What is an MS degree? Everything you need to know

Key takeaways about MS degrees

• An MS degree is a graduate program focused on technical, scientific, or analytical fields.
• Most MS programs take 1–2 years to finish.
• An MS can help you gain deeper skills, specialize, and qualify for more advanced roles.
• MA vs. MS degrees differ in focus and style, especially in how much research each one includes.
• Scholarships, financial aid, and student loans can help you pay for your MS degree.

Thinking about grad school and wondering what an MS degree is all about? It can feel confusing at first, especially when you are trying to figure out which grad degree is right for you.

The good news: once you understand what an MS degree is and how it works, the whole process feels a lot easier. This guide breaks everything down so you can decide if an MS degree fits your goals.

What is an MS degree?

An MS degree—short for Master of Science—is a graduate program built around science, technology, math, and research. Popular areas include computer science, engineering, data science, biology, nursing, and environmental science.

The goal of an MS degree is simple: to help you gain strong, focused skills that prepare you for advanced work. Many programs include hands-on projects, labs, research, or a final thesis or capstone.

What are the benefits of earning an MS degree?

Many students choose an MS degree because it can open doors. In many career fields, a master’s helps you qualify for roles that need deeper knowledge or more technical skills. It may also help you stand out when applying for jobs or promotions.

An MS degree can also support a career pivot. For example, pairing a general bachelor’s degree with an MS in data science or computer science can help you break into tech or analytics. It is a smart move if you want to grow or shift into a more specialized path.

MS degree requirements: What schools are looking for?

Before applying, it helps to know what most MS programs expect. Requirements vary, but most schools look for the same core items.

Common application materials include:

• Transcripts from your bachelor’s degree
• A personal statement
• A résumé
• Letters of recommendation
• GRE scores (only if your program requires them)

Typical program requirements once admitted:

• Core classes that build your foundation
• Electives that let you explore your interests
• A major project, such as:
  • A thesis
  • A research project
  • A practicum or internship
  • A capstone

MS programs are flexible, so you can tailor your classes and final project to fit your goals.

MA vs. MS degree: key differences

An MA vs MS degree comparison often comes down to focus. An MA, or Master of Arts, usually centers on subjects like communications, history, education, or other humanities. These programs lean more on writing, theory, and discussion.

An MS degree leans more on data, experiments, and research. You'll work in labs and with numbers, models, and technical tools. Both MA and MS degrees are valuable; it just depends on how you like to learn and the career path you want.

What are some popular MS degree programs?

MS programs cover a wide range of fields. Here are a few common options you'll come across during your search:

• Computer science: Programming, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence
• Data science or analytics: Statistics, machine learning, big data
• Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, aerospace
• Nursing (MSN): Advanced practice, leadership, or specialized care
• Public health or environmental science: Health outcomes, sustainability, climate solutions
• Finance, marketing, or supply chain: Data-driven business roles

Tools like Scout College Search can help you compare programs and find schools that fit your goals, interests, and budget.

How to finance your MS degree with less stress

Paying for grad school can feel stressful, but you have options. Start with free money you won't have to pay back, like scholarships and grants. To see what federal aid you qualify for, be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®).

Want to get the most free money for grad school? Apply for as many grad school scholarships as you can—there are way more out there than you'd expect!

Here are a few Sallie resources that can help:

• Scholly Scholarships: Use our free tool to match with scholarships based on your field of study, background, and more.
• $2K No Essay Scholarship: Enter each month for a chance to win $2,000 for college or grad school.
• Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships: Apply to multiple scholarships with one quick application.
• Scholarships for graduate students: Explore opportunities for students in different types of grad programs.
• Scholarships for master’s degree students: Find scholarships specifically for master's degree students.

If you need more financial help, a graduate student loan may help you cover the remaining school costs.

How can earning a MS degree help level up my career?

An MS degree can lead to more opportunities, more confidence, and a clearer path toward advanced roles. Employers often see MS grads as candidates who can handle more responsibility and solve harder problems.

Salaries vary by field, but MS grads often earn more than bachelor’s-only peers, especially in STEM. Checking job listings or alumni outcomes can give you a clear idea of what to expect.

How much time and money will I need to spend?

MS degrees are flexible, but many programs follow similar timelines and cost ranges. Here is a quick guide to help you plan:

Typical program duration:

• 1–2 years for full-time students
• 2–3 years for part-time or online students
• 12–15 months for accelerated programs

Typical cost ranges:

• Public universities: About $12,000–$30,000 total
• Private universities: Around $30,000–$60,000+ total
• Extra costs: Books, lab fees, software, and clinical hours may add $1,000–$5,000+

Every program is different, so check the tuition page for each school to get the most accurate estimate. Want to compare costs easily? Use Scout College Search to explore schools and estimate tuition before you dive deeper.