Difference Between MS And MEng

The world is witnessing constant and remarkable advances in the field of science which draw many students who dream to be a part of these outstanding developments. The MS and MEng degrees are the routes to securing such a professional position within Engineering and other sciences. 

Let us take a glance at the differences between the two courses, their curriculums, and specializations, and decide which of the two is a better qualification.

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General Overview

We have already established the similarities between the two courses. But what exactly is the difference between MS and MEng? Read on to learn about them individually.

MS or Master of Science degrees

Master of Science, sometimes known as MS or MSc, is a commonly undertaken postgraduate course, primarily linked to Engineering and Technology, Information Science, and General Sciences.  

The MS degree is for four semesters and its duration may range from 1.5-2 years. To be eligible, candidates must have earned their bachelor’s degree.

MEng or Masters of Engineering

MEng, or Master of Engineering, on the other hand, is a highly specialized master’s degree that focuses on coursework. In comparison to an MS, an MEng degree lasts for a much shorter duration of only two semesters or a full year.

The degree is usually pursued by students who wish to gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in their respective engineering fields.

Course Outlines

The most significant distinction between an MS and MEng is in how the courses are offered. Since MS is an academic degree, it prioritizes research and theoretical study. A thesis or, in some instances, a non-thesis alternative is used to assess the students in addition to traditional examinations and projects.

A Master’s in Engineering (MEng) is a professional degree, and hence, it aims to teach students to apply theory to real-world applications. The coursework focuses mainly on strengthening a student’s skills to obtain relevant employment in their intended sector. 

In this degree exams or projects are used to assess the pupil, with research thesis usually absent.

Specializations

Some of the more popular specializations in the MS and MEng degrees are listed below:

• Specializations in MS 
  • Machine Learning
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Engineering Management
  • Data Science
• Specializations in MEng 
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Electronics
  • Chemical Engineering

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Difference in Syllabus

MS students learn advanced research techniques, including the application of current approaches and procedures to a project and the critical analyses of findings.

MEng largely imparts only technical skills intended to accelerate a student’s introduction to the employment market. In essence, an MEng allows one to obtain a Chartered Engineering certification much quicker.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance is also a key difference between MEng and MS. Since the duration and coursework differ quite a bit, the fees also differ substantially.

For MS

Name of Institution	Course Name	Yearly Fees (approx)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	All MS courses	USD 55,510 (INR 42,30,036)
University of Oxford	MS in Biotechnology	GBP 28,560 (28,67,574)
Technical University of Munich	All MS courses	EUR 75-147
University of Melbourne	All MS course	AUD 48,320 (INR 27,04,053)
University of Toronto	All MS course	CAD 30,810 – 62,560 (INR 18,32,313-37,20,544)

For MEng

Name of Institution	Course Name	Yearly Fees
Harvard University	All MEng courses	USD 6,366 (INR 4,85,201)
University of Melbourne	Graduate Certificates	–
International University of Applied Science	MEng in Engineering Management	–
University of Toronto	All MEng course	CAD 30,810 – 32,688 (INR 18,33,065-19,44,799)

Salary and Job Prospects

Although specific entry-level computer science roles may not require a master’s degree, experts in the field with an MS qualification have notable perks. 

Additionally, computer science graduates are likely to earn the best compensation on receiving a master’s degree, outranking even Engineering, Business, and Math and Science graduates across all MS categories. 

Upon completing an MEng degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Civil Engineering, one can work in various Engineering Industries. 

Engineering professionals with advanced degrees are in high demand in the market, and an advanced accelerated course like an MEng can be extremely beneficial.

Here are a few of the remuneration figures for both degrees.

Job Profile	Median Salary in India	Median Salary in the US	Median Salary in Canada	Median Salary in the UK
Mechanical engineer	INR 3,53,231	USD 90,160 (INR 68,42,700)	CAD 67,614 (INR 40,43,300)	GBP 32,213 (INR 32,49,300)
Electrical engineer	INR 3,73,233	USD 90,915 (INR 69,00,000)	CAD 71,396 (INR 42,69,500)	GBP 32,739 (INR 33,02,400)
Software engineer	INR 5,95,323	USD 119,960 (INR 91,04,400)	CAD 78,441 (INR 46,90,700)	GBP 38,528 (INR 28,77,619)
Project Engineer	INR 3,87,909	USD 77,419 (INR 58,55,300)	CAD 72,485 (INR 43,34,595)	GBP 33,774 (INR 34,06,800)

MS vs. MEng: Which program to choose

Now that the question of what is the difference between MS and MEng has been answered, let us understand which program you should choose.

A vital reason why anyone would choose an MEng over an MS is that despite providing similar coursework, MEng is far more cost and time-efficient. 

Nevertheless, it might be a smart idea to invest some extra time and finances towards obtaining an MS since people often have to go back to school to acquire a more specialized education. Moreover, having an MS degree allows one to acquire a PhD later. This will not be possible with an MEng.

Moreover, understanding the employment opportunities these degrees provide is one of the better methods to pick which course might be more beneficial between MEng and MS. 

But no matter what you pick, both degrees will allow you to hold a Chartered Engineering certification.

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Disclaimer! All course fees/salaries/expenses are indicative.

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