What is Masters degree: Definition and 97 Discussions

A master's degree (from Latin magister) is an academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice. A master's degree normally requires previous study at the bachelor's level, either as a separate degree or as part of an integrated course. Within the area studied, master's graduates are expected to possess advanced knowledge of a specialized body of theoretical and applied topics; high order skills in analysis, critical evaluation, or professional application; and the ability to solve complex problems and think rigorously and independently.

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  1. J

    Physics Navigating Quantum Computation: My Masters and PhD Prospects

    I'm currently in my final year of BSc(Hons) in mathematics and computer science & A.I (applied math stream). Indeed, I'm starting to think about what masters I want to pursue and the kind of subject I would like to specialize in. I am really interested in quantum computation and the prospects of...
  2. S

    Programs Online Masters Degree in Mathematics

    Hi All, I would like to know which university/college is good for taking an online masters degree in mathematics at an affordable cost. I am a mechanical engineer and currently working in Saudi Arabia for the past 4 years. I was pretty good in Maths during school and college days. I feel...
  3. J

    Schools Masters degree at same university

    I know that it is generally a bad idea to do all of your education (bachelors to PhD) at the same institution, but what about getting your bachelors and masters at the same university, then getting your PhD somewhere else? I'm in a position where I'll be graduating after the fall semester so I...
  4. U

    PhD MUST be on same area as masters degree?

    I'm still an undergraduate but I was wondering about the future and all that. I do like love physics as a whole, but I don't think there is a subfield which I REALLY like or REALLY dislike. I also like "versatility" as a way of life. So I was wondering: "can I move to and from subfields as I...
  5. S

    Engineering Am I old to start a Masters degree in Engineering?

    I have recently finished BEng degree in Electronics Engineering, I am 25 years old now. I am thinking of applying for a MS in Electrical Engineering starting in 2016, by the time I graduate I will be 29! Is it very old, are there any chances to get employment in a related field or do...
  6. C

    Programs Which Master's Degree Should I Choose for Future Impact and Personal Passion?

    Next year I should start my master's degree (if everything goes well this year). I have my doubts regarding which area to choose. I know most the teachers. I know with which I would like to work. But I don't want that bias compromising my choice. My university has the following areas for...
  7. C

    Programs US - where to get loan for Masters degree?

    hello, where can i get loan for masters degree. i know some companies like discover give loan for graduate study but I'm curious what better options i have. is it too late to fill fafsa and apply for federal loan?
  8. 7

    Programs Whats the difference between a masters degree and a graduate certifica

    I understand that a graduate certificate is a lot less involved and expensive than a Masters degree. What would be the difference in holding a masters in mechanical engineering verse a graduate certificate in mechanical engineering? How would the pay offs compare in salary and employability...
  9. N

    Programs Do I need Masters degree in Electrical and Computer science?

    I have done my Undergrad in Electrical Engineering and I have close to 8 Years of work experience in PCB design and mostly in Validation. I have done Signal Integrity and bit of Power Integrity validation for boards. I would like to move towards Signal and Power Integrity field. In that case...
  10. G

    Programs Importance of Research for a Masters Degree

    I'm wondering how much undergraduate research really matters when applying for to get into a masters program. Obviously different schools have different requirements. I know that. Try as I might, though, I can't get any research experience. I'm a third year student in a physics-mathematics...
  11. G

    Programs Doing another masters degree after having a masters degree

    Hello everyone, I'm from Malaysia and I have a B.Sc. in Nuclear Science. A university here is currently having a research collaboration with a my company to develop and qualify my company's Pipeline Automated Ultrasonic Testing Equipment and I'm currently involve in the project by doing...
  12. S

    Programs Does one commonly get a masters degree before a phd

    If you were getting a PhD in either pure math or physics, with the intention of becoming a professor, does one first need to get a masters degree before their PhD, is it different for the two fields?
  13. F

    Programs EE Program vs Physics (Masters degree)

    Hi everyone. Recently, I started a MS program (terminal) in applied physics. I'm noticing my desire for physics really isn't there. The core coursework (classical mechanics, math physics) thus far isn't too interesting, thus I'm not doing that well. The honest reason for going is that it...
  14. L

    Programs Exploring Astrophysics: Preparing for a Masters Degree

    Well, Astrophysics has interested me for quite a few years now and I was wondering where to go next. I'm currently just hitting year 13, studying Physics, Chemistry and Maths. I was just looking at ways to get a masters in Astrophysics, maybe abroad apprenticeships, other ways or even just the...
  15. S

    Becoming a Space Scientist: Which Masters Degree is Best?

    I would like to be a space scientist.Right now i have completed my Bachelors in physics with 97%.Whether an MSc in Physics or Theoretical physics would be more good?Reply soon
  16. K

    Programs Do you need a masters degree in Physics to be a Professor?

    Will not having a masters degree lower my chances to be a professor in physics.
  17. reddvoid

    Masters Degree @24: Is it Normal?

    Is it normal to start masters degree at age of 24 or should I've joined early. . . .i finished my bachelors degree 3years back. . . .and i don't have work experience in my core field which is electronics engineering.
  18. T

    Programs Honours degree or Masters degree?

    Hello guys! Which do you guys think is better, an honours degree (an additional year at the end of my undergrad degree usually involving a mixture of research and coursework) or a masters degree? I'll be starting my BSc (intending in Maths and Physics or Computer Science) at the Australian...
  19. D

    Masters degree for Physics teaching

    I am an undergrad who wants to teach high school physics in the US (most likely public school). I am seeking some advice about a masters degree. I could either pursue a masters degree in education or in physics. The M.ed would probably include student teaching. The M.sc would probably require...
  20. S

    Schools Masters Degree in Physics at Lund University - A Review

    Does anybody know how good the masters degree in physics at Lund University is? Also what topics do they specialize in? I am considering to study there. Currently I am studying at the University of Technology in Vienna.
  21. P

    Programs Masters degree in Comp. Sci with a physics bachelor's?

    Hey Guys! After suffering something of a quarter life crisis in my senior year in undergrad physics, I decided not to apply for my Ph.d. Instead, I decided I'd like to work professionally as a software engineer. Problem is, I have little formal education in computer science (I took a class in...
  22. D

    Programs Grad funding -math or physics masters degree or phd

    how much money did you receive for graduate funding are you in math or physics/masters or phd are you in Canada or the United States or somewhere else and what do you think is average, below average, above average for a domestic masters student per year? how do they make the decision...
  23. O

    Schools Applying for grad school in the US with a masters degree

    I am thinking about applying for grad school in the US (Chicago to be exact) and I have some questions. First of all, some background. In 10 months I will have a masters degree from University of Iceland. A masters degree here is one year of graduate level courses (60 ECTS) and one year of...
  24. A

    Choosing a Masters Degree in Physics: Advice Needed

    Hi everyone. Straight to the point: this summer I will finish my BSc studies in Physics and so I need to choose specialty to study for my MSc degree. (University of Tartu, Estonia, EU, it's 3 years for BSc and 2 more for MSc). Unfortunately I don't seem to have a certain field of interest. I...
  25. D

    Question about teaching college with a Masters Degree

    I seem to get mixed messages when it comes to the requirements one needs to teach at a college. I'm not talking about a research position at university. Like, at the smaller private colleges or something. I've heard that all you need to become a professor at such an institution is usually a...
  26. planethunter

    Programs 2nd bachelors or a masters degree?

    What degree would provide me more job offers and have more potential? A second bachelor's in electrical engineering (I have a bachelor's in pure mathematics) or a masters in applied physics (where I would have to take a few undergraduate physics classes in order to get me up to speed)? Thanks!
  27. A

    Programs Pursuing a Masters Degree in Astronomy

    Hi, I hope this finds you all in good health. I am telecommunications engineer but now want to pursue my age old interest in astronomy. So I am planning to go for a Masters degree in September 2011 session from US. In this regard I seek answers to these questions: 1. What are the...
  28. E

    Programs What criteria should I consider when choosing a masters degree in physics?

    Hi all, I've made a few topics about my future master. Now the time has come for me to really decide and I still don't know. It's either nuclear physics of cellular biophysics. I'm very interested in both of them, but it's a huge decision I'm making and as always with big decisions I'm...
  29. U

    Programs Is It Financially Feasible to Pursue a Physics Master's Degree in the US?

    I'm in my 2nd year of a 3year BSc Physics course in the UK. I was wondering whether it would be financially faesible to study for a masters in the US? What sort of financial support is available and how many years does a typical Physics masters take? Thanks
  30. D

    Programs Masters degree after Undergrad

    Does a B.A. vs. B.S. strongly impact your ability to get a masters degree? Especially if it is in an unconnected area? E.g. Physics to C.S./Engineering?
  31. B

    Masters degree with no experience

    I'm currently in my senior year of EE and still can't find an internship. I am set to graduate next fall with no issues. I really (really really) want to get a masters in furthur EE courses but have heard of people having problems finding a job with too much academia and not enought...
  32. T

    Programs Is a Ph.D in Optical Communication a Good Career Move Without a Master's Degree?

    Hi guys, i currently graduated from Northumbria University, which i know is not an excellent university, but somehow i got reasonably good grade, i have applied directly into Ph.D, will there be any problem for my future carrier if i pursue my Ph.D without completing masters? And i think i...
  33. N

    Schools Masters degree and PhD restrictions for a specific college degree.

    Hello! How do I know which degrees grant me elegible to study a masters degree on a different study branch? For example, neuroscience, is it restricted to certain degrees? Or, is it possible to attend a special program to certify the credits needed for a particular specialization degree?
  34. E

    Programs Online Masters Degree Engineering Physics or Applied Physics

    Does anyone know of an online Masters Degree in Engineering Physics or Applied Physics? I have searched around, but to my surprise, did not find much.
  35. U

    Programs Can You Pursue a Masters in Physics Without a Physics Undergraduate Degree?

    Hello, I am currently enrolled in an undergraduate veterinary medicine course, I would like to know which university has a Masters program in physics that cater to people without physics as an undergraduate degree? Thanks
  36. O

    Programs Choosing a Masters Degree- Physics or Engineering?

    I am a senior Engineering Physics Major at Eastern Michigan. The program is not ABET accredited, however the physics department is very good here. I have a good GPA and a strong love for physics (overall GPA >3.70, Physics GPA >3.90). The Engineering Physics major here is almost the same as...
  37. F

    Programs Oral Examinations for Masters Degree

    I'm looking into programs for my Master's in Aerospace Engineering, and have noticed that I could do a non-thesis program where I would need to pass an oral examination. Has anyone done this option, and if so, what type of questions are asked? I would guess they would need to be theory based...
  38. K

    Programs Can I apply for an EE Masters degree with a Computer Science BS?

    I dropped out of an Electrical Engineering major in my old school, and now I'll be studying Computer Science in another school. Does this pretty much leave me stuck in CS for a Masters? I didn't even finish the basic EE stuff in my old school, like the introduction to circuit analysis stuff...
  39. Holocene

    Programs Can I Get a Masters Degree in 2 Years?

    Masters degree? One of my friends has a B.S in physics, and a masters in mechanical engineering. He did it all in 6 years. Now surely an appreciable amount of physics relates to mechanical engineering, but is it typically that easy to complete another "separate" major like that? If I do 4...
  40. T

    Programs Is a Master's Degree a Good Stepping Stone for a PhD in Physics?

    Hi, I would like to get into a good physics graduate program but my undergraduate background is probably not good enough to achieve that. So, I was wondering if it is advisable to get a terminal masters degree at a middle tier school as a stepping stone for getting into a better school's PhD...
  41. D

    Programs Masters in EE: Accelerated vs Regular MS: Pros & Cons

    how favorable is an accelerated ms/bs program sound to an employer, as compared to a regular 2-2.5 year MS? (finish my BS and MS in 5 years... start taking grad class in senior year) also, I am thinking about going the MS-project/exam route, than a thesis. What do employers think of this...
  42. E

    Programs Considering a Masters Degree

    Hello, Firstly, I'm technically a senior working towards my Bachelors in Mathematical Science. I chose a physics concentration for my math degree. However, working with my advisors, I've taken several special topics classes (such as particle physics) to beef up my physics background. At...
  43. Holocene

    Programs Engineering: Is a masters degree basically required these days?

    Can you get into a decent position with only a 4-year degree?
  44. U

    Programs Company Pays for My Masters Degree Info?

    Hi - I'm an undergrad EE thinking about graduate school: whether or not to attend after I graduate or later. If I go to graduate school immediately after, I will have to pay. If I get a job with a reputable company with a decent tuition assistance program, they will pay. Obviously, we know...
  45. V

    Programs Terminal Masters vs. Research Masters: Which is the Best Path to a PhD?

    most universities in US offer a terminal masters degree. does enrolling for this degree mean, the candidate can't further pursue any other degree in the future? like suppose if he/she changes his mind after the terminal degree, if he wants to do research is he barred from starting with a...
  46. P

    Is a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering necessary for designing aircraft?

    I will shortly be able to acquire a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering. I am interested in designing aircraft as opposed to subsystems, but I am not enthusaistic about the various "system-of-systems" approach that essentially works to make new aero design codes(as opposed to new aero...
  47. H

    Programs European Vs. North American Masters degree

    I recently finished my bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering in Canada, and I'm planning to continue to finish at the masters level and in this regard i am particulary looking to do so in europe where many technical schools offer what they call international masters degree (i.e. programs...
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