Master of Science vs. Master of Education vs. Master of Arts

[jc14]

Hi all,

I started a thread earlier that has been discussed many times, and so I'm hoping this topic isn't as redundant.

I'm currently debating between some Master's programs, and I was wondering what your guys' takes were. How would you describe the differences between an M.S., M.Ed, and M.A., especially regarding the Educational field?

I'm guessing this is going to come down to "what is it that you want to do?" I'm not sure I want to pursue at PhD as of right now. I'm going for Applied Statistics/Quantitative Methods in Education. Anyone care to give their two cents? I'm also wondering if you guys think there is a significant difference between holding one or the other. Again I hope this topic isn't too repetitive, I tried to search around a bit but couldn't quite what I was looking for.

Edited March 18, 2015 by jasonchang14

[higheredhopeful]

Yeah, I'm looking at Higher Ed programs and they're all different and seem interchangeable to me.

 

Northwestern's is M.S. in Higher Education Administration and Policy

NYU's is M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs

Vanderbilt's is M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration

 

Most of them are either M.A. or M.Ed. though.

[StenoLubr]

i think you need to clarify more on what you mean by differences regarding education. You can try wiki if you need to know the differences in their definition

[jc14]

@StenoLubr well I just meant in the realm of education, what are the differences. For example, an MA in in Statistics vs. and MS in Statistics might have different implications than an M.Ed in Educational Policy vs. MA in Educational Policy; or in my case, an M.Ed in Quantitative Methods vs. M.S. in Applied Statistics (both degrees are for and from the Education departments).

And I'm thinking more along the lines of the practical differences both inside and outside the world of academia. (Jobs, pursuing PhD's, etc.)

[sjk0831]

As long as I know, MEd in education is more curriculum oriented. So it does not require masters thesis to greaduate. On the other hand, to earn MA in educ, you should complete MA paper. Have no idea difference btw MA and MS

[PeterQuince]

I echo the sentiments that the differences between the degree nomenclature are often historic (and rooted in what individual universities will and will not approve through their faculty committees, which can vary widely for reasons unknowable to external observers).

 

My best recommendation is to look not to the names of the degrees but the curriculum and the jobs graduates take after completing their studies. Those two metrics will be much more instructive. If you're interested in a PhD program, an extended master's thesis or rigorous research methodological training will probably be valuable (both in gaining admission and once you're there), but if you're interested in becoming a practitioner of some sort field work will probably be more relevant. And some programs combine these elements or allow you create a more personalized experience that sets you up for your targeted path. Don't discount what people do with the degrees and don't assume that you will be the person who does the singularly different thing (i.e. remember the old statistic that 98% of people with law degrees become lawyers).

[jc14]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

I was interested because I wasn't sure if the type of degree should influence my decision when choosing a program: M.Ed Quantitative methods; M.S. applied statistics; etc

I also thought it was strange that Penn changed their program from M.S. SMART (Statistics Measurement Assessment and Research Tech) to an M.S.Ed, simply because they were getting rid of their thesis portion of the program.

[_kita]

The title doesn't matter as much as the program focus, department it's set in, etc. If it's a M.A. in Student Affairs Administration, but is set in a counseling program, expect a heavy counseling component versus if it's in the education department. Look to see where the program fits in terms of your professional goals.