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, but it costs non-resident students $27,299.75 per semester. The Masters of Science degree is completed in three semesters and costs non-resident students $16,378.25 per semester.
In this case, the shorter degree costs more at $54,599.50 vs $49,134.75, but that accounts for just tuition, of course. The total cost of attendance 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.
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 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.
MEng students must take MEEN 602 — Modeling and Analysis of Mechanical Systems to satisfy their math requirement. MS in ME student may take MEEN 602, bit could take MEEN 601 or MEEN 603, but they’ll still need permission from their thesis advisor. 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 Fair which takes place annually in the fall semester. Notice that there’s no separation of degrees; it’s open to everyone in the engineering and related faculties. And, the companies registered to take part in the recruitment process don’t mention specific degrees either. The 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 makes 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 fairs 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.
