Master of Arts vs. Master of Science: What’s the Difference?

There are many benefits to earning a graduate degree. Through a master’s degree program, students can explore their passions and gain valuable expertise in their chosen field, which can lead to a higher earning potential, new job opportunities, or career advancement.

For those considering graduate school, it’s important to understand the different types of master’s degrees. Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees are the most common degrees that graduate schools offer. The fundamental differences between an MA and an MS lie within their focus, curriculum, and career outcomes. Learning more about each master’s characteristics will help prospective graduate students make an informed choice.

What Is a Master of Science?

A Master of Science degree program emphasizes hands-on applications and equips students with specialized skills that can be used to address real-world challenges and to apply their knowledge in practical ways. STEM master’s programs are some of the most common MS programs.

Many MS programs incorporate laboratory work, internships, and industry partnerships into the curriculum. This can give master’s students an advantage when applying for midlevel, senior, or executive positions.

Psychology 

Master’s programs in psychology explore human behavior and mental health treatment. For example, psychology master’s programs can prepare students for careers as counselors and marriage and family therapists. 

Engineering

Engineering programs emphasize applying math and science to solve real-world problems, including teaching students how to design, test, and build machines, structures, and processes. In addition to MS programs, engineering schools may offer a Master of Engineering program.

Computer Science 

Computer science and related fields, such as information technology, involve the study of computers and computational systems, including theoretical and applied approaches to software and information systems. In an MS program, students explore the theory, design, development, and application of computer concepts.

Natural Sciences 

Natural science master’s programs explore the physical world and its natural occurrences. This category encompasses physical sciences and biological sciences. Physical sciences include chemistry, geology, physics, and math. Biological sciences include biology, botany, zoology, genetics, and microbiology.

Healthcare 

Healthcare master’s programs build expertise in healthcare management, healthcare informatics, human resource management, financial management, laws and ethics, and quality improvement.

What Is a Master of Arts?

A Master of Arts degree program provides a deep exploration of theories and concepts with the goal of getting students to think critically and analyze information. MA programs are typically offered in liberal arts fields such as the humanities and social sciences. Many graduate programs in education also offer an MA. 

Education

Education master’s programs provide graduate-level training in instruction, school administration, and educational therapy. These degree programs can prepare educators for career advancement and specialized roles. 

Humanities

Master’s programs in the humanities focus on areas such as human culture, literature, history, communication, and philosophy. These MA programs emphasize critical thinking, research, and the exploration of cultural, historical, or philosophical concepts.

Social Sciences 

Social science master’s programs examine human society, blending qualitative and quantitative methods of study. These programs are commonly offered in sociology, political science, international studies, and criminal justice. 

Differences Between a Master of Arts and a Master of Science

The major differences between an MA and an MS are in their course focus, research approaches, and career paths.

MA vs. MS: Areas of Study 

MS and MA programs have different curriculum and coursework requirements. MS programs generally emphasize quantitative and technical courses relevant to the field. The coursework includes advanced mathematics, statistics, data analysis, scientific research methods, and specialization-specific topics.

On the other hand, MA programs focus on qualitative and interdisciplinary approaches. The curriculum often includes seminars, research papers, literature reviews, and discussions that encourage critical analysis and reflection.

MA vs. MS: Research Methods 

Graduate programs emphasize research, but the methods used in MS and MA programs differ.

MS programs use qualitative methods to conduct research. Students may work on a thesis or a capstone project that builds on their research skills in scientific methodologies and how they can be applied to real-world situations.

In contrast, MA programs apply qualitative approaches to critically analyze diverse topics. Depending on the program, students may complete a master’s thesis or take master’s exams to demonstrate their mastery of the field and its methods.

MA vs. MS: Career Goals and Opportunities 

Whether an individual chooses to pursue an MS or an MA can have a significant effect on their career prospects and opportunities. Having valuable skills that employers are seeking can open up a range of opportunities in a graduate’s chosen career path. To employers, a master’s degree signifies field expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to start in a new role right away.

MS graduates are ideal candidates for technical and research-based positions within various industries. Having these specialized skills can help students stand out for competitive roles that require advanced technical expertise. Those with an MS degree may find suitable employment opportunities in fields such as engineering, information technology, healthcare, or scientific research.

For those interested in a career in education, public administration, journalism, social services, or cultural institutions, pursuing an MA degree can lead to numerous professional opportunities. The skills gained through an MA program in critical thinking, research, and communication can enhance an individual’s analytical abilities and comprehension of social and cultural dynamics.

Master’s Programs at NDNU 

From its campus in the heart of Silicon Valley, Notre Dame de Namur University focuses on graduate-level education. Degree-seekers can earn a Master of Arts, a Master of Science, or another type of master’s degree at NDNU. 

School of Business and Management 

The School of Business and Management helps students build professional competencies and prepares them to become innovative leaders in careers in diverse industries. SBM draws on its Silicon Valley location to encourage applied learning and values-centered leadership. 

Undergraduates can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through the school’s degree completion program.

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is a popular master’s degree program that helps students develop strong management and leadership skills. This degree can lead to career advancement in fields such as marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. 

The MBA program at NDNU helps students strengthen their analytical decision-making and problem-solving skills, with a flexible online format designed for working professionals. 

Master of Business Administration in Management Science

The science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-focused MBA degree program blends technical and management training to help students strengthen their quantitative expertise and real-world management skills. 

The STEM curriculum in the NDNU MBA in Management Science program emphasizes analytical problem-solving and data-driven decision-making. Graduates pursue diverse roles in the information-based global economy. 

Master of Public Administration

Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs emphasize skills in organizational management, public finance, and policy-making. Designed for professionals who want to lead in the public and nonprofit sectors, an MPA program helps prepare students for leadership roles.

At NDNU, the Master of Public Administration program blends theoretical and practical knowledge, with an emphasis on public policy, administration, and program evaluation. 

Master of Science in Technology Management

Master’s programs in technology management explore how technology impacts business, with a focus on decision-making, project management, and using new technologies efficiently. 

NDNU offers a MS in Tech Management program that helps engineering and technology professionals build business and operational skills. 

School of Education

The master’s programs in the School of Education are designed for teachers, administrators, specialists, and community leaders. Graduate students benefit from personalized attention and individualized counseling, with the option to earn credentials accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. 

Master of Arts in Education

A Master of Arts (MA) in Education program teaches educators how to develop effective curricula, design assessments, and improve their teaching practice. With a master’s in education, graduates can also pursue roles in education-focused organizations.

The MA in Education program at NDNU emphasizes curriculum and instruction. Students can choose between in-person, hybrid, or online delivery methods. 

Master of Arts in School Administration

A Master of Arts (MA) in School Administration program prepares educators for leadership roles in schools. Educators learn about managing organizations, making policies, and supervising teaching professionals. 

The MA in School Administration program integrates a preliminary administrative services credential and administrative fieldwork. Students apply what they learn in courses in leadership, management, finance, and curriculum development in real-world educational settings.

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

A Master of Arts (MA) in TESOL program helps educators teach English to people who speak another language by placing a strong emphasis on language acquisition theories, curriculum development, and efficient language instruction.

Offered online, the MA in TESOL program at NDNU prioritizes values-based education in TESOL with an emphasis on educational technology. 

Master of Arts in Educational Therapy

A Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Therapy program teaches how to support people with learning disabilities. Master’s students strengthen their assessment, intervention, and therapy techniques. 

The fully online MA in Educational Therapy program at NDNU is one of only three programs of its kind in the U.S. 

Master of Arts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work emphasizes systemic unfairness and how to create inclusive spaces. Master’s programs in this field cover the history and culture that lead to inequality and effective approaches to remove obstacles.

The online MA in DEI Leadership program at NDNU uses an interdisciplinary approach to help graduate students strengthen their DEI leadership skills to make a difference in organizations undergoing change. 

Master of Arts in Special Education

Meeting the growing demand for special education teachers requires specialized programs that focus on educating learners with disabilities and special needs. Earning a Master of Arts (MA) in Special Education can lead to an endorsement in this area for current special education teachers and can help them gain valuable expertise.

The MA in Special Education program at NDNU meets the requirements for California education specialist credentials through advanced coursework and field-oriented programs.

School of Psychology

The School of Psychology emphasizes clinical training and applied psychology in its master’s programs. Graduate students can prepare for careers as licensed therapists and counselors or work in areas such as organizational psychology or consulting psychology. 

Undergraduates can enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree completion program.

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology

Earning a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychology can open up many doors to rewarding career opportunities. These include roles in counseling, mental health, research, human resources, and other areas that require knowledge of human behavior and psychology. 

The MS in Clinical Psychology program offers multiple tracks, including options for marriage and family therapists, licensed professional clinical counselors, and those in nonclinical roles. 

Earn a Master’s Degree at Notre Dame de Namur University 

Earning a master’s degree can advance your career and unlock new job opportunities. Whether you’re interested in a Master of Arts, a Master of Science, or another type of master’s degree, Notre Dame de Namur University can help you reach your educational goals.

With online, hybrid, and in-person learning options, NDNU has a program that fits your schedule, interests, and professional goals. At NDNU, our class sizes remain small, with an average of eight to 15 students per class, allowing you to more easily make connections with your professors and peers. Our experienced instructors are professionals who actively work in their fields. And we offer various student services to support you every step of the way to graduation.

Reach out to NDNU for more information about enrolling in a master’s program.