<p>I'm curious as to what the difference between a MS / MA in a given discipline, versus a "Master of" in the same discipline. One example I see quite a bit is a "Master of Science in Computer Science", as well as a "Master of Computer Science".</p>
<p>From what I have gathered, the MS / MA in a given discipline is for somebody with a BS / BA in that same discipline, while a "Master of" is for somebody with undergraduate work in another major. Is this the only difference? Is there more to it?</p>
<p>Please note: this is not a "what's the difference between a BS and BA" question. </p>
<p>There is no organization or body that standardizes such terminology, so it is impossible to state the difference without reference to the actual school and program. Most schools seem to reserve the traditional MS/MA degree titles for traditional research-based full-time programs, and often invent titles such as you describe for part-time, coursework-only degrees. I have never seen a distinction made in the type of degree based on the degree you earned previously.</p>
<p>It varies from school to school. Different schools use the Master of Engineering, Master of Science, and Master differently. At some schools, the Master of Computer Science would be a coursework-only degree (a “professional master’s degree”) whereas a Master of Science in Computer Science requires a thesis (a “research master’s degree”). At other schools, it’s the exact opposite. </p>
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<p>Again, it varies from school to school. But what I usually see is when someone does not have an ABET accredited undergraduate engineering degree then earns a master’s degree from an ABET accredited school where the master’s degree is not accredited (only the bachelor’s degree is), the person tends to be awarded an undesignated Master of Science (i.e. a Master of Science instead of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering).</p>