MEd vs MA vs MS

[BonnyLass]

Sorry if this is a question already asked elsewhere, but I can't find a clear answer online.

I notice Some schools offer masters of science, masters of arts, and then masters of education in speech language pathology. I have heard that ma vs ms is not a huge distinction, but is masters of education the same?

[Jslp]

It usually comes down to the type of focus. MEd. will focus on school system and usually people have to catch up with a few credits if they want to practice in another environment. But all of them will give you the capacity. I wouldn't really think this was a big differential for me in my decision, however. Any program will give you the ability to work in all settings. It's just the focus that changes a bit. Some have more credits and focus in aphasia, others in Autism...

[beeslp]

Potato or potatoe?

[bindlestiff]

I was wondering the same thing a couple weeks ago and searched around. There was a thread on here where people were saying in many cases it depends on the school/college that department is in. This makes sense but it's obviously not true of every program. 

I'm still pretty curious about what makes a program "arts" vs "science." Couldn't find an answer on ASHA's website.

[pfeifferl11]

From what I understand it just depends on what college the program is under. For example, the program at ECU is in the allied health building, so it's a MS degree, but at the end of the day it's all the same

[jgconforti]

My understanding is the same as pfeifferl11's.  At the University of Missouri, I'll earn an MHS since the program is housed under the School of Health Professionals.  I don't believe the program is particularly medically focused.

[dylofish]

No difference. A masters in Speech Language Pathology is a masters in Speech Language Pathology. It might be different for different fields but where our degree relies on ASHA's standards for accreditation it really doesn't matter if it's of science, arts, or education. All the masters programs require the same minimum coursework, clinic hours etc. 

 

pfeifferl11 and jgconforti are correct. Sometimes the Communication Disorders department is in the school of health or medicine, and sometimes the department is in the school of education. Depending on the university that is usually what dictates what type of masters the degree is. A good example is UVA. Their speech program is in their education school. All masters degrees in their education school are M.e.d degrees...

[SLP2B2017*]

I don't think it makes a difference when it comes to getting a job etc. 

But I know that for Eastern Washington vs WSU, even though their program is combined EWU is a MS and WSU is an MA. EWU requires a research component, and WSU does not. SO at EWU you get an MS and WSU you don't. 

[Jslp]

Yes, all valid points. However, some programs require extra work, like I was saying, to compensate for an area they don't focus on primarily:

 

Degree Requirements

The program leading to the M.S. degree in Speech-Language Pathology requires completion of at least 74 quarter units of credit with grades of "B" (3.0) or better from the courses listed below. The Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential track prepares a student to apply for California's Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential. It is 78 units and requires the completion of the M.S. degree, EPSY 5021 Introduction to Educating all Students in Diverse Classrooms (4), and fulfillment of the State of California's Basic Skills Requirement. The work must be completed within five calendar years after admission to the program. At least 63 units must be completed in residence.

 

http://www20.csueast....html#dept-info

[BonnyLass]

Thanks for the input y'all! I think I can just work hard to make sure that I round myself out for any small deficiencies in the program, but it's good to know that there are not huge marked differences between each degree