msc ma phd

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD - what do they all mean?

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD (and more) are abbreviations of British degrees.

They reflect the specific level and discipline of a qualification achieved at university.

While most courses are conducted on a full-time basis, there are options for part-time, distance learning and other flexible learning arrangements.

Here is a breakdown of some of the most common qualifications and ones that Aberystwyth University offers.

• BA = Bachelor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences;
• BSc = Bachelor of Sciences;
• BENG = Bachelor of Engineering (Software, Robotics and Physics);
• LLB = Bachelor of Law.

Achieved after 3 to 4 years of study. The extra year (for a 4 year course) can be from a year studying abroad or a year working in industry.

Integrated-Masters:

• MARTS = Masters of Arts;
• MBIOL = Masters of Biology;
• MCOMP = Masters of Computer Science;
• MENG = Masters of Engineering;
• MMATH = Masters of Mathematics;
• MPHYS = Masters of Physics;
• MSCI = Masters of Sciences and Humanities.

4 years course (3-year Bachelors, 1 year Masters) that enables you to secure a loan for the full duration rather than having to fund a Masters degree separately.

• MA = Masters of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences;
• MSc = Masters of Sciences;
• MBA = Masters of Business Administration;
• MPhil = Masters of Philosophy: Advanced research Masters degree;
• MRes = Masters of Research: Contains some taught and research elements;
• LLM = Masters of Law.

Achieved after graduation from Bachelors level, usually 1-2 years duration.

• PhD = Doctor of Philosophy: for a range of disciplines.

Achieved after graduating from Masters level, usually 3-8 years duration.

A wide range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Further-Research courses – across the Arts and Sciences – are available at Aberystwyth.

What is the difference between a postgraduate taught master’s and a postgraduate research master’s?

Pgce, mres, ma, msc or phd if you’re considering postgraduate study, use this guide to learn the difference between the kinds of postgraduate degrees on offer.

Richard Carruthers

Postgraduate courses come in many formats, ranging from vocational diplomas and certificates through to master’s and doctoral qualifications.

The two most common categories of postgraduate study are postgraduate taught (PGT) courses and postgraduate research (PGR) courses.

As you shop around potential postgraduate courses, you may also come across the PGCE, the LLM, the MRes, the MPhil and the PhD.

But what is the difference between all these acronyms?

Below is a guide explaining the differences between all the postgraduate degrees on offer, including how the application process varies between them.

Postgraduate taught (PGT) courses

Postgraduate taught courses are sometimes called level 7 qualifications and are one of the most common kinds of master’s degrees. When people refer to master’s courses, they usually mean a postgraduate taught course.

These courses are typically one year in duration if studied full-time, or two years if studying part-time.

The course will usually comprise several months of taught classes, much like undergraduate study, followed by an intensive independent research project for the final few months.

These courses have highly specialised content, making them great launchpads for careers where specialist knowledge is required. They are also often used as a stepping stone to more advanced research degrees.

What’s the difference between an MSc and an MA?

Postgraduate taught courses will usually lead to either an MSc or an MA qualification, depending on the subject you choose.

An MSc stands for a “master of science” and will focus on advancing a particular aspect of scientific research across the sciences, engineering, mathematics or a similar field that involves logic, scientific research or numbers.

An MA refers to a “master of arts”, and covers postgraduate taught degrees in the arts and humanities, such as literature, languages, history, cultural studies and some social sciences.

Applying for a postgraduate taught course

To apply for a postgraduate taught course, you will normally be asked to provide transcripts showing your academic performance on your undergraduate degree, a personal statement and a CV.

Your CV should focus on your educational achievements and interests and discuss any project work that shows you have the technical and academic skills needed to be a successful and independent postgraduate student.

Your personal statement can be tackled in a similar way to a cover letter, where you introduce yourself and convey your interest, enthusiasm and motivation to study the subject. It is also advisable to tailor your statement to each course you apply for and to explain your interest in some of the modules offered by that specific course.

It can also be beneficial to demonstrate some thought around where the course will lead you in the future, whether that’s into a new career or towards further study.

With postgraduate taught courses, you often won’t have to submit a research proposal for your research project as part of your application, as the taught elements of the course are meant to help inform your research proposal.

However, some postgraduate master’s courses may ask for you to submit a research proposal or at least have an idea of the topic you want to do your master’s dissertation on, even if this changes later.

Applying to master’s courses is generally done through a decentralised system, meaning you apply individually to each course and university. Each institution will set different entrance and application requirements. Check the exact requirements your course is looking for, and get in touch with the institution’s postgraduate admissions office with any questions.

What are MRes and MPhil degrees?

The MPhil stands for “master of philosophy”. The MRes course option, which is relatively new but has grown in popularity in recent years, stands for a “master of research”.

Much like postgraduate taught courses, both the MPhil and the MRes are technically classified as level 7 qualifications, and typically take one year to complete.

The main difference between an MRes or MPhil and a postgraduate taught course is that MRes and MPhil courses place much more focus on individual research, with as much as 60 per cent to 100 per cent of either degree consisting of a personal research project.

Given the heavy research focus, MRes and MPhil courses tend to contain fewer taught classes, but you will usually receive training in research techniques. As a result of the research focus, an MRes or an MPhil may help prepare a student for a doctoral programme (PGR) or a career that requires specific research skills and techniques.

Applying for an MRes or MPhil course is very similar to applying for a postgraduate taught course, but you may be asked to submit a research proposal as part of your application, so it’s important to have an idea of the kind of research project you would like to pursue.

Doctorate courses

Postgraduate research (PGR) courses are sometimes called level 8 qualifications and usually refer to doctorate courses.

These courses take about three to four years of full-time study to complete, but the exact duration of a doctorate course depends on whether you get involved in teaching, how long your research takes to complete and how long it takes you to write your doctorate thesis.

Successful PhD candidates are awarded doctoral qualifications such as doctor of philosophy (PhD) or doctor of engineering (EngD), depending on their field of research.

Research is the core component of a PhD programme, and you will be expected to produce original work on a specific subject topic, usually in the form of a thesis.

Doctorate qualifications are often a prerequisite for a career as a university academic, researcher or scientist in industry.

Applying for a doctorate (PhD) programme

To apply for a doctorate degree, you’ll need to submit a personal statement and a CV, both providing evidence of your academic experiences and passion for the subject.

Some PhD programmes will expect you to have already completed a postgraduate taught programme, but this isn’t always essential.

For a PhD, you may also be asked to submit a detailed research proposal outlining a specific research question you would like to address, the subject area you will work in, and the approach you would take to solving this.

Your proposal should demonstrate your current knowledge and discuss how your research idea could develop or challenge existing knowledge. You should also mention the potential significance of your research and why it would be a useful contribution to your chosen field.

Usually, you will be expected to apply individually to each PhD programme you’re interested in. Places will usually be dependent on your academic achievements, but also on the funding available in your chosen university department and whether the university can provide an appropriate supervisor.

If you’re considering applying for a PhD, it may be worth contacting academics individually to discuss whether they’d be interested in supervising you and asking about any funding opportunities.

Other postgraduate courses

Aside from the categories discussed above, there are many other classifications of master’s degrees, including postgraduate diplomas and certificates.

Often these lead to a vocational qualification that is used to gain entry to a specific profession.

Examples include the postgraduate certificate of education (PGCE), which leads to a career in teaching, the graduate diploma in law (GDL) or master of law (LLM), which opens the door to the legal professions, or the master of business administration (MBA), which is a common choice for business professionals looking to gain entry to C-suite positions.

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Ma vs msc - what’s the difference.

When researching postgraduate degree courses , you're likely to have come across numerous acronyms for the different qualifications on offer. This article looks at the main differences between the MA and the MSc. We explore each term, what the two programs entail, and what kind of graduate prospects you can expect following graduation. 

What is an MA?

An MA can also cover business, consulting and management subjects, although these often come under the term MSc – the science-based equivalent of the MA – so the postgraduate qualification you gain will depend on the institution and the content of the individual courses. 

Common MA subjects include:

Anthropology  

English literature  

Languages  

Philosophy  

Performing art

Journalism  

Architecture

MA programs are offered at most universities. In the UK MA degrees usually take one year to study full time and two years to study part time. In mainland Europe and the United States, MA degrees often take two years to complete full time.

Often, students will have studied one of the subjects at the undergraduate level and want to pursue the subject as an area of interest in further detail and an MA is the ideal way to do this.

Assessments throughout the MA program will take place through a combination of exams, assignments and a dissertation .

Research MA degrees are called Masters by Research, MRes degrees or MA by research. For these, students conduct independent research and submit a dissertation, with less emphasis on taught-based teaching styles. 

What is an MSc?

MSc degrees focus more on scientific, curriculum-based STEM subjects such as mathematics, engineering, medicine or technology, although they can include some social sciences . 

Postgraduate students choose to study an MSc degree to expand their knowledge in a specialised area which can help prepare students for work in a particular field and fine-tune their knowledge and skills as well as raise their professional profile.

MSc degree subjects are typically theory-heavy with an emphasis on reading, research and lab work. Common subjects to study in an MSc degree include: 

Environmental science

Engineering  

Computer science

Biomedical science  

Accounting  

Psychology  

Business and finance

MScs are taught masters and usually take one year to complete when studied full time at a UK university and two years to study in the UK as a part-time program. If an MSc is studied at a European or American university the course may take two years of full-time study to complete and longer if studied part time. 

To be eligible to study an MSc degree, students usually need to have a bachelors degree, ideally in a similar science-based or related subject. 

MScs are assessed in a similar way as MAs, although there may be more emphasis on examinations and a shorter word count for the dissertation. MAs and MScs are graded in the same way. 

MA vs MSc – the main differences 

The main difference between an MA and an MSc is the subject focus. An MA has a humanities and social sciences focus, whereas an MSc usually have a STEM focus, although some social sciences can be studied as either an MA or an MSc. 

For example, the University of Oxford offers an MSc in Sociology while the University at Manchester has an MA in Sociology – this demonstrates that is important to check the content of the individual masters courses on offer at the various institutions to make sure you choose the one with the right balance of research, lectures, topics and examinations for you.

MSc degrees are generally classed as professional degrees, while an MA qualification is usually an academic degree. 

However, there are a few other differences that set MAs and MSCs apart, these are: 

Subject areas

When considering an MA vs MSc, the subjects covered in each type of masters degree can be broken down into arts-based topics (for the MA) versus science-based topics (for the MSc).

An MA degree will be studied in subjects from the arts, humanities and social sciences . While an MSc degree will be in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) and other more industry-led areas such as medicine and business. Some social science subjects are also offered as MSc degrees as well as MA degrees, for example anthropology and sociology .

 An MA usually offers a broader subject focus while an MSc is typically more focused on a specific area. 

For example, an MA English Language course might typically offer a broader subject focus, with several optional modules available for students to specialise in. Whereas, an MSc in Biomedical Engineering may be more restricted to the core subject, since the course itself is already highly specialised. 

Assessment methods

When it comes to assessing the MA vs MSc, both involve similar aspects, such as exams, coursework, essays and dissertation projects –  although these assessment methods can differ slightly between the MA and Msc.

An MA is typically assessed through regular coursework and essays, as well as a final dissertation. While some MAs might include exams, they are generally less exam heavy than their science-based MSc counterpart.

MSc programs are usually assessed by coursework, lab work, exams and a final dissertation. An MSc is likely to be more exam heavy than an MA degree and in many cases, the required dissertation will be shorter in length than in an MA, as it will usually be more data-driven.

Another reason for shorter dissertation lengths in MSc programs is because of the heavier exam focus - where students demonstrate practical and theoretical skills in the subject area

Teaching methods 

The teaching styles between MA and MSc courses will often differ, with varying levels of independent research and taught elements depending on the subject being studied.

An MA combines taught elements with theoretical and research aspects, which often means it will be more research-heavy compared to an MSc. An MA student will take part in taught-based study in the form of lectures, seminars and workshops, but will be expected to conduct much of their own independent research to supplement this. Although, academic staff will always be on hand to provide guidance and advice.

An MSc focuses more on taught-based learning, which includes lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory work and experiments. However, an MSc degree will still require some independent research and theoretical study alongside this.

An MSc can sometimes involve practical aspects, for example some MSc programs will include degree apprenticeships or paid internships as part of the course. This can provide excellent opportunities to those with a good idea of what their industry-based professional goal is. MAs typically don’t offer internships or apprenticeships, as they are more theoretical in their approach.

Graduate outcomes 

The graduate outcomes of an MSc degree will differ from those of an MA degree. The most important thing you can do when choosing between an MSc or MA degree is to evaluate your goals and objectives. Remember that a masters degree is subject-focused, whereas an MSc degree has a more technical and scientific approach in your chosen professional area – this means it is important to think about your ultimate career goals to make sure you study the right postgraduate degree for your needs.

An MSc could be considered to be suitable for more direct career paths, eg studying an MSc in Geology could make the graduate focus specifically on careers in geology, whereas an MA in English Language could lend itself to broader career paths in fields such as media, advertising, PR, teaching or even HR or banking.  

The MA is more likely to be a terminal degree

The phrase ‘terminal degree’ is mainly used in the United States and refers to the highest degree that can be awarded in a specific academic subject. In most cases a doctorate or a PhD will be the terminal degree, particularly with MSc degrees which in many cases prepare students to work on a doctoral degree (PhD) and can often lead to a career in academia.

Many MAs are terminal degrees, although MA students can also continue to study their subjects at PhD level. Equally, many MSc students go on to pursue careers in their studied field after graduating, as their MSc is well respected in their chosen field of work. 

MA vs MSc entry requirements

The entry requirements for MA and MSc programs differ between institutions, so make sure you check with your prospective university to avoid disappointment. 

Both MA and MSc programs require an undergraduate degree in a related subject with a minimum of a 2:1 equivalent or B grade average.

Evidence of previous undergraduate work, such as a dissertation or project, may also be required to demonstrate that you are able to successfully participate in masters level study.

For some subjects demonstration of technical and specialist knowledge may be required, this is particularly likely to be the case with a science-based MSc degree, such as chemistry , where you might require previous lab experience. Although, for MA subjects, this is much less likely. 

Whilst it is not common, some MSc degrees might require relevant work experience in order to gain a place on the course. Additionally, some MSc and MA programs may require you to interview as part of the application process.

All of these possible entry requirements depend on the MA or MSc course and university so always check details before applying to the program. 

So which is better, an MA or an MSc?

It is important to pick a postgraduate program based on how well the subject aligns with your personal interests and goals, and not to focus on the title of the qualification.

Consider whether an MA or MSc is better suited for your career goals. If you are interested in pursuing a practical industry-based career then an MSc might be the right choice for you, however if your passion lies with the arts and a career in media awaits, an MA degree is likely to be the right choice. 

Discover more about MA degrees and MSc degrees at Postgrad.

Ready to start searching for your ideal MA or MSc program? Search for a range of courses today. Don’t forget to check out our advice pages for help with every aspect of your postgraduate search and study! 

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MPhil vs MSC – The Differences Explained

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Guide to Masters degrees: MA, MSc, MBA, LLM, ... - Glossary

Author: Claudia Civinini

Claudia has many years of experience as a reporter and writer on international education and student mobility. Originally from Italy, she holds a BA in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Genova; a Graduate Diploma in Education, Secondary Education and Teaching from the Australian Catholic University; and a joint MSc in Educational Neuroscience from UCL and Birkbeck, University of London. Claudia has previously worked as Chief Reporter for the English Language Gazette, as Senior Reporter for the PIE News (Professionals in International Education), and as Reporter for Tes.

You might be interested in this:

Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US

I was asked by a reader if one can opt for a joint master and PhD program in the United States right after an undergraduate degree. My answer to that question would be YES. Most universities in the US accept students into their PhD programs right after a bachelors degree. US universities work according to the credit system. Each degree requires that the student earns a certain amount of minimum credits. In an integrated program, once you finish your master’s coursework (in 2-3 years) and earn the requisite credits/grades you can dive into full time research and the PhD portion coursework.

What are the entry requirements of MS + PhD programs?

The entry requirements are essentially the same that the school asks from its masters and PhD applicants. Undergrad grades, test scores, letters of recommendation and work experience are taken into account. Yes, your profile must be strong enough to be considered for such a position. An applicant must prove that he/she has a strong inclination for research and can continue in the program for 7-8 years. And if English is not your native language, you will likely have to prove your English ability by taking the TOEFL or another English exam. Admissions offices need to know that you can function in an English-only environment.

Masters students are usually offered only partial scholarships, depending on the availability. Many schools at least try that the international students receive some tuition waiver/scholarship. If chosen as a combined masters-PhD candidate it’s likely that the school will offer a fellowship and offer a TA/RA position. If not immediately, the RA/TA position comes in after the first semester or even the first year. Please note, this funding is entirely on the discretion of the department and it’s best to ask admissions/graduate coordinators about such policies when applying.

The advantages of such programs

If someone is absolutely sure that a doctoral degree is his/her ultimate goal, I would strongly advice opting for a combined degree. It’s a good career move to set on the research and PhD path right after an undergraduate degree. You’re set once and for all without the hassles of applying again. Additionally, the cost of applying to schools twice- once for masters and then for PhD- can be saved. Test scores are valid for a limited period of time and if it expires before the PhD cycle of admissions, an applicant is expected to appear for it again.

Combined programs are rigorous as there is a lot to learn before embarking on research. An undergrad is a novice when considering the demands of higher research. When choosing such a program be prepared to venture on a demanding, long and tough journey.

On the flipside, it’s completely alright if you want to pursue a doctoral program after completing your masters. Separate masters and PhD degrees offers you the flexibility to change schools, specializations/area of research and the option to work/research for a few years before heading for your PhD.

Best of luck in deciding which way you are headed after your undergrad!

Omanjana is the Magoosh TOEFL Student Blogger. She is a graduate student from India moving to the US in the fall to pursue her doctoral studies in Environmental Science at Rutgers. Each week, she writes posts about her experience with the TOEFL and US admissions!

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47 responses to “Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US”

In a combined MS+PhD program does the student receive masters certificate if he/she doesn’t continue the PhD program after completing the masters?

Typically yes, this is the case that a student earns the MS or MA qualification along the way, but it is not always in the subject matter of the PhD itself. These are questions that should be clarified with an individual university department. 🙂

Can you provide the list of colleges which offers combined masters and PHD course or how to discern from the official website of the college if it offers the above mentioned course ?

It’s hard to compile a full list of these kinds of programs, for a few reasons. For one thing, universities don’t always make it obvious that they have a combined grad program. If you see that a university offers a Master’s and PhD in the same subject, there’s a chance that their program combines the two degrees. But you may need to contact the school to find out. It’s also possible that a school may offer a Masters in one subject, a PhD in another, but combine these two grad degrees into one double-major program.

Specific kinds of joint degrees are easier to find lists for. Some types of combined Masters/PhD are very popular and very specific, so that lists of all such programs are available. This is definitely true of the combined JD/MBA. Many different websites have lists of JD/MBA programs. I personally like Wikipedia’s JD/MBA list .

To find a list of combined Master’s/PhD programs that’s useful for you, search just for the subject area (or areas) you intend to study. That should help you come up with a good list of your options.

Hi, I am mechanical engineer, soon I will have my Meng degree. I have two years of work experience and zero research papers. Can you please tell me do i have chance to get accepted and get assistantship at MS+PHd program in Management/Marketing (because of my engineering background)? I haven’t had any connection with bussines-related fields but I am 100% sure I want to study this! Thank you so much!

Hi Zerina 🙂 Unfortunately we don’t have any expertise in admissions chances. You’re welcome to discuss here in the comments, but we can only help you prepare for the exams you need. I recommend reaching out to your schools of interest to ask what admissions standards they use.

What’s the total duration for an integrated masters and PhD course. ?

There is no single answer for this. The masters coursework typically takes 1.5-3 years and then you progress to the PhD portion, which honestly can take a decade sometimes, but typically is a 5-6 year endeavor.

I did only one semester in one of the Universities in the UK in English and then I have withdrawn the course, and I would like to do this Combined Masters and PhD Programs in the US.

Do I need to provide TOEFL or IELTS to get the offer?

Or it is enough to provide a proof from the university that I have withdrawn from?

because I do not want take IELTS again.

If you have just one semester complete in an English speaking environment, most American universities will still want to see an English proficiency exam of some sort.

Whether or not you need to take the TOEFL or retake the IELTS depends on how long ago you took the last test. If you took the IELTS less than two years ago, you don’t need to retake it. US universities accept both the IELTS and the TOEFL, so long as your scores are less than two years old at the time of application. (Or sometimes they need to be less than two years old at the time you start your studies— contact the schools you’re applying to if you need to check the exact policy.)

However, if your IELTS scores are more than two years old, and you don’t have newer (less than two years old) TOEFL scores, you’ll need to either retake the IELTS or take the TOEFL.

Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi can we pursue joint ms phd programme in bionformatics after doing a year in master’s from india

There is no way to answer that as it will depend on individual universities and your school’s accreditation. Reach out to the schools you want to attend and see what they say! 🙂

Hello, In case of these programs where I will apply for a direct PhD program(combined masters and Phd) will i earn a ms as well as phd degree or will I receive certificate of only the Phd degree at the end of the course? Samalee

Hi Samalee,

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions and academic advice, but I think that in most cases, the school will award you a master’s before you continue onto the PhD coursework and research. My recommendation would be to research schools and programs that interest you in order to determine their requirements and schedule 🙂

Hi, Typically, what are the achievements in the resume of a student that gets selected for the MS + PhD course?

That can be a little hard to predict, since grad programs look at many different factors. That being said, relevant work experience is always a plus. If you have presented at any academic conferences or gotten a subject-related paper published in an academic journal, that helps as well. Past research or TA experience is good too, of course!

Hello, I am currently in my first year of Masters and am looking to apply for an integrated MS-PhD program. For such a program, is a subject change possible for PhD? I mean, if I do my MS in Biological Sciences, can I switch to another related subject like Immunology for my PhD? Thank you!

That depends on a lot of factors, so you should ask the departments you would be part of. Some would allow this type of thing and others would not. Unfortunately, we are not experts in this type of thing, so the best source of information is the schools themselves. Good luck!

Hi. My wife has done MCA in india and has IT experience of 5 years. Planing to do PHD but her GRE scores are less than 300. We are hoping to choose combined MS+PHD as they are colleges who would allow her MS without GRE. However, would you know if GRE has to be written again once she complete her MS or does this depend on universities? Thanks for your reply

This really does depend on the standards of each university. With a lower, sub-300 GRE score, you wife probably can get into some PhD programs. But can she get into the specific ones she’s most interested in? For the answer to that, she should check the policies of her specific target schools.

First of all thank you so much for such a nice information. i have done two years graduation and afterwards i graduated in Law with 3.8 CGPA. I am fairly keen in master+ Ph. D program in USA and Canada. Could you please recommend some universities who offering full bright scholarship in the said program.

Kindly reply me soon.I will be really great full if you E-mail me.

Kind Regards, Sadia.

i m having a score of 289 in gre i m having plans for ms as well as phd…i m looking for a teaching proffession in US. Any advices?

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice, so I’m afraid I can’t provide you much more information than what we give in this blog post! I would recommend, however, that you consider retaking the GRE. This depends on your program of study and target schools , but in my experience many graduate schools, especially PhD programs, are looking for minimum scores of 300 or higher. I may be a bit biased here, but if you’re looking for an affordable and high quality test prep program, I highly recommend Magoosh 🙂

Hey i need guidenss for preparation of ilets can u help. And i want to know that is it compulsory to give both GRE (general and subjective) or do we have option in that?

Hi Gulmina,

We have many resources to help you prepare for the IELTS! Our IELTS blog provides you with study support and study schedules, and our comprehensive Premium IELTS program will provide you with all of the information and practice you need to excel in the IELTS! The GRE requirement varies by school and program. Most graduate schools require that you take the General GRE Test. Some programs also recommend or require a GRE Subject Test. You’ll have to research the requirements of your target schools for more information 🙂 You can start your search with some general information about the GRE General and Subject tests on our GRE blog 🙂

Which test is to be written to get into an integrated Phd program?

This depends on your course of study, and you should check the admissions requirements for some of your target schools for the most accurate information! Most schools will require the GRE for graduate studies, along with an English language test like the TOEFL or IELTS .

Do we need work experience for this joint venture?? And how many letter of recommendation is required? What about GRE do we need to take GRE?

As Omanjana mentioned, work experience is taken into consideration. However, work experience is not necessarily a requirement some combined Masters/PhD programs will require work experience, but others may accept applicants who don’t have work experience. Policies on experience vary from program to program.

Policies for letters of reference also vary from program to program, although you should assume that all programs will want at least one reference letter, usually more.

Policies for GRE vary as well. Most combined Masters and PhD programs at top ranked universities will require the GRE. However, some top programs may require the GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, or another graduate exam, depending on the program type. Mid-tier programs are not asl likely to require GRE scores if their focus is humanities or teacher training. However, the GRE is commonly asked for if you are applying to a mid-ranked combined Masters or PhD that’s very science oriented.

What about work permit after completing PhD in USA?

There are a different ways to get a work permit after your PhD if you are an international student. If you can get an American employer to give you a long-term job and sponsor your visa, that’s one way to stay on and work. To get such a job offer and visa, you need to have unique, advanced skills that few other job applicants have. But with a PhD, you just might.

You can also find short-term work (that could eventually become long-term work) after receiving a degree through a special kind of work status called “optional practical training” (OPT). With an OPT work permit, you can work at a job or do voulunteer work that is relevant to the degree you’ve just completed. So for example, if your PhD is in law, you may be able to get some short-term work through OPT if you work at a law firm.

For more information about OPT, I recommend checking out Magoosh’s interview with Othman Zaimi , an international student services specialist at the University of St. Thomas. I would also recommend contacting the international education offices of the schools you’re applying to. International student regulations can change as time passes, and different schools have their own different work requirements and restrictions. So the offices of your target schools are your best source of accurate, up-to-date information about work after your PhD. But again, the interview with Othman is a great place to start! 🙂

Hi,I want to Ms and phd integrated course in mechanical abroad. Which university offer this type course.

Hi Raviraj!

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions and academic advice, so unfortunately, we can’t offer you very much help with this. With that said, this website may be a good place to start your search. From there, you can contact the schools directly for more information on their available programs. 🙂

How can we change our area of research after ms and before PhD? Because since our ms was in a different field won’t our chances of getting rejected increase??

Hi Chirag! That’s a great question, but one that would have to be answered by a specific program. I can only say that it varies. Some programs like students with a diverse background and some might want students who have stuck to one track. Be sure to reach our to your programs of interest and see what sorts of students they look for 🙂

Hi, can you please guide me to US universities that offer integrated Phd in biomedical science or biotechnology? Appreciate your help.

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice or school specialties, so I’m afraid we aren’t the best people to answer this question! I recommend using this post as a starting point, and reaching out to your target schools for more information.

Thanks for the above information. I have few more questions 1)I heard that the MS+PhD program is 5 years course, Is it true? or it will take more than 5 years.

2)if i join master’s in one university and then transferred to another university which offers combined program, Do i need to start from scratch or some subjects get waived in new university.

3) you are mentioning that there are different requirements to get combined program admit depends on university, What are basic requirements for any university, If i want to apply from India.

Thanks in advance

Hi Srikanth,

These are all good questions, but I’m afraid we aren’t the best people to answer them. Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice. As we mention in this post, everything depends on the program and school you are applying for. A combined program could take more or less than 5 years, and whether your master’s degree transfers depends on the degree and the program. Each program has it’s own requirements, but generally you would have to take standardized tests (likely the GRE and TOEFL), write essays, provide your transcripts and fill out any supplemental material for the school. I recommend reaching out to an admissions counselor for more information 🙂

Does having a work experience considered as a disadvantage or advantage to apply for MS+PhD programme?

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice, so we aren’t the best people to answer this question. In my experience, work experience is almost always a positive thing in the application process, but you should contact your target schools directly for more information.

Do we have to pay tuition fees for MS-PhD integrated programs in USA?

Hi Kashmira, I’d recommend reaching out to your target schools for more information on tuition and financial assistance offered in these kinds of programs.

Hi, 1) I initially wanted to pursue my masters from abroad but due to some reasons I couldn’t so I completed my M.Sc. in Biochemistry from India. I now want to pursue my PhD from abroad but since its very tough to get PhD positions in foreign universities, I am wondering if I should try for integrated M.Sc and PhD now ?

2) I also have a question that whether its okay for someone to do M.Sc. Immunology after completing M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences as they had very much interest in it since the beginning ?

Hi Akanksha! If you’re looking for admissions-specific advice, I’m afraid we don’t offer any admissions consulting services ourselves (we focus mainly on test prep!), but here are some other companies whose services we recommend:

Stacy Blackman Consulting

We have worked with them for several years and recommend them highly.

We also have an admissions section on our blog where our partner companies often address common student admissions questions:

GRE Admissions

GMAT Admissions

TOEFL Admissions

I hope that helps at least a little!

Hi, do we need a thesis paper published during our graduation period to be eligible for MS/PhD program in USA?

Hi Vaidehi,

Great question. This depends on the kind of program you’re applying to, since different schools will have different requirements. On average, most people that pursue a PhD degrees have their Masters in the same or similar subject, thus they already are coming in with research experience and potentially a published paper. Another thing to note is that research experience doesn’t mean that you need to have a published work; projects like final thesis or volunteering for faculty can also count as research, depending on the field.

Hope that helps!

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Psychology Graduate Program

• Psychology Department

The Clinical Psychology Program adheres to a clinical science model of training, and is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science.  We are committed to training clinical psychologists whose research advances scientific knowledge of psychopathology and its treatment, and who are capable of applying evidence-based methods of assessment and clinical intervention. The main emphasis of the program is research, especially on severe psychopathology. The program includes research, course work, and clinical practica, and usually takes five years to complete. Students typically complete assessment and treatment practica during their second and third years in the program, and they must fulfill all departmental requirements prior to beginning their one-year internship. The curriculum meets requirements for licensure in Massachusetts, and is accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) and by the American Psychological Association (APA).  PCSAS re-accredited the program on December 15, 2022 for a 10-year term. APA most recently accredited the program on April 28, 2015 for a seven-year term, which was extended due to COVID-related delays. 

Requirements

Required courses and training experiences fulfill requirements for clinical psychology licensure in Massachusetts as well as meet APA criteria for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs.  In addition to these courses, further training experiences are required in accordance with the American Psychological Association’s guidelines for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs (e.g., clinical practica [e.g., PSY 3050 Clinical Practicum, PSY 3080 Practicum in Neuropsychological Assessment]; clinical internship).

Students in the clinical psychology program are required to take the following courses:

• PSY 3900 Professional Ethics
• PSY 2445 Psychotherapy Research
• PSY 2070 Psychometric Theory and Method Using R
• PSY 2430 Cultural, Racial, and Ethnic Bases of Behavior
• PSY 3250 Psychological Testing
• PSY 2050 History of Psychology
• PSY 1951 Intermediate Quantitative Methods
• PSY 1952 Multivariate Analysis in Psychology
• PSY 2040 Contemporary Topics in Psychopathology
• PSY 2460 Diagnostic Interviewing
• PSY 2420 Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Clinical students must also take one course in each of the following substantive areas: biological bases of behavior (e.g., PSY 1202 Modern Neuroanatomy; PSY 1325 The Emotional, Social Brain; PSY 1355 The Adolescent Brain; PSY 1702 The Emotional Mind); social bases of behavior (e.g., PSY 2500 Proseminar in Social Psychology); cognitive-affective bases of behavior (e.g., PSY 2400 Cognitive Psychology and Emotional Disorders); and individual differences (Required course PSY 2040 Contemporary Topics in Psychopathology fulfills the individual differences requirement for Massachusetts licensure). In accordance with American Psychological Association guidelines for the accreditation of clinical psychology programs, clinical students also receive consultation and supervision within the context of clinical practica in psychological assessment and treatment beginning in their second semester of their first year and running through their third year. They receive further exposure to additional topics (e.g., human development) in the Developmental Psychopathology seminar and in the twice-monthly clinical psychology “brown bag” speaker series. Finally, students complete a year-long clinical internship. Students are responsible for making sure that they take courses in all the relevant and required areas listed above. Students wishing to substitute one required course for another should seek advice from their advisor and from the director of clinical training prior to registering. During the first year, students are advised to get in as many requirements as possible. Many requirements can be completed before the deadlines stated below. First-year project:  Under the guidance of a faculty member who serves as a mentor, students participate in a research project and write a formal report on their research progress. Due by May of first year. Second-year project:  Original research project leading to a written report in the style of an APA journal article. A ten-minute oral presentation is also required. Due by May of second year. General exam:  A six-hour exam covering the literature of the field. To be taken in September before the start of the third year. Thesis prospectus:  A written description of the research proposed must be approved by a prospectus committee appointed by the CHD. Due at the beginning of the fourth year. Thesis and oral defense:  Ordinarily this would be completed by the end of the fourth year. Clinical internship:  Ordinarily this would occur in the fifth year. Students must have completed their thesis research prior to going on internship.

Credit for Prior Graduate Work

 A PhD student who has completed at least one full term of satisfactory work in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences may file an application at the Registrar’s Office requesting that work done in a graduate program elsewhere be counted toward the academic residence requirement. Forms are available  online .

No more than the equivalent of eight half-courses may be so counted for the PhD.

An application for academic credit for work done elsewhere must contain a list of the courses, with grades, for which the student is seeking credit, and must be approved by the student’s department. In order for credit to be granted, official transcripts showing the courses for which credit is sought must be submitted to the registrar, unless they are already on file with the Graduate School. No guarantee is given in advance that such an application will be granted. 

Only courses taken in a Harvard AB-AM or AB-SM program, in Harvard Summer School, as a GSAS Special Student or FAS courses taken as an employee under the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) may be counted toward the minimum academic residence requirements for a Master’s degree.

Academic and financial credit for courses taken as a GSAS Special Student or FAS courses taken as a Harvard employee prior to admission to a degree program may be granted for a maximum of four half-courses toward a one-year Master’s and eight half-courses toward a two-year Master’s or the PhD degree.

Applications for academic and financial credit must be approved by the student’s department and should then be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and other data  

1. Time to Completion

Students can petition the program faculty to receive credit for prior graduate coursework, but it does not markedly reduce their expected time to complete the program.

2. Program Costs

3. Internships 

4. Attrition

5. Licensure

Standard Financial Aid Award, Students Entering 2023  

The financial aid package for Ph.D. students entering in 2023 will include tuition and health fees support for years one through four, or five, if needed; stipend support in years one and two; a summer research grant equal to two months stipend at the end of years one through four; teaching fellowship support in years three and four guaranteed by the Psychology Department; and a dissertation completion grant consisting of tuition and stipend support in the appropriate year. Typically students will not be allowed to teach while receiving a stipend in years one and two or during the dissertation completion year.    

Year 1 (2023-24) and Year 2 (2024- 25)  Tuition & Health Fees:                             Paid in Full  Academic Year Stipend:                           $35,700 (10 months)  Summer Research Award:                       $7,140 (2 months)

Year 3 (2025-26) & Year 4 (2026- 27) Tuition & Health Fees:                             Paid in Full Living Expenses:                                       $35,700 (Teaching Fellowship plus supplement, if eligible)  Summer Research Award:                       $7,140 (2 months)

Year 5 (2027-28) - if needed; may not be taken after the Dissertation Completion year Tuition & Health Fees:                             Paid in Full

Dissertation Completion Year (normally year 5, occasionally year 6) Tuition & Health Fees:                             Paid in Full  Stipend for Living Expenses:                    $35,700  

The academic year stipend is for the ten-month period September through June. The first stipend payment will be made available at the start of the fall term with subsequent disbursements on the first of each month. The summer research award is intended for use in July and August following the first four academic years.

In the third and fourth years, the guaranteed income of $35,700 includes four sections of teaching and, if necessary, a small supplement from the Graduate School. Your teaching fellowship is guaranteed by the Department provided you have passed the General Examination or equivalent and met any other department criteria. Students are required to take a teacher training course in the first year of teaching.

The dissertation completion year fellowship will be available as soon as you are prepared to finish your dissertation, ordinarily in the fifth year. Applications for the completion fellowship must be submitted in February of the year prior to utilizing the award. Dissertation completion fellowships are not guaranteed after the seventh year. Please note that registration in the Graduate School is always subject to your maintaining satisfactory progress toward the degree.

GSAS students are strongly encouraged to apply for appropriate Harvard and outside fellowships throughout their enrollment. All students who receive funds from an outside source are expected to accept the award in place of the above Harvard award. In such cases, students may be eligible to receive a GSAS award of up to $4,000 for each academic year of external funding secured or defer up to one year of GSAS stipend support.

For additional information, please refer to the Financial Support section of the GSAS website ( gsas.harvard.edu/financial-support ).

Registration and Financial Aid in the Graduate School are always subject to maintaining satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Psychology students are eligible to apply for generous research and travel grants from the Department.

The figures quoted above are estimates provided by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and are subject to change.

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 E-mail:  [email protected]   www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

The Director of Clinical Training is Prof. Richard J. McNally who can be reached by telephone at (617) 495-3853 or via e-mail at:  [email protected] . 

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Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD

• Director of the  Centre for Health Leadership and Research  at Royal Roads University, Canada
• Former senior lecturer in psychology and counseling at the  University of Greenwich, UK
• Board-certified in biofeedback and neurofeedback with the  Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA)

Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a former writer for Verywell Mind covering addictions. Prior to her role at Royal Roads University, Dr. Hartney was the resident psychologist for a Government Mental Health and Substance Use Branch , and she was the project manager for the Birmingham Untreated Heavy Drinkers project , a longitudinal study of 500 untreated heavy drinkers and their relatives at the University of Birmingham in the UK. She has provided treatment to people with concurrent addictions and mental health problems at the Foothills Medical Centre in Alberta, Canada.

Dr. Hartney has held roles in alcohol, drug, and problem gambling prevention, community-based dual diagnosis support services, and was a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Counseling at the University of Greenwich, UK .

Dr. Hartney has authored two books, contributed to numerous government documents, and her work has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at international conferences.

Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD, received her Bachelor of Science in psychology from  Middlesex University,  her Master of Science in cognitive science from University of Birmingham, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology from the University of Birmingham. 

Dr. Hartney is a registered psychologist with the  College of Psychologists of British Columbia  and a retired registered psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She is board certified in biofeedback and neurofeedback with the  Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) .

About Verywell Mind

Verywell Mind, a Dotdash Meredith Brand , is an award-winning, trusted, and compassionate online resource that provides the guidance you need to improve your mental health and find balance. We take a human approach to health and wellness, and reach more than 150 million readers annually. Verywell Mind content is fact checked and reviewed by our Review Board for accuracy and integrity. Learn more about us and our editorial process .

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What does BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD, DPsych, PGDip mean after a therapist’s name?

These letters refer to the therapist’s professional qualifications.

• BA  – Bachelor of Arts (BA or AB) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate program in the arts and sciences. A Bachelor of Arts is generally completed in three or four years, depending on the country and institution.
• BSc  – A Bachelor of Science (BS, BSc, SB, or ScB) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for programs that generally last three to five years.
• MA  – A Master of Arts (MA or AM) is a master’s degree in the field of humanities and social sciences awarded by universities in many countries.
• MSc  – A Master of Science (MS, M.S., MSc, M.Sc., SM, S.M., ScM or Sc.M.) is a master’s degree in the field of science awarded by universities in many countries or a person holding such a degree.
• PhD  – A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., DPhil) is the highest university degree that is conferred after a course of study by universities in most countries. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. As an earned research degree, those studying for a PhD are usually required to produce original research that expands the boundaries of knowledge, normally in the form of a thesis or dissertation, and defend their work against experts in the field.
• PsyD  – Like a PhD in Psychology, the Doctor of Psychology degree (PsyD) prepares trainees to practice psychology in a wide range of clinical settings. A PsyD, however, focuses more on clinical practice and less on research.
• PGDip  – A postgraduate diploma (PgD, PgDip, PGDip, PG Dip., PGD, Dipl. PG, PDE) is a postgraduate qualification awarded after a university degree, which supplements the original degree and awards them with a graduate diploma.

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MA, MSc, MRes, PhD, Eng D... different types of postgraduate courses

targetjobs editorial team

Last updated: 25 Jan 2023, 13:36

If you're at a crossroads between employment and further study, take the time to consider the huge variety of postgraduate courses on offer.

From one-year taught courses to three-year research PhDs, choosing the right postgraduate course can give you the edge in a jobs market already crowded with first degree holders. Find out what's available, what's involved and which type of course will best suit your needs. When weighing up the pros and cons of going into work or further study remember that you need not limit yourself to just one of the two.

Take a look at the lists below to find a qualification and a study method that works around you...and your career. Once you've short-listed your favourites, it's a very good idea to have a chat with potential employers to find out how they view the qualification, or even the university, you are considering. Your main options are:

Taught courses

Master of arts (MA) or Master of science (MSc)

• Taught courses most commonly come in the form of a masters degree
• One to two years full time
• Two to three years part time
• Includes seminars, lectures, tutorials, project work, oral work, some research, a thesis/dissertation and exams. The balance between these varies.

Research degrees

Doctorates (PhDs)

PhDs can be started immediately after your first degree or a masters course. It’s more common for students of sciences than arts to start a PhD straight after an undergraduate degree. They involve research into a chosen topic under the supervision of an experienced academic.

• Three to four years full time
• Four to six years part time
• Considered very intellectually challenging
• Includes a thesis of around 100,000 words and usually an oral presentation.

An EngD (engineering doctorate) is an alternative to a PhD for students looking for a career in engineering. Like those studying for a PhD, EngD students will conduct in-depth research. However, they will also spend up to 75% of their time gaining direct experience in the industry by working for a company.

Masters programmes by research (including MSc, MPhil, MRes)

These are known as MRes (master of research), MPhil (master of philosophy), MSc by research or MA by research. Put simply, these are masters programmes that rely heavily on your own private research, supervised by an experienced academic.

• Two to four years part time
• Usually involves training in research methods, but less teaching than a taught masters
• Similar in structure to a doctorate, only shorter
• Includes the production of a thesis and usually an oral presentation
• Good preparation for a PhD
• Fees usually lower than for taught masters.

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This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the targetjobs content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

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Application requirements for phd, ma, ms.

The following requirements and processes apply to all PhD and most master’s programs with the following exceptions:

• Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP)
• Joint MA Programs
• Individually Designed MA in Education

Deadlines For The 2024-2025 Academic Year:

Application Available:  September 15, 2023 PhD Application Deadline: December 1, 2023 (11:59pm PST) MA/MS Application Deadline:  January 8, 2024 (11:59pm PST) KHS  GSE Program Application Deadline, Master's & PhD Candidates: November 13, 2023

Complete and submit Stanford’s graduation application form . For reference only, here is a PDF sample of last year's application .

Coterm applicants (current Stanford undergraduates): please use the coterminal application . For more information on being a GSE coterm, visit this page: https://ed.stanford.edu/admissions/coterminal

The application fee is $125, is nonrefundable, and must be received by the application deadline.

Application fee waivers are reviewed when the graduate application opens in mid-September, and are available to GSE applicants in three ways:

• GRE Fee Reduction Certificate-Based Waiver
• Program Participation-Based Waiver
• School-Based Waiver

GRE fee reduction certificate and program participation waivers are granted by Stanford's Central Graduation Admissions office . School-based waivers are granted by GSE admissions to applicants who do not qualify for the GRE fee reduction certificate or the program participation-based waiver. School-based waiver applications will be reviewed on a first-come basis. Preference is given to low-income, first generation domestic applicants. Acceptance or denial of your fee waiver application does not affect your likelihood of admission into a graduate program.

GSE Admissions reviews and releases our School-based fee waiver decisions in rounds, and decisions are sent after 12:00 PM (Pacific) the day of the fee waiver application deadline. The rounds are scheduled as follows:

Round 1: October 1 - October 19 @ 12pm PDT (decisions released on October 20) Round 2: October 20 - November 2 @ 12pm PDT (decisions released on November 3, last day for KHS Master's or PhD applicants) Round 3: November 3 - November 16 @ 12pm PDT (decisions released on November 17, last day for PhD applicants) Round 4: November 17 - December 7 @ 12pm PST (decisions released on December 8) Round 5: December 8 - January 4 @ 12pm PST  (decisions released on January 5, last day for Master's applicants)

If your fee waiver application is approved you will receive a waiver code to enter on the payment page of your graduate admissions application.

If you do not receive a fee waiver, you are instructed to pay the $125 nonrefundable fee.

Your typed, single-spaced statement of purpose should be between one and two pages with 12-point font and regular, one-inch margins. Describe your reasons for applying, your preparation for this field of study, why our program is a good fit for you, your future career goals, and other aspects of your background and interests that might aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.

If you are applying to the doctoral program , you should include your research interests and the names of two or three faculty members whose work closely converges with yours, to identify potential advisors. DAPS applicants have a specific statement of purpose prompt; please review it below under the program-specific requirements section.

For master's applicants , focus on how your previous work, background, and/or academic experience informs your decision to apply to the program as well as how the program will impact your career goals.

Please keep a copy for your records.

What is a good statement of purpose?

Upload your resume or CV (whichever is most appropriate to your background) in the online application. There is no page limit, though we typically see resumes of one page with 12-point font and regular, one-inch margins.

In the online application, you will be asked to identify your recommenders and their email addresses. Please notify your recommenders that they will receive an email prompt to submit their letters online. You can submit your request for letters of recommendation through the system without submitting your entire application. Stanford GSE only accepts recommendations through the online application system , and cannot accept mailed, emailed, or faxed recommendations.

Your recommenders should be people who have supervised you in an academic, employment, or community service setting. We strongly recommend that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work. Your letters should directly address your suitability for admission to a graduate program at Stanford GSE.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all three letters of recommendation are submitted through the application system by the application deadline. 

Guide for Recommenders

If you are writing a letter of recommendation for an applicant to Stanford GSE, please review our Guide for Recommenders to see what we are looking for in a strong letter or recommendation.

We require transcripts from every college and university you have attended for at least one academic year as a full-time student. Upload transcripts as scanned copies or PDFs (no larger than 10MB) when submitting the online application. Please refrain from uploading a secured PDF/transcript with a digital signature, as our system cannot upload these properly.

If you earned a degree at the institution from which you are submitting a transcript, please ensure that the degree conferred and the degree conferral date are clearly visible on the document. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the degree by the time you submit your application, submit your most recent in-progress transcript .

If admitted, we will contact you with instructions for sending official transcripts. Note that the instructions for sending transcripts in the online application and on the Stanford Graduate Admissions Office website differ from this GSE requirement.

Study Abroad

If the transcript from your home institution reflects your study abroad coursework and grades, you do not need to submit original transcripts from your abroad institution.

Foreign Institutions

If your institution provides a transcript in a language other than English, we require that you submit a translation, either provided by the institution or a certified translator. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records.

If your transcript does not include your degree conferred and your degree conferral date , please submit a scanned copy of your diploma, a conferral statement, or a conferral document in addition to your transcript. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the degree by the time you submit your application, submit your most recent in-progress transcript .

GSE will not require the GRE for admission for the 2024-2025 academic year. However, applicants will have the opportunity to submit GRE scores if you have taken the test and feel that your scores would enhance your application. Not submitting your GRE scores does not affect your application negatively in any way. If you wish to send scores, please follow the guidelines below.

• For applicants submitting optional GRE scores: We accept all scores that are still valid/reportable by ETS standards . If your scores are reportable you may send them electronically to Stanford University institution code 4704 (department code does not matter). Once you submit your application, your scores will be matched with your application. We cannot guarantee that official scores received after your program’s application deadline will be included in your application.

TOEFL Requirement

Stanford University requires the TOEFL from all applicants whose native language is not English. The GSE requires a minimum score of 100 ibT. The Test of Written English (TWE) is not required. Applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree or a one- or two-year master’s program (or equivalent) in the U.S. or at an institution at which English is the main language of instruction do not need to take the TOEFL. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please refer to the central Stanford Graduate Admissions website .

TOEFL Dates and Deadlines

You should plan to take the TOEFL and have the scores sent electronically to Stanford at institution code 4704 no later than the following dates:

• PhD applicants: November 1 (to meet the December 1 deadline)
• MA/MS applicants: December 13 (to meet the January 7 deadline)
• KHS-GSE applicants: October 15 (to meet the November 15 deadline)

In alignment with ETS policy, Stanford considers TOEFL scores to be valid for two years (counting back from the application deadline).

Do I need to take the TOEFL?

Please follow our TOEFL flowchart  to determine if you are required to take the TOEFL.

TOEFL Waiver Request

If you have earned a degree from an institution in a country outside the U.S., Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland, or the UK but the language of instruction was only English, then you may request a TOEFL waiver from Stanford's central Graduate Admissions Office. Because the central office needs up to 15 business days (three weeks) to review the request, then please plan to submit your GSE application 3 weeks BEFORE the application deadline.  To request a TOEFL waiver, please see the instructions at the bottom of this page .

If approved, you do not need to take the TOEFL. If not approved, you need to take the TOEFL.

Program-Specific Requirements

Cte: elementary education; literacy, language, and english education; history/social science education; mathematics education; science education; teacher education.

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Not required. Other program-specific requirement: None.

NOTE : The History/Social Science Education program will  not admit students for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

DAPS: Developmental and Psychological Sciences

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Not required. Other program-specific requirement: DAPS Statement of Purpose must include the following (2,000 word maximum):

• Describe your academic coursework (e.g., courses in math, statistics, computer science, data science, interview or ethnographic methods, etc.) that demonstrates you have potential to be successful in the research-focused DAPS strand. Also, add a short statement of why you believe these courses are relevant to your DAPS ambitions.
• Describe any research experiences and papers you have authored/co-authored that demonstrate you have potential to be successful in the quantitative/qualitative-focused DAPS strand.
• Describe any other academic, research or volunteering experiences (e.g., film projects, policy briefs, software design, teaching) that demonstrate your potential as a researcher.
• Describe experiences that illustrate why you are applying to the graduate program in DAPS. These experiences should include academic, research, or professional experiences, and they may also include personal experiences that further demonstrate your commitment to this course of study.
• Lastly, how do you see your interests and ideas connected to those of two or more current faculty members in the DAPS program?

LSTD: Learning Sciences and Technology Design 

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Not required. Other program-specific requirement : None.

RILE: Race, Inequality, and Language in Education 

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Required. Please submit a piece of writing that helps us understand your perspectives on education as they relate to race, inequality, and/or language. The piece could include a blog post, an op-ed, a reflection on a lesson you have designed, an essay, or a more formal research paper. There is no minimum or maximum page limit requirement, however 1,000 to 5,000 words is preferred. Other program-specific requirement: None.

SHIPS: Anthropology of Education

Interview: Not required. Writing sample: Required. Please submit one research-oriented writing sample written in the context of your employment or education. The writing sample should be at least 10 pages in length; submitting the work in its entirety is acceptable. Other program-specific requirement: None.

SHIPS: Economics of Education

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Not required . Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to these essay prompts on the SHIPS Economics of Education supplemental application (page 13).

• Please discuss a situation in which you approached a problem with data (preferably about education). Explain the problem you addressed and how you used your analytical and technical skills as well as your domain knowledge to understand the data and problem. You may also elaborate on potential theoretical applications and/or data-driven approaches if you have yet to carry one out. (1,500 characters maximum)
• It is important we understand your current skills so we can better understand your needs should you be admitted to the program. On the application, you will be asked to fill out a skill level matrix. View the matrix here . If your answer is other than “degree” or “certified course,” please elaborate. (1,000 characters maximum)
• How many years of experience do you have with statistical software/programming languages? Please list languages and experience. (for example: R—x years; Python—x years; Stata—x years, etc.)
• Please identify a piece of empirical research/scholarship about education that represents the scholarship that you would like to learn to do. Why do you find this type of research valuable? We would prefer if you choose a sample of research or scholarship that was not written by one of our program faculty. (1500 characters maximum)

SHIPS: Education Data Science

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Required. Please submit a research-oriented writing sample, e.g., master's or honors thesis, senior or capstone research paper, a class research paper or proposal, or a study written in the context of your employment. Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to these essay prompts on the SHIPS EDS supplemental application (page 13).

• Please briefly describe what your ideal PhD program would provide, given your academic and professional goals. (1500 characters maximum)
• Please discuss a situation where you approached a problem with data (preferably about education). Explain the problem you addressed and how you used your analytical and technical skills as well as your domain knowledge to understand the data and problem. You may also elaborate on potential data-driven approaches if you have yet to carry one out. (1500 characters maximum)
• How many years of experience do you have with statistical software/programming languages? Please list languages and experience (for example: R—x years; Python—x years; Stata—x years, etc.).

SHIPS: Educational Linguistics

Interview: Not required Writing sample: Required. Please submit one research-oriented writing sample written in the context of your employment or education. The writing sample should be at least 10 pages in length; submitting the work in its entirety is acceptable. Other program-specific requirement: None.

SHIPS: Educational Policy

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information. Writing sample: Not required. Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to these essay prompts on the SHIPS Educational Policy supplemental application (page 13).

SHIPS: Higher Education

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information.  Writing sample: Required. Applicants must submit a research-oriented writing sample, e.g., master's or honors thesis, senior or capstone research paper, a class research paper or proposal, or a study written in the context of your employment. Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to these essay prompts on the SHIPS Higher Education supplemental application (page 13). 

• Describe any research experiences or other scholarly work that illustrate your potential for doctoral training. (1500 characters maximum)
• Describe how specific faculty, research, and curricular resources at Stanford and the GSE will help you accomplish your goals for doctoral training. (1500 characters maximum)
• Describe how you envision contributing to the doctoral learning community at Stanford and the GSE. (1500 characters maximum)

SHIPS: History of Education

Ships: international comparative education , ships: organizational studies.

This program will not admit students for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

SHIPS: Philosophy of Education

Ships: sociology of education.

Interview: The admissions committee might contact you for an interview in order to get additional information.  Writing sample: Required. Applicants must submit a research-oriented writing sample, e.g., master's or honors thesis, senior or capstone research paper, a class research paper or proposal, or a study written in the context of your employment. Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to these essay prompts on the SHIPS Sociology of Education supplemental application (page 13). 

The CTE master's program will not admit students for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Interview: Not required. Writing sample: Not required. Other program-specific requirements:

• Please briefly describe what your ideal MS program would provide, given your academic and professional goals (1500 characters maximum).
• Please describe a time you used data to better understand a problem (preferably related to education). How did you use your analytical and technical skills as well as your domain knowledge to frame the problem and consider solutions? You may also elaborate on potential data-driven approaches if you have yet to carry one out (1500 characters maximum).
• How many years of experience do you have with statistical software/programming languages? Please list statistical software/programming languages and experience separately (for example: R—x years; Python—x years; Stata—x years, etc.).
• Students will need basic programming skills to enter most data science classes. As a result, basic programming experience or prior coursework in programming is required. Novices should consider taking EdX or Coursera courses before applying. The education data science program relies on R and Python programming languages.

Interview: Not required. Writing sample: Required. Please submit one research-oriented writing sample written in the context of your employment or education. The writing sample should be at least 10 pages in length; submitting the work in its entirety is acceptable. Other program-specific requirement : None.

Interview: Not required. Writing sample: Not required. Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to these essay prompts on the LDT supplemental application (page 13).

• Please briefly describe what your ideal master’s program would provide, given your academic and professional goals. (1,000 characters maximum)
• What intrigues you about the design of digital tools for learning? (1,000 characters maximum)

Interview: Not required. Writing sample: Required. Please submit a writing sample of no more than 10 typewritten pages. This may be a paper written for a course, a section of an undergraduate thesis, a report submitted in the context of your employment, or a piece you write in response to a current event or something you have read. This writing sample should show evidence of your ability to evaluate an issue or problem, use evidence, and offer an informed opinion or solution. Other program-specific requirement: You will be asked to respond to this additional essay prompt on the POLS supplemental application (page 13): 

• Why POLS? Why Stanford? (2,500 characters maximum)

Still have questions? Our FAQ page might have what you are looking for.

For information not covered in our program pages , application requirements, or FAQ page , please contact the GSE Admissions Office at [email protected] . For information on recruitment events and visiting campus, please see Connect & Visit .

Financing Your Education

To learn more about tuition and financial support at the GSE, please visit Financing Your Education .

If you are uncertain about which degree or program to which you should apply, read "Which Degree, Which Program" by Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Professor Eamonn Callan.

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• MPhil vs MSc – Differences Explained
• Types of Doctorates

On first glances, the difference between an MPhil and an MSc may appear marginal, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

While both degrees are a postgraduate Masters qualification, they’re designed for two opposite career paths – an MSc for a career in industry, and an MPhil for a career in research or on the way to a PhD. Learning the differences between the two forms of postgraduate study will allow you to make an informed decision about your next steps and offer a clearer path to your ideal career.

This page will give you an understanding of what an MPhil and MSc are, their differences, and ultimately, which of the two degrees is better suited for you.

What Is an MPhil?

An MPhil is an advanced postgraduate degree short for Master of Philosophy . The degree is typically undertaken after an undergraduate degree by those who wish to gain specialised knowledge in original research. Although discussed later, it’s important to distinguish between the two ways an MPhil may be undertaken as we will only focus on one of them for reasons you will see.

An MPhil can be undertaken as either:

• a  standalone degree lasting two years. Successful completion of this research degree will lead to being awarded a Master of Philosophy.
• (1) their research skills are considered suitable and their MPhil programme is upgraded to a PhD programme, or
• (2) their research skills are considered unsuitable, but they have the opportunity to complete the second year of their MPhil programme to be awarded a Master of Philosophy.

While the MPhils from both routes will be identical, it’s likely that if you’re trying to weigh up the differences between an MPhil and an MSc, you would be more interested in the standalone MPhil route given its greater similarities to an MSc. Because of this, we’ll mainly focus on the standalone path in comparing an MPhil to an MSc. We recommend you read our full guide to an MPhil if you’re interested in undertaking one as a precursor to a PhD.

What Is an MSc?

An MSc is a Master’s degree short for Master of Science . Like an MPhil, they’re typically undertaken shortly after completing an undergraduate course such as a Bachelor’s degree. While MPhil courses are available in nearly all fields, MSc’s are exclusive to STEM-based subjects, such as engineering, physics and maths.

An MSc may sound like a specialist degree reserved for a few career paths, however, they’re a common Masters course taught in most universities. Regardless of your subject or university, an MSc is typically a one-year course and aims to increase your knowledge of specific topics within your field.

MPhil vs MSc – Differences Explained

An MPhil and an MSc may seem similar – both are postgraduate Master’s degrees, both are typically undertaken after an undergraduate degree, and both are available to STEM students. Yet, there is a crucial difference between the two; and this difference will likely be the deciding factor in which degree is best for you.

This difference is your intended career path .

The degrees target two different professions; an MSc a profession in industry and an MPhil a profession in research. To make this possible, the degrees set out to provide you with a unique set of skills and specialised knowledge.

As an MSc is aimed at those wishing to develop a career in industry, it focuses on providing practical knowledge which has uses within the workplace. Therefore, while theoretical-related concepts may be taught, they will form a small part of your learning material with the focus instead on practical topics. For example, a civil engineering student may undertake an MSc in Construction Project Management ; here, topics from resource planning to cost and risk management would be covered.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Unlike an MSc, which although may contain research-based components depending on the university, an MPhil is almost always a research-only degree. As a result, the degree is mainly undertaken by those who wish to pursue a research-based profession.

As discovered earlier, an MPhil may also be undertaken as a precursor to a PhD by those who wish to have a career in advanced research or academia. Where an MSc focuses on broader knowledge around several specialised subject areas, an MPhil focuses on a specific research question, within a specialised topic. In other words, it goes a level of specialisation deeper than an MSc. For example, had the previous civil engineering student opted for an MPhil instead of an MSc, their study and therefore resulting knowledge may have centred around ‘how risk management may better be managed through the use of technology’. It’s for this reason most consider an MPhil a ‘mini-PhD’ and an MSc as a specialised ‘addon’ to an undergraduate degree.

MPhil vs MSc: Table Summarising Differences

Is an mphil better than an msc.

Academically, an MPhil is the most advanced Masters qualification you can obtain. For this reason, it sits above an MSc but below a PhD in terms of course difficulty, and ‘academic prestige’ if such a thing even exists.

However, you would be mistaken to think this makes an MPhil degree better or more valuable than an MSc degree. In truth, we’ve seen how both degrees meet the different long-term requirements of the postgraduate student undertaking them. Therefore, the better question would be ‘which degree is better suited for you?’.

If your goal is to gain practical knowledge which you can apply to your industry, then an MSc is likely for you. On the other hand, if your goal is to have a profession in education or research, an MPhil will likely be the better option, especially as a precursor to a PhD degree.

Browse PhDs Now

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Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD

• Director of the  Centre for Health Leadership and Research  at Royal Roads University, Canada
• Former senior lecturer in psychology and counseling at the  University of Greenwich, UK
• Board-certified in biofeedback and neurofeedback with the  Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA)

People with addictions struggle not only with uncomfortable symptoms and complex lifestyle issues, but also with the stigma which causes so many to live in secrecy, rarely if ever revealing the true nature of their addictive behavior. With a better understanding of addictions, those involved in addictive behaviors, as well as their families and loved ones can gain new hope, and begin to take control of their own lives.

Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD, is a former writer for Verywell covering addictions. Prior to her role at Royal Roads University, Dr. Hartney was the resident psychologist for a  Government Mental Health and Substance Use Branch , and she was the project manager for the  Birmingham Untreated Heavy Drinkers project , a longitudinal study of 500 untreated heavy drinkers and their relatives at the University of Birmingham in the UK. She has provided treatment to people with concurrent addictions and mental health problems at the  Foothills Medical Centre  in Alberta, Canada.

Dr. Hartney has held roles in alcohol, drug, and problem gambling prevention, community-based dual diagnosis support services, and was a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Counseling at the  University of Greenwich, UK .

Dr. Hartney has authored two books, contributed to numerous government documents, and her work has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at international conferences.

Dr. Hartney received her Bachelor of Science in psychology from  Middlesex University,  her Master of Science in cognitive science from University of Birmingham, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology from the University of Birmingham. 

Dr. Hartney is a registered psychologist with the  College of Psychologists of British Columbia  and a retired registered psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She is board certified in biofeedback and neurofeedback with the  Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) .

About Verywell Health

Verywell Health, a Dotdash Meredith Brand , is an award-winning online resource for reliable, empathetic, and up-to-date health information on medical topics that matter most to you. We reach more than 300 million readers annually. Verywell Health content is fact checked and reviewed by our Medical Expert Board for accuracy and integrity. Learn more about us and our editorial process .

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Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD

• Director of the  Centre for Health Leadership and Research  at Royal Roads University, Canada
• Former senior lecturer in psychology and counseling at the  University of Greenwich, UK
• Board-certified in biofeedback and neurofeedback with the  Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA)

Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a former writer for Verywell Mind covering addictions. Prior to her role at Royal Roads University, Dr. Hartney was the resident psychologist for a  Government Mental Health and Substance Use Branch , and she was the project manager for the  Birmingham Untreated Heavy Drinkers project , a longitudinal study of 500 untreated heavy drinkers and their relatives at the University of Birmingham in the UK. She has provided treatment to people with concurrent addictions and mental health problems at the  Foothills Medical Centre  in Alberta, Canada.

Dr. Hartney has held roles in alcohol, drug, and problem gambling prevention, community-based dual diagnosis support services, and was a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Counseling at the  University of Greenwich, UK .

Dr. Hartney has authored two books, contributed to numerous government documents, and her work has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at international conferences.

Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD, received her Bachelor of Science in psychology from  Middlesex University,  her Master of Science in cognitive science from University of Birmingham, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology from the University of Birmingham. 

Dr. Hartney is a registered psychologist with the  College of Psychologists of British Columbia  and a retired registered psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She is board certified in biofeedback and neurofeedback with the  Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) .

About Verywell Family

Verywell Family, a Dotdash Meredith Brand , is an award-winning, modern resource that supports you through all the stages of pregnancy and parenthood. We take a human approach to health and wellness content and reach more than 140 million readers annually. Verywell Family content is fact checked and reviewed by our Review Board for accuracy and integrity. Learn more about us and our editorial process .

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What does PhD, MD, MA, MSc, BA, BSc mean?

What do the abbreviations PhD, MD, MA, MSc, BA, BSc mean? If you are wondering, follow the following article of Network Administrator to find the answer.

In life sometimes you will receive a business card in English with abbreviations like PhD. Or on some foreign university degree will also be the acronyms such as PhD, MD, MA, MSc, BA, BSc. When reading these acronyms printed on a good business card, do you know what these acronyms are for learning? If you are wondering what the meaning of these words is, follow the following Network Administrator article to find the answer.

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PhD (also written as Ph.D, Dphil) is an acronym for Doctor of Physolophy in English, meaning Doctor / Philosopher.

Dr. is the highest student of all levels, it first appeared in Germany, later used by the US and other Western countries. Recent years PhD has been pooled to generalize people with PhDs in all professions.

MD is an acronym for the phrase A medical doctor / physician. This is a degree in medicine that is very popular in many countries. MD learners often learn to practice more than theory.

MA is an acronym for Master of Arts. This word is understood as a literary / social master. These people specialize in social sciences such as media, education, language, literature, geography, history and music.

4. MS or MSc

MS or MSc stands for Master of Science. This word means a master of natural science. This degree is given to individuals after completing a course in natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, engineering, health or statistics. In some places it is often assumed that by MS there is more 'weight' than an MA.

BA stands for Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Arts / Social Studies who are professional in humanities, literature, history, social sciences, media and foreign languages. In addition, BA is an acronym for Business Analyst, this is a professional analyst, who connects customers with business people and technical workers.

BSc (or BS) stands for Bachelor of Science which means the bachelor of natural science. BS diplomas are related to subjects such as engineering, technology, mathematics, computer science, nursing and biochemistry. Although BS degrees are often related to science subjects, many schools also offer BS degrees in some other areas such as music.

In addition to the above acronyms, we also add some acronyms in the table below about the job positions you will often encounter in life. Invite you to consult.

Bc., BS, BS, B.Sc. or BSc

The Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of natural science.

The Bachelor of Business Administration

Bachelor of Business Administration.

The Bachelor of Commerce and Administration

Bachelor of Commerce and Management.

B.Acy., B.Acc. or B. Accty

The Bachelor of Accountancy

Bachelor of accounting.

The Bachelor of Laws

Bachelor of law.

Tập đoàn của công việc và chính sách quản lý

Bachelor of management and public policy.

The Master of Art

Master of social science.

MS, MSc or M.Si

The Master of Science

Master of natural science.

The Master of business Administration

Master of Business Administration.

MAcc, MAc, or Macy

The Master of Accountancy

Master of accounting.

The Master of Science in Project Management

Master in project management.

The Master of Economics

Master of economics.

The Master of Finance

Master of Finance

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctorate (industry in general).

Doctor of Medicine

Doctor of medicine.

Doctor of Science

Doctor of science.

Doctor of Business Administration

Doctor of Business Administration.

The above are the most popular academic courses in the West, and common acronyms in degrees and scientific works. Thus, the above article explained to you what the words PhD, MD, MA, MSc, BA, BSc mean, which words are short.