I don't know if this is still the case with universities, but when I received my MA it was considered a slightly higher degree than an MS because it meant I had met the foreign language requirements for a PhD.
Warren W. Aney MA, Biometrics Oregon State Unversity, 1973 -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Priya Shukla Sent: Sunday, 17 April, 2011 17:14 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] M.S vs. M.A. Hello Ecologgers! I'm wrapping up my fourth-year in environmental sciences at UC Davis and have been looking at graduate schools. I notice that different schools will offer either an M.S. or an M.A. degree. While I've heard there isn't a true difference between the two degree types, I've noticed that many government positions require an M.S. degree. I was hoping some of you could provide me with some insight on the difference between the two degrees -- if there even is one at all. Also, all else equal, would you hire an individual with an M.S. over an M.A.? Many thanks! -- Priya
