US.
• SM is short for the Latin words Scientiæ Magister, which translate to a Master of Science in English.

NOTE: The MSci degree offered in the UK is not a masters-level degree, but rather a combination of bachelor’s and master’s-level curriculum, which can make it confusing for those looking at MSc degrees. 

As many in engineering academia will tell you, the biggest difference is whether you plan to pursue a PhD or you want to immediately increase your opportunities in the workplace - but not always.

A look at UC Berkeley’s engineering degree differences demonstrates that the admissions requirements for Masters of Engineering vs Masters of Science are largely the the same. Both require GRE scores and both need three letters of recommendation. 

But, the Masters of Engineering degree from this university is completed in two semesters, and costs non-resident students $29,480.75 per semester (for the 2019-2020 academic year). The Masters of Science in Engineering degree is completed in three semesters and costs non-resident students $17,384.25 per semester (2019-2020).

In this case, the shorter degree costs more at $58,961.50 vs $52,152.75, but that accounts for just tuition, of course. The total Cost of Attendance (CoA), which includes living expenses, is much more. 

At other schools, you may find that the cost per semester is the same which means that it boils down to the number of hours you take plus the cost of living. 

That’s the case according to the Texas A&M calculator which calculates tuition according to school (engineering), year of admission, and whether students are state residents or not.

Masters of Engineering vs Masters of Science: academic differences

Still looking at Texas A&M, but considering academics rather than finances, you’ll see there are plenty of similarities. Looking at the Masters of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and the Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering, you’ll quickly notice that the academic outcomes are exactly the same. The path, however, is different.

The core course choices are identical, though it’s a matter of what an individual student chooses to take. The key difference is whether a student pursues a thesis, in the case of a Masters of Science in Engineering degree or a portfolio project, as per the Masters of Engineering degree.

Of course, not all schools offer a choice of MEng vs MS - or at least not in the same field, such as mechanical engineering; you may not have a choice if you’re set on a particular university.

Master of Engineering vs Master of Science: recruitment and salary differences

If the core content is similar and the academic outcomes are identical, it’s fair to wonder whether there’s a big difference in the way employers recruit Master of Engineering vs Master of Science in Engineering grads. 

And, it doesn’t seem as if there is.

Still looking at Texas A&M, there’s an Engineering Career Fair which takes place annually in the fall semester. Here, there isn't any separation of degrees; it’s open to everyone in the engineering and related faculties. 

The companies registered to take part in the recruitment process don’t mention specific degrees either; they provide the level they’re recruiting at (bachelors, masters) and the departments they’re specifically looking at, such as Mechanical Engineering. They also note whether they’re interested in interns or full-time positions. 

It seems to make little difference whether you’re pursuing a Masters of Science in Engineering or a Masters of Engineering when it comes to getting your foot in the door.

At UC Berkeley, reports from previous career fairs show they don’t discern between the degrees either; only by the department and level of education.

So is there a difference between Master of Science and Master of Engineering salaries?

Again, the answer is, not really. According to PayScale.com, the figures are pretty similar for grads of either MEng or MS degree based on the position they occupy.

In the battle of Master of Engineering vs Master of Science, the field matters more than the degree, as does the location of employment. 

But, a glance at the numbers of recorded salaries from the US demonstrates that there are more Masters of Science in Engineering grads - either that take the time to report their salary or just in general.

One reason for that may just be that with such a balanced curriculum, opportunities, and salaries, the option of pursuing a PhD in the future, students want to keep their path open with an MS degree. 

That is, perhaps, the biggest difference between Master of Science and Master of Engineering - especially considering that you’ll find top schools offering both degrees. And, with Prodigy Finance loans for qualified international students, it’s entirely possible to find funding for both. 

Check out the career path Sampath is taking following his international engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon university:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Stanford University 
   
3. California Institute of Technology
4. Georgia Institute of Technology
5. Purdue University - West Lafayette
6. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
7. University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
8. University of Texas - Austin
9. Princeton University
10. Texas A&M University - College Station

Choosing the best engineering programme for you

Sitting in the top 10 of an engineering ranking list is a good reason to consider an engineering programme, but it’s not a reason to rule out other programmes.

If you did, you’d be missing schools such as:

• University of Southern California (Viterbi)
• New York University (Tandon)
• University of Texas - Dallas
• Northeastern University
• Arizona State University (Fulton)
• University of California - Los Angeles
• University of Maryland

Eligibility based on GRE scores

Obviously, you’ll want to shoot for the best possible GRE score you can get, but you shouldn’t rule out your top choice schools because of a lower than desired score. Several highly-ranked engineering schools have average GRE scores under 320.

And, although engineering master’s programmes usually don’t specify minimum GRE scores for admission, they’re a good indication of the applicants they’re looking for.

Of course, your GRE score is simply one aspect of your engineering application. You’ll also need a solid Statement of Purpose essay and to secure awesome reference letters. 

Engineering salaries: should you go for your masters?

How much you’ll make as an engineer depends on several factors, including your engineering field, education level and the school you attend.

Either way, you can expect to earn at least $17,000 more annually than engineers without a master’s degree. Sounds good, right?

Interested in making as much money as you can? Take a look at the highest paying engineering jobs that’ll give you opportunities to spread your wings. 

Wondering how you'll fund your international engineering master's degree? See what these parents of a Prodigy Finance borrower had to say about looking for international student loans: