phd e msc

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

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD - what do they all mean? Two Masters' students at graduation.

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.

phd e msc

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.

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Richard Carruthers

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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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Graduate & professional study.

Yale offers advanced degrees through its Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and 13 professional schools. Browse the organizations below for information on programs of study, academic requirements, and faculty research.

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Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

Yale’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences offers programs leading to M.A., M.S., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in 73 departments and programs.

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School of Architecture

The Yale School of Architecture’s mandate is for each student to understand architecture as a creative, productive, innovative, and responsible practice.

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School of Art

The Yale School of Art has a long and distinguished history of training artists of the highest caliber.

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Divinity School

Yale Divinity School educates the scholars, ministers, and spiritual leaders of the future.

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David Geffen School of Drama

The David Geffen School of Drama graduates have raised the standards of professional practice around the world in every theatrical discipline, creating bold art that engages the mind and delights the senses.

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School of Engineering & Applied Science

The Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science is at the cutting edge of research to develop technologies that address global societal problems.

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School of the Environment

The School of the Environment is dedicated to sustaining and restoring the long-term health of the biosphere and the well-being of its people.

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Jackson School of Global Affairs

The Jackson School of Global Affairs trains and equips a new generation of leaders to devise thoughtful, evidence-based solutions for challenging global problems.

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Yale Law School hones the world’s finest legal minds in an environment that features world-renowned faculty, small classes, and countless opportunities for clinical training and public service.

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School of Management students, faculty, and alumni are committed to understanding the complex forces transforming global markets and building organizations that contribute lasting value to society.

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School of Medicine

Yale School of Medicine graduates go on to become leaders in academic medicine and health care, and innovators in clinical practice, biotechnology, and public policy.

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School of Music

The Yale School of Music is an international leader in educating the creative musicians and cultural leaders of tomorrow.

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School of Nursing

The Yale School of Nursing community is deeply committed to the idea that access to high quality patient‐centered health care is a social right, not a privilege.

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School of Public Health

The School of Public Health supports research and innovative programs that protect and improve the health of people around the globe.

Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS)

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences is composed of the departments and academic programs that provide instruction in Yale College and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Centers & Institutes

A number of our centers and institutes offer additional opportunities for graduate and professional study.

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  • Integrated Masters with PhD – Explained
  • Types of Doctorates

An Integrated Masters with a PhD (iPhD) is a four-year postgraduate level programme that combines a one-year Masters course with a three-year PhD course. They allow students to familiarise themselves with their chosen topic, research methods and academic writing techniques before embarking on their own independent research project. An Integrated Masters with a PhD is particularly popular with international students and students who initially lack specialised knowledge or research skills.

Introduction

An Integrated Masters with PhD, also commonly referred to as either just an Integrated Masters degree or an Integrated PhD, offers a relatively new way to undertake postgraduate training. They maintain the depth and focus of a conventional PhD but offer a more comprehensive doctoral training experience.

Due to their growing popularity, both the number of universities offering these newer forms of PhD and the number of students applying to them has steadily increased.

This page describes what Integrated Masters with PhDs are, who they are for, their advantages and disadvantages, how they differ from conventional PhDs and how they are structured in terms of programme, eligibility and costs. This page is for you if you are considering applying for an integrated course, or simply want to know more about them.

What is an Integrated PhD?

An Integrated PhD is a four-year postgraduate programme. They involve undertaking a one-year Masters degree (MRes or MSc) in your first year, followed by a three-year PhD programme in your second to fourth year. Although the courses run back-to-back, a student can only progress to the second year if they show satisfactory performance in their first year. The one-year Masters and the three-year PhD are considered separately in terms of qualifications; therefore, a student who completes an Integrated PhD will receive both a Masters degree (MRes or MSc) and a PhD as opposed to a single postgraduate qualification.

The aim of an Integrated PhD is to provide a structured approach to doctoral studies, combining advanced PhD research with formal teaching in relevant subjects, research methods and communication skills.

As Integrated PhDs are relatively new compared to more regular doctoral pathways such as stand-alone or MPhil-upgraded PhDs, some professors informally refer to them as ‘New Route PhDs’.

Difference Between Integrated PhD and Regular PhD

The most significant difference between an Integrated PhD and a regular PhD is the addition of the one-year Masters degree at the beginning of the programme. This results in an Integrated PhD typically lasting four years, as opposed to the three years as with regular PhDs.

Integrated PhDs are structured in such a way that they provide students with a broader range of foundational skills than a regular PhD. The first year introduces you to a combination of taught elements, practical experience and advanced research skills. In a regular PhD this mode of teaching is missing as it is assumed you already have this level of knowledge.

The last significant difference between the two types of doctoral programmes is the ‘group’ aspect associated with the Integrated version. Since the Masters programme also includes other students enrolled in Integrated PhDs, you will have a small cohort with whom you will work closely alongside during your studies.

Who are Integrated PhDs suitable for?

Integrated PhDs can be an effective pathway for any student, but they stand out in two situations:

Scenario 1: International Students

The Higher Education system differs across countries , although not by a large amount, enough to where an unfamiliar student may struggle, especially when working independently. An Integrated PhD allows you to adapt to the UK education system by offering a more guided and hands-on approach to your learning and research process before you embark on your three-year research project.

It also has visa benefits. If an international student seeking a Masters degree in the UK already knows they want to follow it up with a PhD, enrolling in an Integrated PhD will save them from having to leave the country and re-apply for a visa after completing their initial postgraduate degree.

Scenario 2: Lack of undergraduate research experience or a relevant Masters degree

An Integrated PhD is useful for students who have academic abilities but lack the necessary background to be considered for a standard-route PhD. This usually occurs under one of three scenarios:

  • The applicant is currently an undergraduate student or only holds a Bachelor’s degree,
  • The student has a Masters degree, but in a subject only loosely related to the discipline they wish to pursue at doctoral level,
  • The student has a relevant Masters degree, but the programme lacked a research focus, leaving the student with underdeveloped research skills.

Advantages and Disadvantages of an Integrated PhD

The advantages of an Integrated PhD are strongly linked to the international and inexperienced students they cater for. They offer students an effective means of gaining more confidence, knowledge and research skills in their field before starting a doctorate, and also provide visa benefits to international students who will be undertaking prior postgraduate study.

Integrated PhDs also enable students the possibility of receiving funding for the Masters phase of their programme, as will be explained in more detail in the ‘Funding Opportunities’ section.

Integrated doctorates have no obvious disadvantages, but are generally not suitable for those who already have a Masters degree or well-developed research skills in their chosen field. For these students, the additional costs and duration of an Integrated PhD can be avoided by opting for a traditional PhD for which they will already be suited for.

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

The programme of study is naturally divided into two parts, the first for your Masters studies and the second for your PhD studies.

Your Masters studies will usually be divided into 180 module credits, half of which will focus on taught components and the other half on research components.

The modules will be tailored to your course, but they will include a variation of:

Taught modules:

  • Subject-specific module – You choose one or two modules from a predefined list of topics within your subject area. Your selection should reflect the research area you want your PhD to focus on.
  • English and Communication – Academic language and communication skills will be taught to prepare you for the ‘writing-up’ phase of your doctorate. A common misconception is that this module is similar to the English language requirement tests required to apply to a iPhD. In reality, the module will focus on learning how to critically evaluate research sources, write abstracts, literature reviews and conclusions, communicate in lab-based environments and present to audiences.
  • Research Techniques  – You’ll receive in-depth training to familiarise you with the different research methods and analytical techniques available to modern researchers.
  • Research Proposal Development  – You’ll work with your intended PhD supervisor to prepare a research proposal for your three-year PhD research project.

Research Modules:

You will carry out one or two small laboratory research projects under supervision for practical experience.

Integrated PhD in UK - Lectures and Lab Work

If you complete these modules with satisfactory performance, you will be awarded a Masters degree and will be considered for the following three-year PhD programme.

Each university has its own process for making this consideration, but most invite you to an interview with the supervisor you wish to conduct research with. The interview is used to confirm that you have acquired the specialised knowledge and research skills expected at masters level, and beyond that of someone capable of completing doctoral study.

If your interview goes well, you will be enrolled in your PhD programme. From this point on, your path will be the same as a regular PhD student. During your doctoral phase, you will conduct independent research and laboratory work for two years, followed by a final year of writing up and formally submitting your findings as a thesis. Your thesis, expertise and research competence will be assessed in an oral examination known as a viva. Upon successful completion of your viva, you will be officially awarded a PhD, and your studies will come to an end.

It should be noted that aside from the above, your university may offer optional modules which can equip you with a wide range of transferable skills.

Eligibility

Entry requirements for an integrated masters degree in the UK will vary from university to university, but the typical requirement is an Upper Second Class (2:1) honours Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted.

If you are an international student and English is your second language, most universities will require proof of your English language proficiency through an exam certificate. It’s best to check directly with the universities which certificate types they accept, but the most common English language qualification requirement is an IELTS certificate, with a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each category.

The typical annual tuition fee for an Integrated PhD in the UK is £4,712 per academic year for home/EU students (or £2,356 for part-time study) and £19,596 per academic year for international students (or £9,798 for part-time study).

As with all doctoral programmes, there are likely to be additional costs associated with your studies, such as bench fees for lab work, travel costs for collaborating and potential write-up fees for students who need more time to submit their thesis. You can get more information about these additional costs on our cost breakdown page .

Funding Opportunities

You can obtain funding for Integrated PhDs in the same way as for regular PhDs. Funding is usually provided by one of the seven UK Research Councils  and research charity organisations such as the  Wellcome Trust ; grants, scholarships and funded opportunities can be found directly in our searchable database .

Funding can either be partial (tuition fees only) or full (tuition fees and living costs). Most funding providers also cover the tuition fee for the Masters degree programme due to being integrated with the PhD, however, you should confirm this on a case-by-case basis.

As with regular PhD funding, the fully-funded opportunities are generally limited to home and EU students.

It’s also worth noting that PhD programmes which include an integrated Masters degree are eligible for a Doctoral Loan , even if you already have a postgraduate Masters degree from a previous university. Applications for Doctoral Loans must be made directly to Student Finance England and you must first be registered for a full doctoral degree. Due to application restrictions, you won’t be able to apply for a separate Postgraduate Masters Loan for the integrated Masters phase of your degree.

Availability

You can search for Integrated PhDs in three ways:

  • Our Search Page  – Search for the term ‘Integrated’ in our  comprehensive database of STEM PhDs .
  • University Search Pages – Universities advertise their Integrated PhDs on their postgraduate search pages. You can find them by searching the name of the university followed by “ search postgraduate courses ” directly in Google.
  • Funding Body Websites – Funding bodies which provide studentships for Integrated PhDs sometimes advertise the positions on their website. A list of the most common funding providers can be found here: PhD Studentships .

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Which research degree should I do—MSc, MD, or PhD?

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Got a career or related problem that needs answering? Can't find the right person to point you in the right direction? Log on to the Advice Zone ( www.bmjcareers.com/advicezone ) for reliable medical careers advice. You can post a question or see if one of our 300 advisers has already answered a similar question. Here is a selection of questions and answers posted on the site.

You should think carefully about what kind of research degree you want. If you want only a taste of research or are doing it only to improve your chances at a specialist registrar interview, go for the MSc. This is usually a one year taught course with an experimental project and is a good way of learning the basics of science. If you wish to do more detailed science and are considering a career in academic medicine, then think about a PhD. This will mean more time commitment (at least three years) and more intellectual commitment. The compromise degrees are the MD or MS. These usually require two years of work and therefore permit more in-depth research than the MSc. The MD or its equivalent is popular among medics. When deciding which degree to go for you should check all the various regulations and also the fees that may be entailed.

At the end of the day the choice is up to you. The key questions are: why are you doing research and how much time and energy do you want to commit to it?

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Management Science and Engineering provides programs of education and research by integrating three basic strengths:

  • Depth in conceptual and analytical foundations;
  • Comprehensive coverage of functional areas of application; and
  • Interaction with other Stanford departments, Silicon Valley industry, and organizations throughout the world telecommunications.

Graduate Programs

The PhD degree in MS&E is intended for students primarily interested in a career of research and teaching, or high-level technical work in universities, industry, or government.

The master's degree is designed to be a terminal degree program with a professional focus.

See below for remote and part-time options.

Coterminal BA/BS and MS

This program allows undergraduates an opportunity to work simultaneously toward a BS in MS&E or another quantitative major, and an MS in MS&E.  Registrar's Coterminal site .

Remote or Part-Time MS

Pursue a Stanford University Master of Science degree on a remote or part-time basis through the Honors Cooperative Program (HCP).  

Dual & Joint Degree

The dual and joint degree programs enable graduate students to obtain two degrees either concurrently or consecutively. Students must apply and be admitted to each degree separately.

Students pursuing a PhD in another department may choose to also complete the requirements for a PhD minor in Management Science and Engineering.  

The analytical and conceptual foundations of an MS&E degree include:

  • decision and risk analysis
  • dynamic systems
  • optimization
  • organizational science
  • stochastic systems

The functional areas of application include:

  • entrepreneurship
  • information
  • organizational behavior
  • policy & strategy

Close associations with other engineering departments and with industry enrich the programs by providing opportunities to apply MS&E methods to important problems and by motivating new theoretical developments from practical experience. MS&E’s programs also provide a basis for contributing to other areas such as biotechnology, defense policy, environmental policy, information systems, and telecommunications.

We invite excellent students from all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups in engineering, to consider Stanford University for their graduate studies. In making admissions decisions, the Department of Management Science and Engineering will comply with the requirements of the law as determined by the Supreme Court of the United States, evaluating each applicant based on their "experiences as an individual—not on the basis of race.” We continue to value a diverse student body that benefits the educational experience of our students and our mission of generating knowledge at Stanford University.  

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“Being able to choose between a wide array of courses from accounting to machine learning is one of the hallmarks of this program that I would have missed out on if I'd chosen another program.”  

- Tyreke White, MS graduate

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Estudar Fora

MBA, M.Sc, Ph.D, LL.M, B.Sc… Saiba o que significam todas essas siglas

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Todo mundo que pesquisou por cursos acadêmicos de qualquer nível fora do Brasil deve ter se deparado com uma verdadeira barragem de siglas, desde as mais conhecidas como “PhD” até outras menos óbvias, como “MRes”, MSc ou BA. Isso sem falar nas diversas provas e certificados cujos nomes também são siglas, como SAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL… A lista praticamente não acaba. E uma frase como “Você vai precisar de TOEFL e GRE ou GMAT para esse programa de MPP” pode ser bem confusa para quem não está acostumado com elas.

Sem tempo para ler? Clique no play abaixo para ouvir esse conteúdo.

Apresentamos a seguir um glossário básico de siglas relacionadas a estudar fora. Elas podem se referir tanto a provas e certificados que você precisa pelo menos conhecer para conseguir ser aceito em um programa no exterior, quanto aos títulos que são concedidos quanto você conclui esses programas.

Bolsas de Estudo para estudantes de Tecnologia de universidades brasileiras e do exterior. Inscreva-se agora!

Tenha em mente, no entanto, que as siglas que citamos aqui são aquelas que são empregadas de maneira mais geral. Dependendo da sua área de estudos pode haver outras siglas comuns também. Via de regra, porém: siglas que começam com “B” se referem ao nível de graduação, e as que começam com “M” ao de mestrado. Confira:

Siglas relacionadas a títulos

“B.A.” significa “Bachelor of the Arts”, algo como “bacharel das artes” em tradução livre. Ela se refere ao título concedido a alunos que concluem a graduação nos temas que nós por aqui chamamos de ciências humanas: História, Comunicação Social, Sociologia, etc. E, é claro, pessoas graduadas em cursos como Artes Plásticas também ganham esse título

“B.Sc.” é “Bachelor of Science”, ou “bacharel em ciências” na tradução livre. A sigla é empregada para estudantes que concluem a graduação em áreas que nós chamaríamos de Exatas ou Biológicas, como Química, Física, Ciências Moleculares, etc.

Essa sigla significa “Master of the Arts”, ou “mestre das artes”. É atribuída a quem conclui o mestrado nas áreas que chamamos de Humanas. Em geral, quem conclui a graduação, recebe o grau de “B.A.” e segue estudando em sua área recebe em seguida o grau de “M.A.”

“M.Sc” significa “Master of Sciences”, ou “mestre das ciências”. É o grau concedido a quem termina o mestrado nas áreas de Exatas ou Biológicas. Se você conquistou um B.Sc no fim da sua graduação, provavelmente conquistará o grau de M.Sc ao fim do mestrado.

Além disso, programas designados como M.Sc. ou M.Res no exterior costumam ser mais parecidos com as pós-graduações strictu sensu do Brasil. Já os M.A. se aproximam mais das pós-graduações lato sensu .

Assim como o M.A. e o M.Sc., o título de MRes também é concedido a quem termina o mestrado. Mas “M.Res” significa “Master of Research” (ou “mestre em pesquisa”), e recebe esse título quem conclui um programa de mestrado com foco em pesquisa, qualquer que seja a área. É interessante para alunos que queiram seguir uma carreira em pesquisa acadêmica ao fim do programa.

Os famosos cursos de MBA são cursos de “Master in Business Administration”, ou mestrado em administração de negócios. São cursos acadêmicos que visam dar aos alunos conhecimentos e habilidades importantes na gestão de negócios, tanto no aspecto técnico quanto nas “soft skills”, como resiliência, liderança e adaptabilidade.

MPA significa “Master in Public Administration”: mestrado em administração pública. Assim como o MBA, ele tem um foco em administração. No entanto, ele é voltado para a gestão de empresas, organizações e recursos públicos. Por isso, cobre aspectos como governança e políticas públicas, que às vezes sequer são abordados em cursos de MBA.

Na mesma linha do MPA, MPP significa “Master in Public Policy”, ou mestrado em políticas públicas. Mais até do que o MPA, ele é voltado para pessoas que queiram atuar na área pública, seja em organizações estatais, seja em posições técnicas orientando o desenvolvimento e a implementação de políticas públicas com o máximo possível de recursos e informações úteis.

Esse é o título dado a quem conclui o mestrado em Direito. A sigla vem do latim “Legum Magister”, ou “mestre das leis”, e tem dois L porque, em latim, quando abrevia-se algo que está no plural (caso da palavra “Legum”), repete-se a letra.

A mais famosa de todas, Ph.D. significa “Philosophy Doctor”, ou “doutor de filosofia”. Apesar desse significado, ela é concedida como título a qualquer um que termine um programa de doutorado em qualquer área. Isso porque a palavra “filosofia” na expressão é usada em seu sentido original, do grego “amor ao conhecimento”. Há diferenças sutis entre o que chamamos de “doutorado” e o que se chama de “Ph.D” nos EUA e Europa, mas apesar delas, se você tem um doutorado, você tem um Ph.D.

Siglas de provas padronizadas

O CAE é a sigla que se refere à prova e ao certificado Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), adequada para quem precisa comprovar alto desempenho no idioma, seja para oportunidades de trabalho, estudo ou obtenção de vistos e programas de imigração. Sua certificação é de nível C1 do CEFR (Quadro Comum de Referência Europeu de línguas)

CPE é a sigla que se refere à prova e ao certificado Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), o mais avançado dentre as opções voltadas para o objetivo dos estudos. Ele é destinado para aqueles que possuem habilidades próximas de um usuário fluente no inglês. Seu certificado é de nível C2 – o mais elevado no Quadro Europeu Comum de Referência para Línguas.

O ACT (ou American College Testing) é um teste que avalia o conhecimento do aluno em inglês, matemática, leitura, ciência e redação e é usado pelas universidades americanas em seus processos de admissão. No Brasil, um teste similar é o ENEM

SAT significa Scholastic Aptitude Test, ou teste de aptidão escolar. Trata-se de um dos exames mais comuns dos EUA, utilizado pelas universidades americanas em seus processos de admissão para graduação. Ele também se parece com o ENEM brasileiro no sentido de ser padronizado e de ser usado para ingresso no ensino superior.

O TOEFL, ou “Test Of English as a Foreign Language”, é uma das provas de língua inglesa mais solicitadas por universidades e instituições de ensino em geral. Ela é criada e administrada por uma organização sem fins lucrativos chamada ETS (que significa Educational Testing Service).

A sigla IELTS significa International English Language Testing System, e designa uma prova de inglês gerenciada por uma série de organizações diferentes, como o British Council, o IDP: IELTS Australia e a Cambridge Assessment English. Via de regra, o IELTS é a prova que costuma ser exigida por programas do Reino Unido, Austrália e outros países anglófonos fora da América. No continente americano, em geral pede-se mais o TOEFL.

GRE significa “Graduate Record Examination”, algo como “exame do histórico acadêmico”. O GRE é dividido em três áreas: raciocínio verbal, raciocínio quantitativo e escrita crítica. Trata-se de um exame padronizado, semelhante ao GMAT, que pode ser específico para áreas – como Biologia, Matemática ou Literatura – ou Geral. Para todos os casos, o teste é realizado por computador, em um centro de aplicação. A aplicação dura 4 horas, ao todo.

GMAT se refere ao Graduate Management Admission Test (ou teste de admissão para pós-graduação em administração). Ele é uma prova de admissão exigida pela maior parte das escolas de negócios nos Estados Unidos e na Europa. O teste, porém, não avalia conhecimentos específicos de negócios, mas busca o que costuma se chamar de “inteligência mental” e a habilidade de tomar decisões sob pressão de tempo.

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Psychology Graduate Program

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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:

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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

Time to Completion 2023

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

Program costs 2023

3. Internships 

Internship placement Table 1 2023

4. Attrition

Attrition 2023

5. Licensure

Licensure 2023

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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phd e msc

The largest graduate program in MIT’s School of Engineering, EECS has about 700 graduate students in the doctoral program at any given time. Those students conduct groundbreaking research across a wide array of fields alongside world-class faculty and research staff, build lifelong mentorship relationships and drive progress in every sector touched by electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence and decision-making.

Graduate Program

The Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering program ranges from fundamental work in solid and fluid mechanics to diverse studies in materials, mechanical systems, and biomechanics. You will discover that mechanical engineering covers a wide range of activities, including research in dynamics, fluids, materials, solids, and thermodynamics. Your research will be strongly interdisciplinary, with many connections to Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

Materials scientists and mechanical engineers at Harvard are engaged in a wide range of work in the mechanics of materials structures. Projects that current and past students have worked on include seeking to create a revolutionary implantable brain-machine interface that can improve the treatment of neurological disorders and engineering the next generation of pop-up and inflatable buildings.

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Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering Degree

Harvard School of Engineering offers a  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)  degree in Engineering Sciences -- Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering , conferred through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Prospective students apply through the Harvard Griffin GSAS. In the online application, select  “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select "PhD Engineering Sciences: Materials Science and

The Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering program does not offer an independent Masters Degree.

Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering Career Paths

Graduates of the program have gone on to found exciting startups in health care and robotics and have begun a range of careers in law, industry, and government. Others have positions in academia at the University of Toronto, University of Rochester, and Harvard.

Admissions & Academic Requirements

Prospective students apply through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). In the online application, select  “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select "PhD Engineering Sciences: Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering​" in the area of study menu.

Please review the  admissions requirements and other information  before applying. Our website also provides  admissions guidance ,  program-specific requirements , and a  PhD program academic timeline .

Academic Background

Applicants typically have bachelor’s degrees in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. 

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted

Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering Faculty & Research Areas

View a list of our  materials science and mechanical engineering f aculty  and materials science and mechanical engineering  affiliated research areas , Please note that faculty members listed as “Affiliates" or "Lecturers" cannot serve as the primary research advisor.  

Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering Centers & Initiatives

View a list of the research  centers & initiatives  at SEAS and the  materials science and mechanical engineering f aculty engagement with these entities .

Graduate Student Clubs

Graduate student clubs and organizations bring students together to share topics of mutual interest. These clubs often serve as an important adjunct to course work by sponsoring social events and lectures. Graduate student clubs are supported by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin School of Arts and Sciences. Explore the list of active clubs and organizations .

Funding and Scholarship

Learn more about financial support for PhD students.

  • How to Apply

Learn more about how to apply  or review frequently asked questions for prospective graduate students.

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Doctoral Program

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The PhD program is designed to give students a broad and deep understanding of materials science and engineering so that they will have long and fruitful careers as researchers.

Main navigation, doctor of philosophy in materials science and engineering.

Students who graduate from our program will be among the world’s leading experts in the areas of their dissertation research. They also will have the intellectual tools to move into new research areas as the field grows and develops.

During the first year of the PhD program, students are required to take five courses from our core curriculum, attend the weekly colloquium lectures to learn about cutting-edge materials science research, explore finding an advisor (which includes a weekly course hour), and enroll in some technical elective coursework.

Students are expected to find a research group to join before the start of the spring quarter in their first year. During the summer after the first academic year, students typically work intensely on research under the guidance of a professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department or a professor from another materials-related department.

In the second year, students continue to take technical elective coursework and do research. Between October and January, they take a qualifying examination, which they must pass to be formally admitted to candidacy for a PhD degree. In the first part of the exam, students give a 20-minute presentation on their proposed area of dissertation research. A committee of professors, which includes the student’s advisor, then questions the student on the proposed topic for 20 minutes. Finally, the professors ask questions for 80 minutes on topics from the core curriculum. Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of materials science and to show that they can think clearly on aspects that are important for their research. Students who do not pass the qualifying exam can attempt it one more time in the spring quarter. It is not uncommon to pass one part but not both parts on the first try.

Once students pass the qualifying exam, they continue to take classes and do their dissertation research. Students are required to take 44 core, technical, and seminar units (approximately 18 quarter-long classes).

The final stage of the PhD program is to write a dissertation and pass the university oral examination, which involves giving a public seminar defending the dissertation and answering questions from a private panel of four professors. Most students complete the entire program in five years and receive several employment offers as they write their dissertations.

The university’s basic requirements for a PhD are outlined in the Graduate Degrees section of the Stanford Bulletin.

The PhD degree is awarded after the completion of a minimum of 135 units of graduate work as well as satisfactory completion of any additional university requirements. Degree requirements for the department are as follows:

1 All core courses must be completed for a letter grade and to qualify for the qualifying exam a GPA in the core courses must be 3.5 or higher.

2 Eight, elective, technical courses must be in areas related directly to students’ research interests.  Five courses must be in MATSCI, including one course in Characterization*

*The characterization course may be taken out of the department with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.

All courses must be completed for a letter grade.

3 Materials Science and Engineering PhD students are required to take MATSCI 230 Materials Science Colloquium during each quarter of their first year. Attendance is required, roll is taken and more than two absences result in an automatic "No Pass" grade.

4 Research units will very likely equal or exceed 75, so other courses may count here.  This could include other engineering courses, MATSCI 400 , transfer units, other university courses, up to 3 units of MATSCI 299 .

5 Students must complete Materials Science Research Advising during the Autumn of their first year.  They will complete Ethics and Broader Impacts in Materials Science during the Spring of their first year.  In addition, students complete at least 10 residency units.  These course units may include  MATSCI 300  Ph.D. Research, other engineering courses,  MATSCI 400  Participation in Materials Science Teaching, or a maximum of three units  MATSCI 299  Practical Training.

  • Students must consult with the PhD Advising Team or their academic adviser on PhD course selection planning. For students with a non-MATSCI research adviser, the MATSCI academic/co-adviser must also approve the list of proposed courses. Any proposed deviations from the requirements can be considered only by petition.
  • PhD students are required to apply for and have conferred a MATSCI MS degree normally by the end of their third year of studies. A Graduate Program Authorization Petition (in Axess) and an MS Program Proposal  (PDF) must be submitted after taking the PhD qualifying examination.
  • A departmental oral qualifying examination must be passed by the end of January of the second year. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 in core courses MATSCI 211-215 is required for admission to the PhD qualifying examination. Students who have passed the PhD qualifying examination are required to complete the Application for Candidacy to the PhD degree by June of the second year after passing the qualifying examination. Final changes in the Application for Candidacy form must be submitted no later than one academic quarter prior to the TGR status.
  • Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all courses taken at Stanford.
  • Students must present the results of their research dissertation at the university PhD oral defense examination.
  • Current students subject to either this set of requirements or a prior set must obtain the approval of their adviser before filing a revised program sheet, and should as far as possible adhere to the intent of the new requirements.
  • Students may refer to the list of "Advanced Specialty Courses and Cognate Courses" provided below as guidelines for their selection of technical elective units. As noted above, academic adviser approval is required.
  • At least 90 units must be taken in residence at Stanford. Students entering with an MS degree in Materials Science from another university may request to transfer up to 45 units of equivalent work toward the total of 135 PhD degree requirement units.
  • Students may propose a petition for exemption from a required core course if they have taken a similar course in the past. To petition, a student must consult and obtain academic and/or research adviser approval, and consent of the instructor of the proposed core course. To assess a student’s level of knowledge, the instructor may provide an oral or written examination on the subject matter. The student must pass the examination in order to be exempt from the core course requirement. If the petition is approved, the student is required to complete the waived number of units by taking other relevant upper-level MATSCI courses.

PhD minor in Materials Science and Engineering

The university’s basic requirements for the PhD minor are outlined in the Graduate Degrees section of the Stanford Bulletin. A minor requires 20 units of graduate work of quality and depth at the 200-level or higher in the Materials Science and Engineering course offering. Courses must be taken for a letter grade. The proposed list of courses must be approved by the department’s advanced degree committee. Individual programs must be submitted to the student services manager at least one quarter prior to the quarter of the degree conferral. None of the units taken for the PhD minor may overlap with any MS degree units.

Princeton University

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Graduate Program

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  • Information for Prospective Graduate Students
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For Prospective Graduate Students:

Welcome ! Thank you for your interest in the Computer Science Department at Princeton. This site is designed to give information on our graduate study program and the requirements for the Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) . Candidates may apply directly to the Ph.D. program after completion of a bachelor's degree; a master's degree is not required for admission.

Admission to Princeton is for the fall semester only. We do not offer evening, weekend, or summer courses. We do not have a distance learning program. Normally a student admitted for graduate study is expected to have completed a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, science, or mathematics; a degree in computer science is not required.

The application deadline for Fall 2024 is December 15, 2023  for all applicants. It is important that all materials reach the University by the deadline dates.

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For more information, see the  frequently asked questions . You can also contact our Graduate Coordinator at [email protected].

For Current Ph.D. Graduate Students:

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Careers advice and planning

Ma, msc, mres, phd, eng d... different types of postgraduate courses.

targetjobs editorial team

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.

Two directional signs against a blue sky, one pointing left with the word "EMPLOYMENT," the other pointing right with "FURTHER STUDY."

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.

targetjobs editorial advice

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.

People reading this also searched for roles in these areas:

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phd e msc

Master’s & Ph.D.

The UW ECE graduate program is ranked #16 in the country by U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24.

The University of Washington Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering’s graduate programs prepare students to impact the future and address pressing challenges in healthcare, energy, the environment, communication and more.

Located in Seattle, Washington, graduate students are in close proximity to prominent technology companies as well as a vibrant start-up community, making UW ECE an ideal location to launch a career. Graduates enjoy rewarding positions at research institutions or in industry, working for companies such as Boeing, Microsoft, Honeywell, Intel, Apple, Amazon, Philips, T-Mobile, Lockheed Martin and more.

phd e msc

Master of Science

The Daytime Master’s Program (MSEE)  provides advanced preparation for professional practice through a highly customizable, coursework-based, or thesis curriculum. The coursework option is typically selected by students who want to work at a higher level in industry, while the thesis option, which involves more in-depth research is designed for students with a passion for pursuing a Ph.D.

download MSEE program flyer

The Ph.D. program prepares students for work in academia or industry as independent researchers and scholars. It is the highest degree awarded in the field. Students work closely with distinguished faculty on research and pursue their own innovative projects, preparing them to make a difference in the world.

download Ph.D. program flyer

Why UW ECE?

UW ECE is a perennial top-20 best graduate school as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, and is  the top electrical engineering department in the region. Students work under the instruction of world-renowned researchers and are immersed in the department’s entrepreneurial environment. Technology developed in UW ECE labs is frequently translated into the business community for real-world impact.

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Graduate Program FAQs

UW ECE admits graduate students annually, in autumn quarter. Admission is highly competitive.

  • Admission Requirements

The UW ECE Master’s program offers both coursework and thesis options. The degree is geared both towards students seeking to then going into industry, or to continue on to a Ph.D. program.

  • Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. curriculum prepares students for their dissertation research.

Curriculum Groups

UW ECE is active in most areas of electrical & computer engineering research:

  • Communications and Networking
  • Data Science
  • Photonics and Nano Devices
  • Power and Energy Systems
  • Robotics and Controls

All admitted Ph.D. students are funded for four years of academic study through research and teaching assistantships, fellowships and departmental support provided they are making satisfactory progress toward their degree.  The majority of our master’s students are self-funded.

  • Tuition, Fees & Funding
  • UW ECE Graduate Fellowships
  • Irene C. Peden Fellowship  for female Ph.D. students in UW ECE
  • NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) for Accelerating Quantum-Enabled Technologies (AQET)
  • UW Clean Energy Institute (CEI) Graduate Fellowships
  • UW Graduate School List of Fellowships

Professional Master’s Program

Are you a working professional or a full-time student interested in pursuing a career in industry? The Electrical & Computer Engineering  Professional Master’s Program offers a flexible degree that features industry-responsive curriculum.

  • Admissions Requirements
  • Degree Requirements — MSEE
  • Degree Requirements — Ph.D.
  • Graduate Data Science Option (DSO)
  • Tuition & Fees
  • Prospective Graduate Student Resources
  • Contact Advising

[email protected]

Current ECE students can schedule an appointment with an adviser or find drop-in hours online.

Prospective student drop-in hours

Be boundless

© 2024 University of Washington | Seattle, WA

IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD

    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 ...

  2. What's the correct way of writing a higher education title (MSc or M.Sc

    You will find that PhD Ph.D. BSc B.Sc. MSc and M.Sc. are all found. The question linked to handles this for PhD/Ph.D. but the answer covers the rest. The only thing to add to it is to be consistent, so PhD and BSc or Ph.D. and B.Sc., but not one form together with another in the same piece of writing. -

  3. Master's vs PhD

    The two most common types of graduate degrees are master's and doctoral degrees: A master's is a 1-2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers. A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3-7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research. A master's is also the necessary first ...

  4. Does 'graduate program' mean MSc or Ph.D.?

    All master's (MA, MBA, MFA ...) and doctorate programs (MD, DO, DNP, ...) are graduate programs. I think "graduate" is most common in the US but "postgraduate" is definitely understood @JW. I know of one university where all MSc and PhD go to the graduate programm and becoming a 'full' PhD student required a certain GPA and passing the ...

  5. What is the difference between a postgraduate taught master's and a

    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 ...

  6. Graduate & Professional Study

    Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination at Yale University: The university is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and affirmatively seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons of diverse backgrounds.University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in ...

  7. Integrated Masters with PhD

    Note: While an MRes and an MSc are both suitable pathways to a PhD, numerous students enrolling into an integrated degree prefer an MRes to an MSc. This is because an MRes is a Research Masters, and so compared to an MSc (Master of Science) will naturally place a greater emphasis on research training.

  8. PhD Program

    PhD Program. The PhD degree in MS&E is intended for students primarily interested in a career of research and teaching, or high-level technical work in universities, industry, or government. The PhD is conferred upon candidates who have demonstrated substantial scholarship and the ability to conduct independent research. Through course work and ...

  9. Which research degree should I do—MSc, MD, or PhD?

    The compromise degrees are the MD or MS. These usually require two years of work and therefore permit more in-depth research than the MSc. The MD or its equivalent is popular among medics. When deciding which degree to go for you should check all the various regulations and also the fees that may be entailed. At the end of the day the choice is ...

  10. Graduate School

    The Princeton Graduate School welcomes applicants who are seeking to reimagine what's possible in their fields. Global in scope, yet intimate enough to foster new, cross-disciplinary connections, we believe that the power to shape what's next begins with you. View of Cleveland Tower. Photographed by Jane Doe.

  11. Graduate

    PhD. The PhD degree in MS&E is intended for students primarily interested in a career of research and teaching, or high-level technical work in universities, industry, or government. Learn More MS. The master's degree is designed to be a terminal degree program with a professional focus. See below for remote and part-time options. ...

  12. O que é MBA, M.Sc, Ph.D, LL.M, B.Sc... Saiba o que significam as siglas

    MBA, M.Sc, Ph.D, LL.M, B.Sc…. Saiba o que significam todas essas siglas. Todo mundo que pesquisou por cursos acadêmicos de qualquer nível fora do Brasil deve ter se deparado com uma verdadeira barragem de siglas, desde as mais conhecidas como "PhD" até outras menos óbvias, como "MRes", MSc ou BA. Isso sem falar nas diversas provas ...

  13. Clinical

    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.

  14. Graduate programs

    The largest graduate program in MIT's School of Engineering, EECS has about 700 graduate students in the doctoral program at any given time. Those students conduct groundbreaking research across a wide array of fields alongside world-class faculty and research staff, build lifelong mentorship relationships and drive progress in every sector ...

  15. Graduate Program

    The Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering program ranges from fundamental work in solid and fluid mechanics to diverse studies in materials, mechanical systems, and biomechanics. You will discover that mechanical engineering covers a wide range of activities, including research in dynamics, fluids, materials, solids, and thermodynamics.

  16. Doctoral Program

    3 Materials Science and Engineering PhD students are required to take MATSCI 230 Materials Science Colloquium during each quarter of their first year. Attendance is required, roll is taken and more than two absences result in an automatic "No Pass" grade. 4 Research units will very likely equal or exceed 75, so other courses may count here.

  17. Graduate Program

    We do not have a distance learning program. Normally a student admitted for graduate study is expected to have completed a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, science, or mathematics; a degree in computer science is not required. The application deadline for Fall 2024 is December 15, 2023 for all applicants.

  18. MA, MSc, MRes, PhD, Eng D... different types of ...

    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. One to two years full time. Two to four years ...

  19. abbreviations

    49. Actually both are correct. I could easily find both on my NOAD, and there are plenty of pages on the net where you find it written as "PhD". The OALD gives an interesting distinction, stating that Ph.D. is especially North American English. Now, being a non-native speaker, I can only rely on official sources to state who uses what, but ...

  20. Master's & Ph.D.

    Master's & Ph.D. The UW ECE graduate program is ranked #16 in the country by U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24. The University of Washington Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering's graduate programs prepare students to impact the future and address pressing challenges in healthcare, energy, the environment, communication and more.

  21. american english

    ODO prefers Ph.D. over PhD in US English. But at the same time, there is no B.Sc. and no M.Sc. entry in OED, which leads me into thinking that there is a mismatch: Ph.D. is typically written with periods, but MSc and BSc without in the US English.

  22. M.Sc Ph.D Integrated Course, Full Form, Eligibility, Admission

    M.Sc Ph.D is a three to six years-long dual degree programme that combines MSc and P.hD. This integrated course rewards a student with a double degree. A M.Sc. is a postgraduate degree in science discipline. Candidates who have completed a B.Sc. are eligible for enrolling in M.Sc. While a PhD is a doctoral level research degree programme.

  23. How should degrees be listed in an e-mail signature?

    50. And it is generally regarded as incorrect to prefix your title and to repeat it after the name. Even with a single degree, you should either say "Dr. Bob Roberts" or "Bob Roberts, PhD". Saying "Dr. Bob Roberts, PhD" isn't good. So, if you really want to list all of your degrees, you should probably omit the title before your name.