SOP for PhD vs SOP for M.S

[humdrum]

Hi folks,

I have applied for PhD in CS. And now I am applying to some universities for M.S as well. (I think its worth doing a Phd only from a top 30 university or so, and Im not sure of an admit at all)

My question is - what are the essential differences between a PhD SOP (which I have already written) and a M.S SOP? I need to convert my PhD SOP to make it more suitable for M.S application.

Of course I have changed the program names and all....But any other important changes?

Thanks.

[LJK]

This subject has come up before: Check about half way down

If the MS is coursework, you should be expressing interest in the specific classes and professors who will teach those classes. If the MS is research based then keep the SOP focused on research - if you were proposing some sort of project in the phd SOP, make sure that you aren't proposing something too big to do during an MS. If you are pointing to areas and asking questions rather than specifically outlining a project, that can probably remain the same. Finally, make sure your future plans reflect graduating with an MS - not saying that you are planning on applying to faculty positions after graduating is probably a good idea. You want to show that you understand what the MS will qualify you for.