Professional Master's vs. Academic Master's

[legoac]

So on researching graduate programs, I have noticed that there are two types of Master's programs offered: "professional" master's degrees and "academic" master's degrees. From what I gather, academic degrees are more theoretical and are often preparation for PhDs, whereas professional degrees tend to be terminal and focus more on job skills. I do not intend to go for a PhD, but I am still unsure as to which type of program I should look at. Can anyone shed some more detailed light on the differences between the two? Are professional degree seekers less likely to receive financial aid and/or be offered TA/RA positions?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[ArtHistoryandMuseum]

The actual differences between the two are dependent on your field. However, I have a somewhat "academic", but ultimately "professional" master's degree (museum studies), and I am seeking an academic degree now in Art History. This is requisite for my career path of curating and working ideally in a university setting. That said, if I were to go into collections management or other admin museum roles, the PhD in Art History is not needed, required, or desired; and if I were to go into conservation, museum management, or museum ed, I would likewise seek an appropriate program, e.g. conservation master's, art admin master's, or museum ed graduate programs, respectively.

[ghanada]

I agree, the difference is more by field than anything else. You don't really have a "choice" within a particular field. Since you are posting this in the Computer Science forum I will assume that is what you are looking at. In most cases, if you apply for a Masters, it will be an "academic" degree. I think there are some schools that do a Masters in Engineering (MEng) for computer science, but these are probably more rare. MEng degrees are becoming more popular these days and are meant for engineers that want to go into industry. However, as I have heard from lots of engineering professors and professionals, the MEng still doesn't have quite the same respect as a M.S.

Professional degrees are usually meant for a specific industry like medicine, law, public policy, business, etc. These are less likely to be funded and are often very expensive. So to answer your last question, yes, it is less likely these degrees will be funded and be offered RA/TA positions. Think about it, these degrees don't really have research components or thesis, so you wouldn't be an RA and usually TAships are for "academic" oriented people, particularly PhDs.

Bottom line, if you are in computer science and you want to go into industry, you will be fine with a standard M.S. That is the norm and the route lots of CS majors take. You won't have a hard time getting into industry with a M.S. However, with that said, you still might not get funding regardless of whether or not you are doing an "academic" degree. Funding at the Masters level is much tougher and definitely not the average case. Most funding is reserved for PhD students, while only some funding is given to standout Masters students. You might be eligible for RA or TA positions, but again, they usually aren't guaranteed at the Masters level, so how likely it is you will get one of these positions varies from school to school.

[Ancient CS Grad]

In computer science there is an third degree often masquerading under the professional label. This is the "career changing" degree offered by many institutions, usually those who do not offer Phd programs. If you already have a BS/BA in computer science these programs are not for you since you probably have completed 90% of the required courses. Be sure that which ever way you go that the program you choose is advanced enough to move your career forward.

[psycho_killer]

In computer science there is an third degree often masquerading under the professional label.  This is the "career changing" degree offered by many institutions,  usually those who do not offer Phd programs.  If you already have a BS/BA in computer science these programs are not for you since you probably have completed 90% of the required courses.  Be sure that which ever way you go that the program you choose is advanced enough to move your career forward.

Interesting.  Can you give some examples of schools offering degrees like that?