Masters of Engineering vs Masters of Science in Engineering

Hoping to further your engineering career? A masters degree is one of the fastest ways to increase your salary and your career options. 

But what masters? 

What’s the difference between Masters of Science and Masters of Engineering? And, does it matter to your career which one you pursue?

MEng vs MS: a quick overview

One of the key differences between these degrees is the approach to learning:

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,¹ 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, but it costs non-resident students $27,887.25 per semester. The Masters of Science degree is completed in three semesters and costs non-resident students $16,979.75 per semester.²

In this case, the shorter degree costs more at $55,774.50 vs $50,939.25, but that accounts for just tuition, of course. The total Cost of Attendance (CoA) 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 calculator³ which calculates tuition according to school (engineering), year of admission, and whether students are state residents or not.

MEng vs MS: 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 Engineering⁴ and the Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering,⁵ 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 degree or a portfolio project, as per the Masters of Engineering degree.

Of course, not all schools offer a choice of Masters of Engineering vs Masters of Science - 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.

MEng vs MS: 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 Masters of Engineering vs Masters of Science grads. 

And, it doesn’t seem as if there is.

Still looking at Texas A&M, there’s an Engineering Career Fair⁶ 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 process⁷ 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 or a Masters of Engineering when it comes to getting your foot in the door.

At UC Berkeley, reports from previous career fairs⁸ show they don’t discern between the degrees either; only by the department and level of education.

So is there a Masters of Engineering vs Masters of Science difference in salaries?

Again, the answer is, not really.

According to PayScale.com, the figures are pretty similar for grads of either degree based on the position they occupy. 

In the battle of Masters of Engineering⁹ vs Masters of Science,¹⁰ 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 grads - either that take the time to report their salary or just in general.

One reason for that may just be that with such 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 - 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.