MS vs MEng?

[lostandconfused]

What is the difference btwn these two degrees? Which is better if you plan on pursuing a PhD?

[AlwaysWorried]

I asked the admissions person at Cornell a similar question. The difference is that an MEng is course based with a project instead of a Thesis. A Masters of Science is supposed to be research based and have a Thesis.

With little to no national oversight of either program the two degrees should be considered roughly equivalent. The Masters in Science might give you an edge for applying to PhD programs, if you did a very research oriented project in an MEng program you could get similar credentials. I find myself in the same situation choosing between an MS and and MEng. I am going for the MS and hope to transition to a PhD program.

Another step I took was to email professors that I want to work with a both schools and see who responded. Based on this my decision was very easy.

[Jordan+AirForce1]

the response above is generally right.

but it really depends on the school. (and possibly which program you choose)

for example, some schools don't have M.Eng and their MS is equivalent to M.Eng from other schools.

some schools have M.Eng longer, and some schools have MS longer..

[watereverywhere]

I agree with what's been said.

In addition, I know for MIT - their M.Eng requires both a group and individual project/thesis. I love this idea (probably why I'll end up there in the Fall)

And you always have the option of switching from M.Eng to S.M., which is nice.