Okay, congratulations! You’ve successfully completed your engineering undergraduate degree programme! So, what now? Are you going to send yourself out there, into the workforce territory, or are you a nerdy folk planning on obtaining a master’s degree? Well, if it’s the latter, you’ve come to the right place. 

If you’re applying for a master’s degree in engineering, surely you’ve heard of the two ways to do it: MS or MTech. They’re both master's degree programmes in engineering, but what’s the difference, anyway? Well, again, you’ve also come to the right place because we’re going to clear up all the confusion and answer all the questions you have in that nerdy mind of yours. So, shall we? Let’s dive right in!

What is MS?

This is your strong suit if you have a creative mind and a constant desire to experiment and innovate. This might be your ideal play space where you can discover, investigate, think critically, and, most importantly, invent! 

The Master of Science, or MS, is a postgraduate degree from prestigious science and research institutes. With full-time programmes spanning 1.5–2 years, master of science programmes is offered in the two main fields of engineering and management. MS is a research-based degree programme. MS is all about extending academic boundaries, tackling unresolved problems, and formulating thesis-level conclusions.

What is MTech?

MTech is primarily intended for those who value utility over theory. During this strictly two-year term, students choose a speciality topic and work tirelessly to excel in it. The ideal way to use MTech would be to select the mode according to your preferences. MTech is the course for you if you're an employee looking to progress your career because it won't interfere with your current employment and will only take you as far as you can go.

Difference between MS and MTech: Which One to Choose?

Both programmes are open to students who have taken courses in the science stream. Popular post-BTech and post-BSc options have distinctive qualities, particularly with regard to concentration. In contrast to MS, which is more theory-specific and describes research potential, MTech is a technical course offering various engineering specialties.

There are significant differences between the MS and MTech degrees due to their various study areas. To achieve an MS, you often need to take courses like probability theory or advanced calculus. On the other hand, an MTech requires enrollment in courses like Computer Architecture and Design Patterns and Data Structures and Algorithms.

Duration

The MS and MTech programmes differ significantly in length. You can obtain your Master of Technology (MT) or Master of Computer Science (MSC) degree through a two-year postgraduate programme MS offered by a number of colleges. 

The IITs and NITs' two-year graduate MTech programme will give you hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission

Each college has unique requirements for admission to its MS and MTech programmes. There are a few standard prerequisites, including:

• Some colleges have minimum GPA requirements, while others have mark requirements. Some universities demand that applicants have at least two years of work experience before applying to their programmes.

• Even as part of the admissions process, some colleges ask for your CV, an application form, and an interview.

• Some institutions may require candidates to have a particular level of education before being admitted into the programme, such as an undergraduate degree in computer science or engineering from an acknowledged university or college.

Entrance Exams

The entrance exams for MS and MTech don't differ significantly from one another. To get a seat in the field of your choice at any study site, whether locally or overseas, you would need to present outstanding entrance exam scores. You need a GRE score for both programmes to apply to international colleges.

Subjects and Specialisations

M.Sc Specialisations

The following are the specialisations available to students pursuing a master's degree in science:

• Economics

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biotechnology

• Zoology

• Botany

• Electronics

• Information Technology

• Geology

• Meteorology

M.Tech Specialisations

One benefit of taking an M.Tech. programme is that each programme has a list of sub-specializations that prospective students can choose from. The M.Tech. specialisations listed below include sub-specialization options for candidates:

• Computer Science and Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electronics and Communications Engineering

Career Scope: Mtech vs MS

Since both degrees follow distinct approaches to science, you can focus on a variety of industries once you graduate from your desired programme. MTech graduates are frequently chosen by prestigious organisations or IT firms for prominent technical positions. MS graduates are frequently hired by R&D firms. Additionally, the research focus is open to MS students. 

Job opportunities After MS

MS provides a range of employment opportunities all across the world. Once you've chosen a speciality, you can move forward with your academic studies. For instance, if artificial intelligence (AI) is something that interests you, you can enrol in an MS programme that focuses on AI and receive your degree there. With an MS degree, you can get higher-paying jobs than people with only bachelor's degrees.

Job profiles in MS

• Merchant Navy

• Biomedical Engineer

• Software Engineer

• Software Developer

• Automobile Engineer

• Food Safety Officer

• Associate Professor

• Data Analyst

• Product Manager

Job opportunities After MTech

Research and development in specialised fields, like electrical or mechanical engineering, are the core of an MTech degree. The MTech career path is the best choice since it combines knowledge application in the actual world with research and development. You can enrol in a specialised course with a thorough understanding of particular technical courses through the MTech programme. 

Job profiles in MTech

• Data Analyst

• Web Developer

• Data Science

• Safety Officer

• Programmer Analyst

• Aerospace Engineer

• Robotics Engineer

• Industrial Engineer

• Regional Manager

• Factory Head

Top Universities for MS

MS programmes are offered by several universities. The most well-known universities that provide this programme are listed below:

• MIT

• Stanford University

• Harvard University

• California Institute of Technology

• University of Chicago

Popular Specialisations in MS

• Computer Science

• Petroleum Engineering

• Embedded Systems

• Wireless Communications

• Power Engineering

• Management Information Systems

• Game Design and Game Development

• Life Sciences

• Pharmacy

• Very-large-scale integration (VLSI)

Top Universities for MTech

We have compiled a list of a number of well-known universities that provide MTech programmes to their students:

• MIT 

• Stanford University

• University of California

• University of Cambridge

• Georgia Institute of Technology

Popular Specialisations in MTech

• Information Technology

• Computer Science

• Mechanical Engineering

• Mechanical Production Engineering

• Mechanical Design Engineering

• Biotechnology Engineering

• Robotics

• Cyber Security

And voila! This was your comprehensive guide on the difference between MS and MTech! So, now that you understand the difference, which one will it be for you?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it worth doing MS after MTech?

It is financially advantageous to have completed an MTech and then pursue an MS. The average salary of an MS graduate can increase if they additionally hold an MTech.

2. Which is better, MS or MTech?

You can specialise in the area of engineering of your choice with MTech. On the other hand, MS will be a treat for individuals who want to understand the subject's basic scientific principles.

3. Can you do both MS and MTech?

It is possible to earn an MS and an MTech. However, while working on your second master's degree, you'll feel as though your time and money are being wasted. If you decide to pursue an MS, it won't be worthwhile unless you earn an MTech from a reputable university.