Master of Science (MS) Degree: Benefits, Career and Requirements
Learn about a Master of Science (MS), the majors you can study, and how it can shape your career.
- Education
✨ 5-second summary
- A Master of Science (MS) is a graduate degree focusing on advanced theoretical knowledge and research in science, engineering, and technical fields
- An MS degree usually takes 1 to 2 years to complete full-time and includes a research project at the end of the program
- MS degree holders get an opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills to access higher-paying positions in their field or switch fields completely
What is an MS?
An MS stands for a Master of Science. It's a graduate degree (can also be known as postgraduate in some countries) that focuses on advanced theoretical knowledge and research in science, engineering, and technical fields. MS programs are usually designed for students who have a Bachelor's degree and want to deepen their expertise in a specific area of interest.
How long does it take to get an MS degree?
Depending on the program and country, a Master of Science is typically 30-60 credits, so can take 1 to 2 years of full-time studies. Many universities also provide part-time study options, which can lengthen the duration of your education.
What does an MS program include?
An MS program involves a mix of advanced coursework, seminars, and independent research. You're expected to engage deeply with your chosen field, often conducting experiments, data analysis, or theoretical work. The degree usually culminates in a thesis or a major research project, which is meant to demonstrate your ability to analyze the existing information and contribute original knowledge to your field.
Types of Master of Science (MS) degrees
There are many Master's degree types, and which one you should enroll in depends on your field of interest. Often, a Master's builds up on your Bachelor's degree, but it's not always the case. You can pursue a totally different major, you just may need to complete the required coursework.
You can study for a Master of Science degree in the following areas:
Master of Science grading systems
UK
In the UK, MS degrees are typically graded as
- Distinction: a final grade of 70% or above,
- Merit: a final grade of 60-69%,
- Pass: a final grade of 50-59%,
- Borderline pass/fail: a final grade of 40-49%,
based on the student's overall performance, including coursework, exams, and thesis.
US
In the US, MS programs are often graded using the GPA (Grade Point Average) system, where a 4.0 GPA is considered excellent. However, during your studies, you can receive grades in a different form:
- A: 90% and above
- B: between 80% and 89%
- C: between 70% and 79%
- D: between 59% and 69%
- F: a failing grade
These letters are then converted to quality points (A is a 4.0) and make up your GPA.
EU
In the European Union, MS degrees are graded differently in each country. Most universities use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) that assigns values to courses and modules.
Admission requirements for Master of Science
UK
In the UK, admission to an MS program typically requires an undergraduate degree (often a 2:1 or higher) in a related field. Some programs may require professional experience or specific prerequisite courses.
US and Canada
In the US and Canada, students must have a Bachelor's degree, usually with a strong academic record in a related field. Some programs may also require a resume/CV and standardized test scores (such as the GRE).
Europe
In Europe, admission to an MS program often requires a relevant Bachelor's degree (or coursework) and, depending on the country, may include standardized tests, language proficiency exams, and interviews.
Benefits of an MS degree
A Master of Science degree gives you an opportunity to explore your passions further, level up your technical skills, and dive into science. During your thesis or capstone project, you can conduct research and contribute to the field by solving real-world problems. An MS also allows you to climb the corporate ladder and access higher-paying positions.
Here are some of the benefits of getting an MS degree:
- Advanced knowledge in a specific field
- Research skills
- Better career opportunities
- A stepping stone to a PhD
- Higher earning potential
- Networking opportunities
- A chance to change careers
Read more about the benefits of an MS: Is a Master's Degree Worth It?
What can you do with an MS?
An MS opens doors to advanced career opportunities in various fields. Here are some paths you can pursue:
- Research and development (R&D): Since an MS degree is usually quite research-focused, working in an R&D department can be a great next step after graduation.
- Industry: With advanced technical knowledge, you can pursue specialized positions only available to MS degree holders.
- Academia: Alternatively, you can stay in academia and pursue a PhD.
- Management and leadership roles: An MS also unlocks management roles – some people even pursue graduate degrees for the sole purpose of moving up.
MS degree salary
According to Payscale, the average salary for someone with a Master of Science degree is $88,000 per year. Some of the highest-paying positions are:
- Software engineers have an average annual salary of $103,000.
- A data scientist position can get you around $100,000 per year.
- Mechanical engineers earn about $86,000 per year.
- Project managers make around $86,500 annually.
- Aerospace engineers can have $97,000 per year on average.
You can read more in our Master's Degree Salary Guide.
Conclusion
Pursuing a Master of Science degree is a significant step toward advancing your career in scientific and technical fields. This degree equips you with specialized knowledge, research skills, and a strong foundation for both professional growth and further academic pursuits.
Whether you aim to enter the workforce at a higher level or go for a Doctorate, an MS degree offers a valuable and versatile educational path.
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Tetiana Sokolova
Author
With a Bachelor's degree in System Analysis and Applied Statistics, Tetiana brings a strong analytical foundation to her role as a Content Editor at Keystone Education Group. She is dedicated to researching, producing, and refining content to support students worldwide in their education journey, applying her technical expertise and analytical skills to ensure accuracy and relevance.
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