<p>Hey everyone! I've looked everywhere and I'm having a hard time really deciding on a Master of Science in Communications vs a Master of Professional Studies focused on Communications.</p>
<p>What is the difference besides the focus on research by the Master of Science? Which one is viewed more highly when applying for a job or potentially a PhD program?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>As far as I understand it, a master’s of professional studies is dedicated to preparing students not just within the content area of the field, but for the professional practice of it. Loosely speaking, an MA in communications is designed to teach you about the study of communications as an academic field, and perhaps a bit about the practice. The professional studies program is designed to not only teach you about the academic study of communications, but also the professional execution of it. MPS programs market themselves as preparing their graduates to be ideal employees in a modern marketplace.</p>
<p>But speaking more practically, there’s no guarantee that an MPS program will <em>actually</em> prepare you more for professional practice than an MA or MS program. It all depends on the curriculum of the school in question and the kinds of experiences you will get while in school (internships, practica, etc.) Employers don’t care what the precise letters are behind your name; they care about what you are equipped to do for them. If an MS has more professional experience and translatable or directly applicable skills than an MPS, they’ll hire the MS.</p>
<p>PhD programs, on the other hand, will prefer a research-based, academic-focused program.</p>