Master of Engineering vs Master of Science in Engineering
Should you opt for Masters in Engineering or Master of Science in Engineering, how are the two different, what are the job prospects
Want to know which engineering degrees these international master's students chose? Take a look at their programmes, schools and how they funded their degrees now:
Hoping to further your engineering career? An MS degree or MEng degree is one of the fastest ways to increase your salary and your career options.
But which masters?
Master of Science vs Master of Engineering: which degree do you want?
One of the key differences between MSc and MEng is the approach to learning:
The Master of Science in Engineering is considered to be a research-oriented degree.
The Master of Engineering is thought to be more focused on coursework.
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 word Scientiæ Magister, which translates to a Master of Science in English.
What’s the difference between MS and MSC in the UK?
The MSci degree offered in the UK is not a master-level degree, but rather a combination of bachelor’s and master’s-level curricula, which can make it confusing for those looking at MSc degrees.
However, different countries prefer different abbreviations for these degrees. For instance, there is no difference between MS and MSc as both stand for Master in Science. But the Masters in Science in India is a field of post-graduation in Science with subjects like Physics and Chemistry but in the US or UK is a post-graduation in Engineering.
As many in engineering academia will tell you, the biggest difference is whether you plan to pursue a Ph.D. or you want to immediately increase your opportunities in the workplace - but not always.
Breakdown of MEng Vs MS Engineering programmes: Eligibility & Cost
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 same. Both require GRE scores and both need three letters of recommendation.
But, the Master 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 Master 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.
MS VS MEng: Core Differences
There are a few core differences in both the programs, Master of Science as well as Master of Engineering.
Duration: A master in engineering (MEng) consists of fewer semesters compared to Master of Science, which also reduces the total duration of the course completion for MEng vs MS, where there are more semesters.
Eligibility: Both programs require graduation in a relevant field, and may or may not require GRE depending upon the university’s requirement.
Curriculum: MS focuses on thesis and research-based education. Whereas, MEng looks at practical training and applications of technical knowledge.
What’s the difference between MS and MEng in the USA?
In the USA, a MEng programme is typically a two-semester course spanning over a year. In comparison, a MS programme can take a longer duration to complete; typically up to 4 semesters or 2 years.
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.
EXAMPLE: MEng students must take MEEN 602 — Modeling and Analysis of Mechanical Systems to satisfy their math requirement. MSME student may take MEEN 602, though they 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 in Engineering degree or a portfolio project, as per the Masters of Engineering degree.
MSc VS MEng: Core subjects
The main difference between MSc and MEng is that while MSc degree is for the students interested in theories and research work, and may require them to work on a thesis paper, MEng focuses more on technical learnings and practical applications.
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.
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 between MS and ME in the way employers recruit from these programmes.
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 degrees based on the position they occupy.
Electrical engineer average salaries
Masters of Engineering average: $82,000
Masters of Science average: $79,000
Electrical engineering range (ME and MS): $57,000 - $109,000
Mechanical engineer average salaries
Masters of Engineering average: $77,000
Masters of Science average: $77,000
Mechanical engineering range (ME and MS): $53,000 - $98,000
Project engineer average salaries
Masters of Engineering average: $75,000
Masters of Science average: $74,000
Project engineering range (ME and MS): $51,000 - $97,000
Software engineer average salaries
Masters of Engineering average: $95,000
Masters of Science average: $92,000
Software engineering range (ME and MS): $60,000 - $124,000
Senior software engineer average salaries
Masters of Engineering average: $118,000
Masters of Science average: $117,000
Senior software engineering range (ME and MS): $83,000 - $153,000
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:
Why engineers make excellent business leaders
Interested in pursuing a management degree to climb the ranks in engineering?
It’s a popular choice. You’ll find a variety of courses offered in both business and engineering departments, as well as a number of crossover degrees.
MS VS ME: Which one is better
It’s not right to declare one degree better than the other. MS is beneficial if you want to pursue Ph.D. since it is research-based while also including theoretical coursework. And ME is for those who want to kickstart their career soon after the post-graduation since it includes a lot of practical applications.
Master of applied science Vs Master of engineering
Master of applied science abbreviated as MASc is sometimes used interchangeably with MS and MSc and has the same format as them. It focuses more on theories and less on practical application.
Which engineering field will you pursue?
Which engineering field will you pursue?
Although there is plenty of overlap between the engineering fields, there aren’t any general engineering degrees at the masters level; you’ll need to pick an engineering specialisation before beginning your engineering applications.
Is a Master of Engineering worth it?
Successfully completing an MEng degree can not only empower you with additional knowledge in your area of study, but can further your job prospects and enhance your earning potential - however, you’ll need to carefully consider your ultimate area of study.
Already know which engineering field and degree is right for you? We’ll talk you through each step, from the GRE to Statement of Purpose essays. Check out our complete guide to engineering masters applications.
According to salary.com, aerospace engineers with a master’s degree earn a median salary between $130,506 and $138,751.
Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering
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In the US, the top 10% of agricultural engineers earn an estimated $114,800 annually. Jobs are spread across states and industry types.
Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Top ranked US agricultural and biological engineering schools - 2023
Monster.com puts the median pay for biomedical engineers at $129,000, with Directors of Engineering earning around $164,000 annually.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (US BLS), the 2019 median salary for biomedical engineers is $104,910 - and that includes entry-level employees, so you can bet masters salaries look even better.
The median pay for US civil engineers is $86,640 - and jobs in the US are growing at a rate of 11% - according to the US BLS. Now’s a good time to get your foot in the door.
Civil Engineering
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Want to know more about the top civil engineering programmes?
This is one of the highest-earning master’s degrees you can get according to a Forbes ranking, with a mid-career median salary of $129,000.
The 2018 median salary for electrical engineers in the US is $99,070 annually which is higher than the US BLS median salaries for many engineering fields. And, it’s only the median in this diverse field.
The top 25% of environmental engineers earn over $110,680, according to U.S. News & World Report and the US BLS expects an additional 4500 US jobs to open in this field before 2026.
Industrial engineering in the US earned a median salary of $87,040 in 2018 - and another 25,100 new jobs are expected to open up over the next several years.
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Top ranked US industrial and systems engineering schools - 2023
Look for top industrial and systems engineering recruiters now
Materials engineers earn a median of $92,390 in the US, according to the BLS; it’s also offers work in some of the most diverse companies across the globe.
In 2018, the median salary for mechanical engineers was $92,390 - and the top 10% of earners took home a median of $148,110.
With one of the highest median salaries - $107,600 - according to the US BLS, you can see that skilled engineers are in high demand, inside and outside the US.
Choosing the best engineering programme for you
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.
Check out our complete guide to Engineering masters applications.
Engineering salaries: should you go for your masters?
Wondering if a master's in engineering is worth it?
Well, 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:
Already have an admit to your top choice engineering master’s?
Now’s the time to start thinking about financing your degree, securing an F-1 study visa and making the most of your campus experience. And, we can help with all of it.
Some of the schools we support:
Binghamton University - Suny - The Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science
Missouri University of Science & Technology: College of Engineering and Computing
New Jersey Institute Of Technology: Newark College of Engineering
University of Colorado - Boulder- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
University of Maryland Baltimore County - College of Engineering and Information Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology - Charles V. Schaefer Jr. School of Engineering and Science
Besides the ones listed above, we support 1135 schools, 356 universities in 20 countries. Find a school that suits you.
Post updated for accuracy and freshness on May 31st 2020, and prior to that on October 4, 2019. Originally published on June 2, 2017.
