List of master's degrees in North America

This list refers to specific masters degrees in North America. Please see master's degree for a more general overview.

Master of Accountancy (MAcc or MAcy) or Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) or Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc)

Master of Accountancy (MAcc, MAc, MAcy or MPAcc), alternatively Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcy or MPA), or Master Science in Accountancy (MSAcy) is typically a one-year, non-thesis graduate program designed to prepare graduates for public accounting and to provide them with the 150 credit hours required by most states before taking the CPA exam.

See also: Master of Science in Taxation

Master of Accounting (MAcc) is an 8-month degree offered by the University of Waterloo, School of Accounting and Finance in Canada that satisfies the 51 credit hours and CKE exam requirement needed to write the Chartered Accountant Uniform Final Exam (UFE) in the province of Ontario. The School also delivers a Mater of Taxation program. The School is housed in the Faculty of Arts.

Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) is a two-year, non-thesis graduate program offered by the University of Saskatchewan in Canada

Master of Science in Security Technologies (MSST) is a 32 credit, thesis graduate program for security as it relates to technology, intelligence collection, policy, law, cyber and physical security management, and security methodology. The program is within the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota.

Master of Applied Anthropology (MAA)

The Master of Applied Anthropology (MAA) is a two-year program focused on training non-academic anthropologists. The University of Maryland, College Park developed this program to encourage entrepreneurial approaches to careers outside academia, where most new anthropologists are likely to seek and find employment. For this reason, it is considered a professional degree rather than a liberal arts degree.

Master of Applied Politics (MAP)

The Master of Applied Politics is a 2 year Masters Degree program offered by The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at The University of Akron. It is one of the few professional master’s degree programs in the United States focusing on practical politics and efforts to influence political decisions. This includes winning elections, campaigning, fund raising, influencing legislation and strengthening political organizations. MAP graduates have gone on to manage campaigns, run for political office, join polling and fundraising firms, and start their own consulting firms.

Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE)

The Master of Arts in Christian Education is a seminary degree primarily designed for those in the field of church ministry. Various specializations include children's ministry and youth ministry, among others. Thus, many children's pastors and youth pastors obtain the degree, while senior pastors usually pursue the Master of Divinity degree. The degree is usually obtained in 2–3 years.

Master of Arts in Cross-Cultural and International Education (MACIE)

This master’s degree, offered by Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, prepares professional educators to be effective leaders in the internationalization of schools and communities and to be positive facilitators of cross-cultural understanding. The focus of this degree program is to prepare a global educator who is able to: • lead in internationalizing curriculum • foster international educational partnerships • infuse education policy and practice with cross-cultural awareness.

Cross-cultural and international education is defined as the examination of education from diverse perspectives in international, transnational, and global contexts. The topics that students address in this program transcend national boundaries. This differs from multicultural education which specifically examines issues within a single nation.

The program connects cultural and international understanding with educational theory and practice through a unique combination of courses from several disciplines at BGSU. Students construct the academic basis for their program from select courses in the College of Education and Human Development and other colleges on campus. The students then apply this academic foundation to a practical cross-cultural/ international internship experience. Current students are participating in a variety of internships in formal and non-formal settings, including international sites in China, South Africa, Vietnam and Belize, and domestically with Indigenous students in Alaska and Mexican migrant populations in Ohio. Students complete the MACIE program with a capstone seminar or a master’s thesis.

Retrieved from www.macie.org on 11/26/10

Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed. or MA Ed.)

A Master of Arts in Education is perhaps the most flexible degree in the field, and often allows an educator to specialize in one of several concentrations. In addition to taking core classes in educational philosophy, child psychology, educational ethics, and education research methods, teachers pursuing this advanced education degree generally specialize in one of several fields.

Educational professionals who are looking to remain in the classroom often opt to pursue an online Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in either elementary or secondary education. At many universities, a concentration in special education is also available. Individuals who are looking to leave the classroom often pursue concentrations in educational leadership, technology, or counseling. This list is by no means complete, as each university offers its own options for specialization.

Overall, the M.A. in Education includes more of the theoretical study of education than most of the other advanced degree options. The Master of Arts in Education also offers an extremely high level of flexibility, and can help to advance careers both inside and outside of the classroom.

Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL)

The Master of Arts in Leadership at Saint Mary's College in California is a flexible yet rigorous program that provides three avenues for completing the graduate work. This Hybrid program allows for online learning and periodic seminar-style classroom sessions over several days.

The Master of Arts in Leadership allows you to facilitate collaborative change in any industry or sector, find and implement new solutions to contemporary problems, and take your career to new heights. The degree is ideal for professionals who understand that the key to their advancement is helping people and organizations to do their best, rather than acquiring more administrative or financial skills. Our collaborative approach will empower you to work with a wide variety of peer levels, skill sets, cultures, departments and fields, creating meaningful and values-based change along the way. These are crucial skills in areas such as Medical, Public Service, Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Executive Management, Human Resources and other careers involving effective policy creation and need to influence organizational change.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Coursework and practice leading to a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is intended to prepare individuals for a teaching career in a specific subject of middle and/or secondary-level curricula (i.e., middle or high school). The MAT differs from the MEd degree in that the course requirements are dominated by classes in the subject area to be taught (e.g., foreign language, math, science, etc.) rather than educational theory; and that the MAT candidate does not already hold a teaching credential whereas the MEd candidate will. The MAT often is the initial teacher education program for those who hold a bachelor's degree in the subject that they intend to teach. Work toward most MAT degrees will, however, necessarily include classes on educational theory in order to meet program and state requirements. Work toward the MAT degree may also include practica (i.e., student teaching). This abbreviation is also sometimes used to refer to a Master's in Theology (see ThM).

The Master of Arts in Teaching, or MAT, differs from the M.Ed. and the other Masters degrees in education primarily in that the majority of coursework focuses on the subject to be taught (i.e. history, English, math, biology, etc.) rather than on educational theory. While some online MAT programs offer a more general overview of the foundations of effective teaching, most MAT programs combine the study of widely established ‘best practices’ in the classroom with a focus on teaching within a specific discipline. Either way, the MA in Teaching is truly a teaching degree. Individuals who pursue the Master of Arts in Teaching generally choose to remain in the classroom. An MAT can also provide an educator with the appropriate credentials to become a department chairperson. The online Master of Arts in Teaching can offer educational professionals an increase in earning power along with instruction in the most up-to-date and effective instructional techniques.

Master of Arts in Finance, Accounting and Management

Master of Arts in Historic Preservation (MAHP)

The Master of Arts in Historic Preservation provides training in the research, documentation, and preservation of the historic built environment. Typically the MAHP is differentiated from the Master of Historic Preservation MHP by an emphasis on historic research and writing, and is usually housed in history departments.

Master of Arts in History

The Master of Arts in History provides an opportunity for further study of the world’s great personalities, events, nations, trends, periods, conflicts, and markings of progress. Many students who graduate with this kind of degree go on to become teachers, professors, historians, researchers, museum curators, and sometimes lawyers.

Master of Arts in Humanities

The Master of Arts in Humanities degree requires two years in an accredited college.

Master of Arts in international economics and finance (MAief)

The Master of Arts in international economics and finance is a two-year degree in the field of economics.

Master of Arts in International Hotel Management [MAIHM]

The Master of Arts in International Hotel Management is a two year professional graduate degree awarded by Royal Roads University [1] that prepares individuals to succeed in senior and executive hospitality positions within the accommodations sector including hotels, resorts, and cruise ships. RRU delivers this 39 credit program through a combination of 15 credits during three-short term residences (two in Victoria, BC Canada and one in an international location), and 24 credits through on-line distance learning.

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS), Master of Liberal Arts (MLA), Master of Liberal Studies (MLS)

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) Master of Liberal Arts (MLA, ALM) and Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) are interdisciplinary master's degrees. Characteristics that distinguish these degrees from others include curricular flexibility, interdisciplinary synthesis via Master's thesis or capstone project, and optional part-time enrollment.

Master of Arts in Management (MAM)

The Master of Arts in Management (MAM), in the United States, is a professional graduate degree that prepares business professionals for senior level management positions and executive leadership of organizations and corporations (for-profit, nonprofit and public sector). The MAM degree is a specialized degree that focuses studies on all areas of business, e.g., strategic planning and leadership, marketing analysis and strategy, operations management, human resource management, organizational design and development, finance, accounting, management and contract negotiations, statistical methods and applications, economic theory, and research.

The characteristic that distinguishes the MAM business degree from an MBA is that for an MBA degree the student takes business courses that provide an overview of each subject, and the MBA students selects an area of concentration such as information technology, marketing, human resources or any number of other areas of concentration. The final one-fourth of the MBA student’s classes focus on the selected area of concentration. The MAM student's graduate courses focus on advanced management and strategic leadership as it applies to all areas of business, e.g., accounting, finance, operations management marketing, strategic planning, human resources. The MAM student "masters the art of management." MBA and MAM degrees are both business degrees of equal status and rank.

Master of Arts in Music Education (MAMuEd)

Master of Arts in Music Education is a two-year postgraduate degree in the field of music education.

Master of Arts in Professional Counseling (MAPC)

The Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling (MAPC) is a two year program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of psychological counseling, involving the rendering of therapeutic services to individuals and groups experiencing psychological problems and exhibiting distress symptoms. Includes instruction in counseling theory, therapeutic intervention strategies, patient/counselor relationships, testing and assessment methods and procedures, group therapy, marital and family therapy, child and adolescent therapy, supervised counseling practice, ethical standards, and applicable regulations.

Master of Professional Writing (MPW)

The Master of Professional Writing (MPW) degree is a professional graduate degree program that prepares candidates for a wide variety of writing-related positions in business, education, publishing, and the arts. Coursework in three concentrations - applied writing, composition and rhetoric, and creative writing - allows students to gain theoretical and practical knowledge in various fields of professional writing.

Master of Arts in Public Service (MAPS)

The Master of Arts in Public Service (MAPS) degree is a professional graduate degree program which offers specializations in areas of administration of justice, dispute resolution, health care administration, leadership studies, and non-profit studies. [2]

Master of Architecture (MArch I. and MArch II.)

The 4+2 or 5-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch. I) is a first professional degree, after which one is eligible for internship credit [and subsequent exam] required for licensure. The 2-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch. II) is a graduate-level program which assumes previous coursework in architecture (B.Arch. or M. Arch I).

Master of Archival Studies (MAS)

The Master of Archival Studies degree is awarded following completion of a program at the School of Library, Archival and Informational Studies at the University of British Columbia, Canada.

Master of Business Informatics

Master of Business Informatics (MBI) is a postgraduate degree in Business Informatics (BI). MBI programs combine information technology (IT) and management courses. The first master programs in Business Informatics were offered by the University of Rostock, as a face-to-face program, and by the Virtual Global University (VGU) together with the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) as an online program (see virtual education). Within the Bologna process, many Central European universities have been, or are in the process of, setting up master programs in Business Informatics. Due to legal frameworks and restrictions, however, most of these programs are forced to award an M.Sc. degree instead of an MBI degree.

Master's Degrees in Administration (various)

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Management (MAM), Master of Accountancy (MAcy), Master of Science in Taxation (MST), Master of Science in Finance (MSF), Master of Business and Organizational Leadership (MBOL), Master of Engineering Management (MEM), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Not-for-Profit Leadership (MNPL), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of International Affairs (MIA), Master of Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructures (MSPCI), Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSSL), and Master of Science in Management (MSM) are professional degrees focusing on management for the private and public sector, domestic and international.

Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ or MSJA)

The Master of Criminal Justice is a professional degree in the study of criminal justice. The program is designed as a terminal degree for professionals in the field of criminal justice or as preparation for doctoral programs. It may also be referred to as a Master of Science in Justice Administration (M.S.J.A.).

Master of Clinical Medical Science (MCMSc)

Master of Clinical Medical Science is a professional degree awarded to Physician Assistants.

Master of Digital Media (MDM)

Master of Digital Media is a professional degree in the study of digital media, which includes entertainment technology, can be defined as media experiences made possible by the advent of primarily computer-mediated digital technologies (e.g., electronic games and special effects in motion pictures). This is also called the Master of Interactive Technology (MIT) or Master of Entertainment Technology (Carnegie Mellon).

Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR)

Master of Dispute Resolution program, a first in Australia, focuses on the wide range of non-adversarial dispute resolution processes. The subject accommodate distinct streams that include commerce, family, community and court-annexed programs. This subject is an introduction to the philosophy, theory and practice of an area of increasing importance in all professions, business and government. Dispute resolution processes are now integrated into the adversarial framework as well as being applied to an ever-widening range of private and public situations. This emerging practice of professional dispute resolution converge within and outside the legal profession.

Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theology (ThM or MTh), and Master of Sacred Theology (STM)

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is the first professional degree in ministry (in the United States and Canada) and is a common academic degree among theological seminaries. It is typically three years in length. Other theology degree titles used are Master of Theology (Th.M. or M.Th.), Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.), Master of Arts in Practical Theology (M.A.P.T.), and Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.).

Master of Education (MEd)

Master of Education degrees are similar to MA, MS, and MSc where the subject studied is education. In the United States some states license teachers with a bachelor's degree but require a master's within a set number of years as continuing education. Other education-related master's degrees conferred in the United States are Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), Master in Teaching (M.I.T.), Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed. or M.S.E.), Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.), and Master of Adult Education (M.Ad. Ed.).

A Master of Education degree, or M.Ed., is a professional, graduate-level degree geared toward individuals who are seeking to move beyond the classroom into administrative-level positions or other specialized roles. It is generally not a degree leading to teaching at a college level, though it can very well prepare individuals for employment in higher education management and student personnel administration. Many online M.Ed. programs offer a specialization in educational leadership. Over the past few years, however, the opportunity to specialize in educational technology has also become increasingly available. While many M.Ed. graduates seek to become principals and school district administrators, others become reading or technology specialists. The Master of Education degree is sometimes referred to as a practitioner’s degree, because of its immediate and practical application to the school environment.

Master of Educational Technology (MET)

Master of Educational Technology is a part-time program within the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, focusing on curriculum design and technology integration.^[1]

Master of Electronic Business Technologies (MEBT)

Master in Electronic Business Technologies is an interdisciplinary master's program offered at the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Ottawa, Canada.^[2]

Master of Engineering (MASc, ME, MEng, MIng)

The Master of Engineering (Magister in Ingeniaria) degree is awarded to students who have done graduate work at the master's level in the field of engineering. In the United States, engineering candidates are typically awarded MS degrees, although a growing number of schools also offer an MEng (e.g. the University of California, Berkeley). The distinction between the two programs varies between schools, but the MS is largely considered an academic degree, whereas the MEng is a professional degree. In the UK and Canada, candidates are generally awarded MSc, MASc or MEng degrees.

In Canada, the Master of Applied Science (MASc) is awarded to master's degree students with a research focus (having completed work leading to a thesis), while an MEng is awarded to master's degree students with a coursework focus and the completion of a research paper. The distinction between MASc and MEng is not definite since some universities grant only an MEng and some universities grant only an MASc, be it either research or coursework-focused.

In Francophone universities, however, the Master's Degree is frequently equated to the very often, lower-level, Maîtrise and is often abbreviated the same way as in English. For example MSc also stands for Maitrîse ès Sciences.

Master of Environment (MENV)

Master of Environment - Available at Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Master of Environmental Studies (MES)

Master of Environmental Studies

Master of Forestry (MF)

Master of Forestry

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Master of Health Administration (MHA) is a two year degree similar to an MBA but instead is focused on health care systems rather than businesses in general.

Master of Industrial Design or Master of International Development (MID)

Master of Industrial Design is a two or three year program in the field of industrial design.

The MID acronym is also used for a Master of International Development, which is a postgraduate degree in the study of developmental economics, non-governmental organizations and civil society, development planning, environmental sustainability, and human security.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a two to three year terminal degree in a creative field of study such as theatre arts, creative writing, filmmaking or studio art.

Master of Forensic Sciences (MFS)

The Master of Forensic Sciences (MFS) is a specialized professional degree designed for law enforcement, lab personnel, attorneys, investigators and other professionals.

Master of Health Science (MHS)

The Master of Health Science is awarded to students who have completed a post-graduate course of study in health sciences or health policy fields, usually associated with the Public Health field. The MHS is often a more focused program for public health professionals, often with non-health professional backgrounds. This degree is abbreviated as MHSc in Canada. New degree programs in the US, include MSHS (Master of Science in Health Sciences) that relate to this same particular program type are also becoming more common as universities and medical schools develop more degree specialties throughout the US.

Master of Historic Preservation (MHP)

The Master of Historic Preservation (MHP) is a two to two and a half year degree in the field of historic preservation. The MHP is usually considered a terminal degree, although a few Phd programs exist offering historic preservation as a concentration within another field such as community planning. Commonly MHP programs are housed in history, planning, or architecture departments. Interdisciplinary by nature, MHP programs typically consist of courses in architectural history, history and theory of preservation practice, cultural landscape preservation, historic resource documentation and evaluation, community planning, and rehabilitation philosophy and practice. ^[3]

Master of Management in the Network Economy (MiNE)

Master of Management in the Network Economy is a one or two year interdisciplinary post-graduate program that uniquely blends information economics, technology management and business administration, in order to forge leaders able to understand and manage the complexity of organizations and markets in the digital economy. In certain universities, like the Catholic University in Italy, this Master encompasses typical courses of a Master of Information Systems Management (MISM or MIS/M) and the business knowledge you can gain from a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Business and Organizational Leadership (MBOL).

Master of Management Sciences / Master of Applied Sciences (MMSc/MASc)

The two Master's programs offered in Management Sciences provide both course work and research opportunities in the areas of operations research, information systems, management of technology, engineering and other areas.Operations research, mathematical modeling, economics, and organizational behavior, and other related concepts underlie success in almost all areas of management. Refer to the Master of Engineering degree section for more information.

Master of Information Management (MIM)

A Master of Information Management is a cross-disciplinary degree program designed to provide studies in strategic information management, knowledge management, use and users experience (i.e., usability), business administration, information systems, computer sciences, and project management. The degree is relatively new and has been developed in many universities as a companion to the Master of Library Science degree. The MIM degree has emerged to address the growing and unique need for information professionals who understand the conflux of multiple organizational issues across several disciplines.

Master of Information Systems (MI, MIS, MSIS)

The Master of Information Systems (MIS or MSIS) is a 2 year degree geared towards professionals trained in both management and information systems. The culmination of both fields is often referred to as management information systems. The Master of Information Systems is sometimes extended with additional courses such as those focused on management (MISM or MIS\M), or information security (MISIS, MIS\IS).

Master of Industrial and Labor Relations

Main article: Master of Industrial and Labor Relations

Master of International Business (MIB)

The Master of International Business (MIB) degree is a postgraduate degree designed to develop the capabilities and resources of managers in the global economy. It is ideal for those seeking to establish or accelerate a career in international business.

Emphasizing the practical application of specialized knowledge, the program equips management with skills tailored to the international business environment.

The Master of International Business focuses on strategic planning for international operations and provides an in-depth understanding of the organizational capabilities required for international operations, including specialized functions such as international marketing, finance and human resource management.

The degree may be thought of as an MBA with a particular focus on multinational corporations.

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree is a professional degree in the field of landscape architecture.

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a graduate law degree, pursued after earning a first law degree in the U.S. or abroad, such as a LL.B. or J.D.. The LL.M. program typically lasts one year if taken full time. For foreign law graduates, the LL.M. is similar to a 'study abroad program' and offers a general overview of the American Legal System. Domestic U.S. law graduates pursue the LL.M. for different reasons, largely academic. With the exception of LL.M. Programs in highly specialized areas where advanced knowledge in a field is useful (e.g., Taxation, International Taxation, Intellectual Property; etc.), the Master of Laws is designed for those intending to teach law, whereas the J.D. is a professional doctorate.

Master of Library Science (MLS), Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Master of Science in Information Studies (MSIS), Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS)

A Master of Library Science (MLS) degree is the culmination of an interdisciplinary program encompassing information science, information management, librarianship, and/or related topics. Modern variants include Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS), Master of Science in Information Studies (MSIS), Master of Librarianship, Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS), Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS), and others. Some universities use standard degree titles such as Master of Arts. (University of Iowa) and Master of Science (University of Illinois) for their Library Science master's degrees.

Master of Mass Communications (MMC)

The Master of Mass Communications is a two to three year degree in the field of journalism and mass communications that prepares degree candidates for careers in media management. Students typically undertake courses in media law, marketing, integrated communications, research methods, and management.

Master of Marketing Research (MMR)

Master of Marketing Research (MMR) is a specialized degree in marketing focusing in research. Sometimes called a Master of Science in Marketing Research (MSMR).

Master of Ministry (M.Min)

The Master of Ministry is a two-three year multidisciplinary degree with a program typically designed to apply appropriate theological principles to practice-based settings and serve as a foundation for an original research project. Such a program responds to the need for structured learning and theological development among professionals serving Church, non-profit, public, and private sector organizations.

Typical concentrations (or majors) include: Missions, evangelism, pastoral counseling, chaplaincy, church growth and development, Christian administration, homiletics, spiritual formation, pastoral theology, Church administration, Biblical counseling, clergy, Biblical archeology, religious education, Christian management, church music, social work, spiritual direction.

Master of Music (MMus, MM)

Master of Music is a one year full time or two to four year applied degree in the field of music.

Master of Music Education (MME)

Master of Music Education is a two-year postgraduate degree in the field of music education. Master of Medical Education is also a postgraduate degree offered to people who already possess an MD degree.

Master of Medical Science (MMS or (MMSc)

Master of Medical Science is a two-year postgraduate degree in medical research, usually for those possessing a Doctorate of Medicine already.

Master of Ministry (MMin)

The Master of Ministry degree is designed primarily as a two-year advanced program for those engaged in ministry related to pastors and missionaries who desire graduate level education in order to further develop their professional skills.

Master of Nonprofit Organizations and Master of Nonprofit Management

Master of Nonprofit Organizations (MNPO or MNO) and Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM) programs offer specialized, graduate-level knowledge for individuals currently working in the nonprofit sector or in organizations that partner with the nonprofit sector or for those seeking a career in the nonprofit sector. The program provides advanced knowledge in nonprofit management, resource development, strategic planning, and program evaluation that serves to enhance the education and career development of students. This degree program provides opportunities for students to prepare for employment or to advance their careers as administrators in nonprofit organizations. MNPO, MNO, and MNM programs are offered through a range of academic units, including schools and departments of social work, business, management, public administration, and independent units.

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

The Master of Occupational Therapy is awarded to students who have completed a post-graduate course of study, and is now the entry-level degree for this profession. This degree may also be conferred as a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.^[4]

Master of Pacific International Affairs (MPIA)

The Master of Pacific International Affairs degree is a professional master's degree that provides training in various aspects of international affairs including International Business Management, International Politics, Public Policy, International Environmental Policy and Development and Non-Profit Management. The program requires mastery in a Pacific Rim language, quantitative and economic analysis techniques and a regional focus.

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A. or MPA; MAP in Québec) degree is one of several Master's level professional public affairs degrees that provides training in public policy and project and program implementation (more recently known as public management).

MPA programs focus on public administration at the local, state/provincial, national/federal and supranational levels, as well as in the nongovernmental organization (NGO) and nonprofit sectors. In the course of its history the MPA degree has become more interdisciplinary by drawing from fields such as economics, sociology, anthropology, political science, and regional planning in order to equip MPA graduates with skills and knowledge covering a broad range of topics and disciplines relevant to the public sector. A core curriculum of a typical MPA program usually includes courses on microeconomics, public finance, research methods / statistics, policy process and policy analysis, ethics, public management, leadership, planning & GIS, and program evaluation/performance measurement. Depending on their interest, MPA students can focus their studies on a variety of public sector fields such as urban planning, emergency management, transportation, health care (particularly public health), economic development, urban management, community development, education, non-profits, information technology, environmental policy, etc.

Master of Public Service (MPS)

The MPS program ^[5] provides a multi-disciplinary training that equips you with the knowledge, skills and experience you need for a career within any level of government in Canada.With rapid technological changes, shifting demographics, economic uncertainty and globalization, the Canadian public service needs employees with specific knowledge and ingenuity to ensure resources, organizational capacity and effective communications are in place to meet the challenges ahead. Whether working in policy research, financial management or community development, professionally-trained public servants are essential to good government.

"The Public Service today must address a significant demographic challenge. For the first time, it has more employees over 45 than under, and it is facing the imminent retirement of a generation of valued employees … In this context, how can we ensure that Canada continues to have a strong and effective Public Service to help Canadians meet the important challenges facing the country in the years ahead?" Kevin Lynch, the former Clerk of the Privy Council, in his second report to the Prime Minister, February 2008.

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS, MPAP, MSPAS)

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies is a professional degree providing training in the profession of a physician assistant to practice medicine based on the medical school model. This degree is also sometimes seen as an MS in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS), the Master of Physician Assistant Practice (MPAP)

Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)

The Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Public Health degrees are awarded to students who have completed a "post-graduate course" of study in Public Health. The MPH is considered a management/leadership degree specific to the fields related to public health while the MSPH is considered an academic degree, with a focus on empirical research methodologies.

Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)

The Master of Pharmacy degree is awarded to students who have completed the four year undergraduate Pharmacy course. Failure to complete the course, but having completed three years, usually awards the student a Bachelors degree in Pharmaceutical Science.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

In the United States and Canada, a Master of Philosophy or Magister Philosophiae (MPhil) degree is sometimes awarded to ABD (all but dissertation) doctoral candidates who have completed all coursework, passed their written and oral examinations, and met any other special requirements before beginning work on the doctoral dissertation. Such programs generally award the M.A. to students who have completed all coursework and preliminary exams (about two years after the B.A.), and the M.Phil. after advanced exams (comprehensives) and all language requirements have been met, and a dissertation topic approved (usually a year after the M.A.).

In other countries, assuming all requirements are met, the MPhil degree is generally awarded after about one year of full time study towards a doctorate. The MPhil is considered equivalent to the former French DEA (Diplôme d'études approfondies) and Spanish DEA (Diploma de Estudios Avanzados).

Master of Public Management (MPM)

The Master of Public Management is offered through Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz School of Public Policy and Management. This masters level degree is conferred upon those students who have completed a post-graduate course of study, and is usually associated with broadening the students' understanding of social, political, technological and economic processes, as well as paradigms of organizational and human behavior.

Master of Project Management (MPM)

The Master of Project Management is a terminal professional degree awarded to students who have completed a post-graduate course of study, and is usually associated with construction management, urban planning, or architecture and engineering design management.

Master of Public Policy (MPP)

The Master of Public Policy is a master level professional degree that provides training in policy analysis and program evaluation at public policy schools. Over time, the curriculum of Master of Public Policy and the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degrees have blended and converged, due to the realization that policy analysis and program evaluation could benefit from an understanding of public administration, and vice versa. However, MPP programs still place more emphasis in policy analysis, research and evaluation, while MPA programs place more emphasis on operationalization of public policies and the design of effective programs and projects to achieve public policy goals. Over the years MPP programs have become more interdisciplinary drawing from economics, sociology, anthropology, politics, and regional planning. Depending on the interest, MPP students can concentrate in many policy areas including, but not limited to, urban policy, global policy, social policy, health policy, non-profit management, transportation, economic development, education, information technology, etc.

Master of Professional Studies (MPS or MProfStuds)

The Master's of Professional Studies (MPS or MProfStuds) is a terminal interdisciplinary degree and is sometimes used by programs that do not fit into any traditional categories. In some cases it is used as replacement for an MFA for programs with heavy technology focuses like NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program. Other programs use it for Organizational Studies or interdisciplinary Social Science programs.

Masters of Resource Management (M.R.M.)

The Masters of Resource Management (M.R.M.) is designed for recent graduates from a range of disciplines, and for individuals with experience in private organizations or public agencies dealing with natural resources and the environment. Relevant disciplines of undergraduate training or experience include fields such as biology, engineering, chemistry, forestry and geology, as well as business administration, economics, geography, planning and a variety of social sciences. The M.R.M. degree provides training for professional careers in private or public organizations and preparation for further training for research and academic careers.^[6]

Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed. or MS Ed.)

While the other advanced degree programs tend to be more widely-known, the Master of Science in Education can also provide professional educators with the tools needed for success in the classroom and advancement in educational leadership. As the name suggests, this degree program provides ample opportunity for the student to take a more scientific approach to the study of education. Many of those individuals who choose to follow the scientific route concentrate on topics like instructional technology or educational research.

In many instances, M.S. Education programs that take a scientific slant tend to include coursework in statistics and educational evaluation and measurement. Educators who pursue the more scientific path generally leave the classroom, and in many instances, the school. They have excellent job prospects in the educational research sector. Many go on to work with school districts, state governments, or private research organizations to assess student performance and suggest policies that will boost student achievement. Others supervise technology initiatives for schools or school districts, work in distance education, or pursue doctoral studies.

Other individuals who pursue an MS in Education opt for a less scientific course of study, such as educational leadership, or literacy. In some instances, these programs resemble the previously discussed Master of Education degree, but at other schools, these programs place a much greater focus on the scientific aspects of studying education. In either case, the same opportunities for advancement as a school administrator should be available, regardless of whether one has earned a degree of Master of Science in Education, a Master of Arts in Education, or a Master of Education.

Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD)

The Master of Science in Dentistry is a post-graduate degree awarded for those with a dental degree (BDS, DMD, DDS, BDent, BChD, etc.), who have completed a post-graduate level course of study.

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)

The Master of Science in Engineering is a post-graduate degree to be differentiated from the Master of Engineering. It requires a thesis and qualifies students holding it to apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering.

Master of Science in Finance (MSF)

The Master of Science in Finance is a common degree in the corporate finance and investment finance world. Finance's answer to accounting's MAcc.

Master of Science in Forensic Science and Law (MSFSL)

The Master of Science in Forensic Science and Law is a degree program available at Duquesne University. It combines all applications of Forensic Science with Law and its application and legal use before a court of law.

Other Universities offer bachelors degrees in this field and several other universities have applied for accreditation for their programs from the American Academy of Forensic Science.

Master of Science in Historic Preservation (MSHP)

The Master of Science in Historic Preservation (MSHP) is a graduate degree, often offered through schools and colleges of architecture, which focuses on the theory and practical elements of preserving buildings of historic importance. There are only a few programs in the United States, but all of the programs tend to focus on architectural conservation, design, history/theory, preservation planning, building analysis, and preservation law.^[3]

Master of Science in Information (MSI)

The Master of Science in Information (MSI) is a graduate degree designed for information science professionals.

Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM)

The Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) is a graduate degree designed for information management professionals.

Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)

The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) is a graduate degree designed for information systems professionals.

Master of Science in Computer Science / Information Technology

The Master of Science in Information Technology is a graduate degree designed for information technology professionals, it is generally based on core computer science subjects where knowledge can be used for advanced work especially in Information Technology industry. Whereas the Bachelor level degree provides a well-balanced foundation in Information Technology, the Master degree allows the student not only further advancement of core knowledge, but also an opportunity to specialize in selected technology areas of interest. The Master of Information Technology is one of the most sought degrees in the field of Computer Science and Information Technology and is much sought-after by employers in the Information Technology marketplace. This degree ensures that the person who has attained this degree is competent in all key areas of Information Technology sector and has further advanced this with specialized knowledge, research, and publications.

Master of Science in Leadership (MSL)

The Master of Science in Leadership is an alternative to, not a substitute for, the traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. The MSL degree requirements may include some business courses that are required in an MBA program. However, this degree program concentrates heavily on leader-follower interactions, cross-cultural communications, coaching, team development, project leadership, and behavioral motivation theories; it does not concentrate on financial or quantitative analysis, marketing, or accounting which are common in MBA programs. The degree program is appealing to people in well-established careers already. The MSL degree is similar to the Master of Organizational Leadership (MSOL) degree. .^[7]

Master of Science in Marketing and Communication (MCM)

The Master of Science in Marketing and Communication (MCM) is an integrated marketing communication graduate degree offered at Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. ^[8]

Masters of Science in Mass Communication

Masters of Science in Medical Education

The Masters of Science in Medical Education prepares physicians for careers as academic Clinician-Educator-Scholars through didactic training in medical education and research methods, and mentored education research.^[9]

Master of Sacred Music (MSM)

The Master of Sacred Music is a graduate degree combining academic studies in theology with applied studies in music.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN or MNur)

The Master of Science in Nursing is the most common title for a graduate professional degree in nursing. A few schools also use the titles Master of Nursing or Master of Arts.

Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA)

The Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia degree at Westminster College prepares students to master the intellectual and technical skills required to become competent in the safe administration of anesthesia.

Master of Science in Natural Sciences (MSNS)

The Master of Science in Natural Sciences (MSNS) program is a graduate degree designed for elementary, middle and high school science teachers, stressing content and the processes of natural sciences.

Master of Science In Organizational Leadership (MSOL)

MSOL is a multi-disciplinary masters program that focuses on values-based leadership. The courses focus on the development of relationships between organizational members, effective decision-making processes, and an understanding of how modern technology can best support leaders. The MSOL degree is an alternative, not a substitute for an MBA. The programs are different in content and purpose. The MSOL degree is multidisciplinary and focuses more on people and organization issues, less on business topics such as finance, accounting and marketing. For example, in MSOL you will take courses in psychology and philosophy as well as courses in business and management. The MSOL degree is intended for those who are already established in a career. In contrast, those who are preparing to enter the world of work or change careers often seek an MBA degree. Although the MBA degree is more widely known, degree programs like the MSOL are being developed across the country because of increasing demand for ethical organizational leadership.

Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)

From the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health website: The Master of Science in Public Health Degree (MSPH) is offered through individual academic departments. 1 The MSPH is an alternative to the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree for students desiring more focused skills in a specific field of public health and for students with less than two years of health-related work experience. MSPH degrees couple intensive, focused academic training with a field experience, providing students the opportunity to integrate their academic training with real-world public health practice.

Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSSL)

The Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSSL) graduate degree is an Executive Program in Organizational Leadership and Management Development, teaching the skills and knowledge in working effectively with people, organizational systems, and complex information. MSSL objectives embody development of a leadership skill set, strategies for problem solving, and solutions to facilitate and manage change applicable in business and not-for-profit environments.

Master of Science in Taxation (MST)

The Master of Science in Taxation (MST) is a professional graduate degree designed for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and other tax professionals. See also: Master of Accountancy

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a professional graduate degree preparing students to become professional social workers, typically in either direct practice or community practice. MSW programs require students to complete an extensive field practicum, under mentorship of a senior social worker. MSW programs in the United States are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The degree title MSW is not used in the US by all social work schools. The University of Chicago uses A.M. and Columbia University uses M.S. to name a few of the exceptions.

Master of Urban Planning (MUP), Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP), Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP), Master of City Planning (MCP), Master of Environmental Design (MEDes) (planning)

The Master of Urban Planning (MUP), Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP), Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP), Master of Environmental Design (MEDes (planning)) and Master of City Planning (MCP) are professional degrees in the study of urban planning.

Master of Urban Studies (MURB)

The degree is primarily focused on urban issues including planning issues.

References

1. ^ http://met.ubc.ca/
2. ^ http://www.grad.uottawa.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=1727&monControl=Programmes&ProgId=594
3. ^ ^{a b} [1] NCPE Guide to Academic Programs in Historic Preservation.
4. ^ "Master of Science in Occupational Therapy - Boston University". http://www.bu.edu/sargent/academics/programs/occupational-therapy/master-of-science-in-occupational-therapy/. Retrieved 2010-01-02. 
5. ^ http://www.mps.uwaterloo.ca/
6. ^ "Masters Degree in Resource Management". http://www.rem.sfu.ca/academic_information/programs/masters_in_resource_management/. Retrieved 2010-03-29. 
7. ^ "Nova Southeastern University Master of Science in Leadership Program". http://www.huizenga.nova.edu/FutureStudents/masters/Leadership.cfm. Retrieved 2010-03-07. 
8. ^ "Accredited Master's Degree in Marketing and Communication". http://www.franklin.edu/lp/marketing-communications-masters-degree-program-online-on-campus.html. Retrieved 2011-11-07. 
9. ^ NYU School of Medicine Master's program