MEng vs. M.S. degree: what’s the difference?
If you’re researching graduate engineering degrees, you’re probably wondering if an MEng degree or an M.S. degree is right for you. Both offer unique benefits, but the right choice depends on your career goals, priorities, interests, timeline, and more.
Here’s a breakdown of the difference between these two types of graduate engineering degrees, which engineering programs offer them, and what future opportunities each of them could open for you.
MEng and M.S. Key Differences
The Master of Engineering (MEng) degree is a professional, coursework-only degree designed for those seeking practical skills and leadership roles in industry. It emphasizes engineering design, project execution, and often includes business or management electives.
MEng students are not required to complete a research thesis or project, and the curricula allows graduate students to focus on the academic courses that are most relevant to their professional goals, emphasizing job-related knowledge and skills.
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree, on the other hand, is research-oriented. It typically involves a thesis or substantial research project, preparing students for academic careers or roles in Research & Development. M.S. degrees are ideal for those interested in pursuing a future Ph.D. or positions in academia.
Because M.S. degrees involve research, students must be selected by a faculty advisor in their chosen field prior to starting the program. Depending on the program, selection by an advisor might be required before applying, or might take place after admission to the program.
MEng vs M.S. Degree Requirements
MEng Degree Requirements
- 45 credits of advanced coursework. A typical course outline could include, but is not limited to:
- 12-25+ core coursework credits
- 3 ethics course credits
- 3 technical writing credits
- 12-27 engineering and non-engineering related elective course credits relevant to your professional goals or fields of interest
- A Program of Study plan developed in conjunction with an advisor during your first term.
- A final portfolio of your graduate work, to be used in lieu of a final oral exam.
M.S. Degree Requirements
- 45 total credits. A typical course outline could include, but is not limited to:
- 12-25+ core coursework credits
- 12-27 engineering and non-engineering related elective course credits relevant to your professional goals or fields of interest
- A thesis (6-12 credits) or non-thesis (3-6 credits) project
- Depending on your program, you will choose between a thesis, or a project degree option.
- A thesis option involves original program research of novel applications of existing knowledge to a practical problem.
- A project option involves completion of a project in which you apply program knowledge and methods to a practical problem.
- A final oral exam upon completion of project or thesis.
MEng vs M.S. Career Trajectory
Master of Engineering (MEng):
Industry-Focused Roles: MEng graduates typically enter technical leadership positions in engineering firms, manufacturing, construction, and technology sectors. Common job titles include Project Engineer, Engineering Manager, and Design Engineer.
Management Pathways: Many programs incorporate business or project management courses, making MEng graduates strong candidates for roles that blend technical expertise with leadership responsibilities.
Speed to Market: Because the MEng is often completed in under a year, graduates can quickly transition into higher-paying roles without the extended research commitment.
Master of Science (M.S.):
Research and Development Careers: M.S. graduates often work in R&D departments, government labs, or academic institutions. Roles include Research Engineer, Data Scientist, and Technical Consultant.
Pathway to Ph.D.: The M.S. is ideal for students planning to pursue doctoral studies, as it emphasizes research methodology and scholarly writing.
Specialized Expertise: Employers value M.S. graduates for their ability to tackle complex problems and innovate in emerging technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and advanced materials.
Long-Term Academic Opportunities: Many M.S. graduates become educators, researchers, or policy advisors in engineering-related fields.
MEng vs. M.S. Cost
The cost of a graduate degree depends on several factors, including your type of degree, residency status, term, and more.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition cost for graduate programs (for both M.S. and MEng degrees) for residents of Oregon was $583 per credit hour. But costs range depending on how many credits you’re taking in a single term, your residency status, term, and more.
The cost of an MEng degree at Oregon State in the 2025-2026 academic year could range from $17,000 - $38,000
View current tuition rates and fees
In terms of tuition, both MEng degrees and M.S. degrees generally cost the same. However, because an M.S. degree involves significant research, there is a greater likelihood of obtaining Graduate Research Assistantships or Graduate Teaching Assistantships, which could help pay for your degree.
But no matter which degree you’re choosing from, there are still opportunities to apply for scholarships, grants, or fellowships, seek out loans, or if applicable, utilize tuition reimbursement programs from your employer.
MEng Degrees at Oregon State
MEng degrees offered at Oregon State include:
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Ecological Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
M.S. Degrees at Oregon State
M.S. engineering degrees offered at Oregon State include: