M.A. vs M.S. for biology

Graduate School
1

<p>What is the difference between an M.S. and an M.A.? Is one preferable over the other? What kind of jobs are available for each?</p>

<p>I’ve been unsuccessfully searching the internet all day for the answers and I have no contacts that have familiarity with either of the degrees.</p>

<p>I’m particularly interested in a job in evolutionary studies or marine science, though whether or not it is research based is not a real issue. I more or less simply wish to know my options regarding these two degrees.</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

2

<p>

A PhD would be preferable to either, particularly since you’re much more likely to get funding. In fact, most of the good programs only admit students for the PhD (with a few exceptions like UNC).</p>

<p>Marine science is a very difficult field to break into. Even PhD candidates from the top programs (UCSD/Scripps, MIT/WHOI, URI, UW, Columbia) can have a hard time finding a job. Finding a job with an MS would be just as difficult, if not more so.</p>