Differences between MS and MSc Degrees

After pursuing the Bachelor’s degree most of the candidates go for higher studies i.e. masters’ degree. But it’s very confusing for a science student to know which degree he/she will go for, MS or MSc degree. Understanding the two types of programmes will help you build a more focused and relevant application for admission. Your application will easily stand out when it reflects the confidence that you have chosen the right programme based on your career aspirations and potential. These two degrees look quite similar to their full forms are same i.e. Master of Science. Many of the Science students who have pursued their Bachelor’s degree get confused when it comes to higher studies. Choosing the right PG course is a big task for them.


MS vs M.Sc.


1. Eligibility 

Eligibility for MS:
To pursue MS degree, you just need a Bachelor’s degree in any field from a recognized college/university. You need to have completed 16 years of previous education to pursue the MS degree. So, qualification of 10+2+4 year degree program, 10+3 year diploma + 3-year degree program or 10+2+ 3 year degree program and related qualifications are valid for admission in MS degree.

Eligibility for M.Sc.:
To pursue M.Sc. degree all you need is a Bachelor’s Degree in Science i.e. B.Sc. with minimum cut off marks (as stated by the respective college/ university). There is no age limit to pursue M.Sc. degree.

Note: Eligibility Criteria for M.Sc. may vary with different colleges depending on their policy.

2.Entrance Exams

Best entrance exams  to get admission in MS Courses:


  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  • GRE (Graduate Record Examination)


Best entrance exams to get admission in M.Sc. Courses:

  • GSAT (GITAM Science Admission Test)
  • MCAER CET
  • NEST (National Entrance Screening Test)
  • IIT JAM (Joint Admission test for Masters)
  • OUAT Entrance Exam


3. Specialization


If you want to pursue the MS and M.Sc. degree, then it is important to know the specializations in which you can pursue these degrees.

Specializations of MS Degree:
  • MS in Biomedical Engineering
  • MS in Chemical Engineering
  • MS in Statistics
  • MS in Operations Research
  • MS in Computer and Information Technology
  • MS in Management Information Systems
  • MS in Environmental Engineering
  • MS in Systems Engineering
  • MS in Computer Engineering
  • MS in Mathematics

Specializations of M.Sc Degree:
  •  M.Sc. in Physics
  •  M.Sc. in Economics
  •  M.Sc. in Biological Sciences
  •  M.Sc.in Chemistry
  •  M.Sc. in Mathematics
  •  M.Sc. in Information Technology
  •  M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology
  •  M.Sc. in Biotechnology
  •  M.Sc. in Atmospheric Science
  •  M.Sc. in Electronics
4. Career options

Career Options after  MS:

1. You can become a School counselor, academic counselor or an academic adviser.

2. You can work with youth, adults, or a geriatric population in a wide range of professional settings, including:
  •  Community mental health centers
  •  Wellness centers
  •  Public or private hospitals and healthcare settings
  •  Domestic violence, emergency, and homeless shelters
  •  Residential treatment centers
  •  Correctional facilities
  •  Child and family service agencies

3. You can apply for the senior-level or leadership positions in big data analytics, engineering, programming, security, and systems architecture.
4. You can also apply for a Banking Sector Job.
Career Options after  M.Sc:

1. You can apply for Research or Scientists Jobs in Government Owned Scientific Research and Development Organizations such as –
  • Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics Kolkata
  • Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
  • Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
  • Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
  • Physical Research Laboratory Ahmedabad
  • Nuclear Science Centre New Delhi

2.You can become a Professor at India’s Top Most Universities.
3. Officer Jobs in the following Organizations:
  •  Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
  •  Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
  •  National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
  •  Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
  •  Bharat Petroleum


4. You can get recruited in the private companies like- Infosys, Wipro, TCS, Nagarro, Amazon, and CTS etc.

Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash