What is Master's: Definition and 218 Discussions

A master's degree (from Latin magister) is an academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice. A master's degree normally requires previous study at the bachelor's level, either as a separate degree or as part of an integrated course. Within the area studied, master's graduates are expected to possess advanced knowledge of a specialized body of theoretical and applied topics; high order skills in analysis, critical evaluation, or professional application; and the ability to solve complex problems and think rigorously and independently.

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  1. M

    Engineering Master's in Energy Systems Engineering

    Hello all, I was recently accepted to a program overseas that offers said degree. I think it sounds great, but I'm more than slightly worried about job prospects in the field. Can anyone offer advice?
  2. B

    Programs Cambridge master's degrees question

    Hello all! I am going to begin the last year of my Bachelor's course in physics in about a month and it's about time to start searching for some Master's degree opportunities. I decided I might just as well try my luck at Cambridge but the problem (one of the many problems actually :P) is that...
  3. W

    Schools Graduate school conundrum? Low Ugrad GPA high Master's GPA

    This is perhaps not a conundrum and me thinking about things too much. The story: I'm about to start my second year in my Master's program. I've taken the following two course sequences: Real Analysis/Functional Analysis, Complex Analysis/Variables, and Analysis I&II. I also have taken a...
  4. S

    Where Can I Find Information on Pursuing a Master's in Physics?

    Hi guys, I started studying physics in my sophomore year in college (which I just finished). I am taking classes like optics and relativity next year, and as I will be already Junior next year, I have been trying to gather some information about master's degree in physics or engineering in...
  5. F

    Engineering How will having a master's degree in engineering change your career path ?

    So I was wondering that what difference can having a master's degree in engineering (let's take my own field, mechanical engineering) will make than if I worked straight away with a bachelor's degree? What sort of positions within organizations do MEs with MS hold and what job usually the end up...
  6. T

    Is the bachelor's important when one has a master's degree?

    Do the employers care about the bachelor? For example if two persons, one with applied mathematics bachelor's and other with physics bachelor's, both have the same master's, can they get the same jobs? I'm asking this because people with bachelor's in applied mathematics usually get hired for...
  7. N

    Master's in Mechanical Engineering

    Hello all, I am going to finish my under-grad degree in EPhysics in about a little bit over a year so it's time to pick post-graduate plans. I decided to go to grad school for a Masters in engineering, particularly Mechanical. I was wondering is this plausible? I know mechanical...
  8. K

    Baptism by fire? 2nd year of master's at polytechnique

    I've been accepted in the M2 (2nd year of master's) program in high energy physics at Ecole Polytechnique, in Paris. I looked at the compulsory courses I'd have to take. Here they are: -Beyond the standard model, supersymmetry and supergravity; -The standard model - weak and strong...
  9. Q

    Teaching in college with a Master's

    Hi, A question for all of the college/university teachers out there: Do good, full-time teaching positions for someone with only a Master's exist at the college level? If so, how rare/difficult to obtain are such positions? Does one have to be willing to relocate often? I currently hold BS...
  10. D

    Programs Which way to go with Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

    Hi I am Bulgarian/British citizen. I graduated in Bulgaria 2001- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and Electrical Power Engineering. I worked in the field in Bulgaria for a year and I decided to leave for the UK seeking better professional progression. I've got a certificate from...
  11. P

    Engineering Pointless to do an engineering master's after a physics bachelors?

    Seeing as one cannot become a PE with a master's degree, only bachelors degree in engineering qualifies. So, what is the point of doing an engineering masters if you'll have a very difficult time finding a job? And even if you get really luck and do find a job, you'll have a real PE sign off on...
  12. D

    Programs Physics: master's degree in Europe

    Hi! I would want to study Matter Condensed Physics, for the master's degree, in a public university of a european state but, for the moment, i don't know where. Is there someone who would be able to recommend the best insitutions (maybe with annexed a good research-centre) to study this...
  13. G

    Engineering Physics BS to Engineering Master's?

    I have my bachelor's degree in physics and am seriously considering getting my Master's in engineering... How hard is it to make that transition? Do engineering schools regularly accept physics students? Are physics students successful in engineering master's programs? I would love to pursue...
  14. P

    Master's of Math without a BS in Math?

    Hi all. My question is- is it possible to do well in a Masters in Math Program even though I have not completed a BS in Math. Rutgers Camden has a Masters Program that I can get into as long as I have completed up to Calculus 3, and Linear Algebra. I am only in Calculus 2 now, but I was thinking...
  15. J

    Engineering Is there value in a Master's in Engineering?

    Hello all, first time poster here, looking for some advice regarding going back to school. I have a BS in astrophysics but have been working for the years since my undergrad (3yrs) as an engineer for a small company. Astrophysics has not directly helped me in my current job but having a...
  16. srfriggen

    Preparing for a Master's in Math; prereqs, financial advice

    Hello all, Background: I have a BA in Economics from Villanova University, class of '04. I took a theory-based path so I didn't take many math classes (calc I and a couple of statistics courses). I've been preparing for acceptance into a Master's program in math based on the advice of...
  17. J

    Bachelor's GPA vs. master's GPA

    Hello. I'm an European student who is about to graduate as a master next year. Now i would be interested in grad school in the states, but, my bachelor's grades suck. I have good research experience and since I started my master's I've really picked up steam. My grades converted to the...
  18. A

    Doing Master's of Engineering in Europe?

    I'm studying Civil Engineering here in Canada. I'm interested in doing my masters somewhere in Europe but i don't know how it will work out. I'm interested in structural/infrastructure branch of civil engineering and every country/area have their own laws and regulations regarding building...
  19. P

    Control Engineering Master's with Mediocre-Low Undergrad GPA. Possible?

    Hello, I am currently half way through my forth year of undergraduate electrical engineering at the University of Waterloo (Canada) and am considering going to graduate school for control engineering. Unfortunately, mostly due to poor work ethic on my part, my GPA is only about 3.3/4.0...
  20. K

    Schools Where do I find a list of univ/colleges that offers Master's degree in Physics?

    Thank you very much for you help in advance =)
  21. O

    Programs Master's Degree in physics after Bachelor in MIS

    Hello all, This is my first thread in this forum, and I would like to ask some questions about Master's degree in physics. My Bachelor degree was in Management Information System (Which I didn't achieve in USA), and I would like to apply for Master's degree in Physics in USA. All I need to...
  22. planethunter

    Physics Exploring Career Options in Medical Physics (for Master's Program Admits)

    Hello everyone, I recently was admitted into a Master’s program in Applied Physics here in California and am interested in knowing more about what Medical Physics is as far as a career route for me. I am starting the program this spring’11 semester. Any info will be greatly appreciated...
  23. O

    Getting a Master's in Physics in the US?

    I'm an Dutch Physics and Astronomy student, and if all goes according to plan I'll be getting my Bachelor degrees in both this year. I was planning to get my Master in physics after this, and hopefully in the US, but when I started checking universities (UCLA, Berkely, MIT etc.) they all seem...
  24. Shackleford

    Programs Professional Master's Physics degrees

    What do you guys think of these Professional Master's Physics or Professional M.S. Physics degrees? Who has the best ones? I found an old report online, but the list is definitely out-dated.
  25. I

    Programs Scholarships for Master's Degrees Abroad in Math: How to Find and Apply

    Hello I'm soon starting my third (and last) year to my bachelor's degree in math (primary, and a bit physics too) in a non-English-speaking country, and I'm thinking of doing a master's degree abroad (by abroad I mean USA, UK, or anyplace where they speak English) So I've been wondering how...
  26. D

    Should I get a Master's in biomedical engineering?

    Hey all, So here's my dilemma. I am a neuroscience major and I was planning on just doing a PhD in some subfield of neuroscience right after I graduate. However, I've realize that a lot (though not all) of my interests are things that would be aided by some background in biomedical...
  27. C

    Schools University for Master's Degree in Theoretical Physics (GB)

    Dear all, I'm a German physicist in his second year and I'm going to finish my bachelor thesis in summer 2011. To make international experiences I tend to do my Master's degree abroad and I think Great Britain would be a good choice. After some discussions with friend who are studying in...
  28. N

    Looking for jobs. Should I tell them I have a Master's?

    Hi everyeone, I'm applying to entry-level jobs in banking or just about anything. I have a M.Sc. in Math. I'm not getting any calls whatsoever for any kind of job (well not literally). Even if I'm qualified, I don't get a call. My cover and resume are very nice. I have community volunteer...
  29. P

    Master's vs. Bachelor's in Chemistry

    Hey all, I have a (hopefully) quick question about the difference between a Master's degree in chemistry and a Bachelor's. First of all, every single person I've talked to about this has told me to go on to grad school, which is what I want to do anyway. But let's say that's not an immediate...
  30. C

    Master's in EE: Is it Necessary for Electronics/Hardware?

    I'm currently an undergrad in EE and was just wondering if it was needed to get a Master's degree to find a good job. I want to specialize in electronics and computer hardware. I don't want to be a programmer but rather would work alongside them in design and such. I haven't even really...
  31. T

    About to finish my Master's and losing my resolve

    I'm finishing my MSc physics degree this year at a small university in Canada. It's been a tough road, and in my undergrad and graduate courses I've only been able to muster a B average. I applied to two PhD programs for the fall and so far have been rejected by one due to concerns about my GPA...
  32. N

    Job Searching: Requesting a Day Off for Master's Presentation

    Alright guys, I'm looking for a job. One problem is that my Master's is just about done. A job that I have a REALLY good chance at says I must be fully available for 3 months. But the thing is, I will need a day off to do my Master's presentation. Otherwise, I'm ok. What should I do...
  33. R

    Math Is a Master's in Applied Math the Key to Advancing as a Physicist?

    I'm currently a master's student in physics. I really don't want to go on to a phd. I feel that in order to be a better physicist, I need more math training. I didn't do a math double major as an undergrad, and now I wish I did. How much would I get out of a math degree? Is someone with two...
  34. FeDeX_LaTeX

    Solving Master's Challenge: Prove Equation of a Straight Line

    Prove that this is the equation of a straight line; -\frac{\zeta(x)\zeta(2)y\Gamma(x)}{\int_0^\infty \frac{u^{x - 1}}{e^u - 1} du \int_0^1 \frac{\ln(1 - x)}{x} dx} - \nabla \cdot (\nabla \times \vec{A}) = \frac{L^{-1}[\frac{F(t)}{t}] \int_{k = 0}^1 \int_{\theta = 0}^{\pi /2} \frac{d\theta...
  35. A

    Does a MATH Bachelor's prepare you for an Electrical Engineering Master's?

    and also, how practical is an applied math degree? I love math and learning concepts, but I think it's also important to know you will always have a job. I'm guessing that engineering trumps math in this aspect? (I'll be attending the University of Texas at Austin next year)
  36. M

    Should I Get a 1 or 2 Year Master's in Physics?

    I have an undergraduate degree in chemistry. I'm taking some physics classes and I plan on eventually getting a PhD in physics. I plan on getting a master's before I go for the PhD. This will allow me to fill in some gaps in my physics education. My question is, what are you guy's thoughts...
  37. D

    Programs Master's from long ago abandoned PhD program?

    I'd like to earn a Master's, without starting from scratch, taking the whole bunch of classes again. In the 1980s, I had been in the PhD physics program at a large midwestern university. After passing the PhD qualifier and spending a year as a technician at a major research lab, I left...
  38. R

    Physics (Realistic) options and versatility with a B.Sc. or Master's degree in Physics

    Alright, perhaps this question has been answered here already, though by browsing through the forums I haven't yet been able to come to a final conclusion, so I thought I might as well try to explain my situation a bit more thoroughly. I'm a pretty successful, 24-year-old law graduate from...
  39. A

    Programs What to do with master's degrees in math and physics.

    Any suggestions? I do NOT want to do research; (1) because I don't think I'm good enough at this stuff to do exciting, original work in it, and (2) I don't love it enough to want to spend my entire day thinking about it or mulling over it. So I'd like to look for a job outside of academia. And...
  40. W

    Master's Program in Engineering Help

    I need some advice, so I'm getting it from everywhere I can. I'm a third-semester master's student in mechanical engineering. I've done well up to this point, but I took a fluids dynamics test yesterday that is sure to be a disaster when it comes to the grade. It was not hard, but I made...
  41. V

    Is a Master's of Engineering Program Right for Me?

    Hi, I was wondering what people thought of a "Master's of Engineering" program? from Wikipedia: I have a BS in Physics and have been working in industry (Research and Development) for about 12 years now. I'm looking to get more education but have restrictions of family, location, full...
  42. C

    Programs Question regarding Master's Degree in Math

    So, I'm currently attending the University of Kansas as a Graduate Students in the combined M.A./Ph.D program. Essentially, we have the option of stopping once we get a Master's Degree if we choose, which is what I'm currently leaning towards at the moment. My question also falls under the...
  43. D

    Deciding on a Master's Thesis Direction for PhD Admissions in Canada

    I'm in Canada, where (usually) a master's degree, with a thesis, is required before being admitted in a PhD program. Now, I am told that a master's thesis does not need to be... substantial. However, you could say I'm ambitious (or stupid) and I want to get some original results. I'm in comp...
  44. E

    Deciding on a Master's in Electrical Power Engineering: Which Field to Choose?

    I'm going to take master degree in electrical power engineer at german but it's hard to descide which field is more required in market and has good future so would you help me: 1- Control 2-High voltage 3-Transmission & ditribution 4- renewable energy 5- Other (please verify) thanks for help
  45. C

    Seeking Job Advice for Math Teacher w/ Master's Degree

    i don't know if i should post this here , Does anyone know if it is hard to get a job as a math teacher with just a master's in math to be able to teach at a college.
  46. W

    Programs Question about Master's Degree

    I am a electrical engineering major, about to enter my junior year. I really want to go after a master's degree with a focus on Solid State. But I have been getting interested in Condensed Matter. My question is would a Master's degree in Physics really be worth anything? I want to work in...
  47. W

    Programs Advice please, I don't know what Master's degree my BSc qualifies me for

    Hi, I've been lurking around the forums unregistered for a while now and it's been very helpful, I just recently registered for specific advice. I'm a first year student at the Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Egypt. I'm taking a computer and communication engineering BSc, and...
  48. M

    Physics Jobs You Can Get With A Master's in Physics

    I hold a MS in physics. I have been out of school for three years and half years now. I want to move on from my current job as a full-time tutor. Most jobs I have seen required either a Ph.D, postdoctoral experience or work experience in fields I have no experience in. I am interested in...
  49. W

    Master's in EE or Physics for Solid State Devices?

    So I am currently a EE student. I really want to get my masters degree in either EE or physics. I want to do work is solid state devices. Here at my college i could do work either through the EE or do it through the physics department because they have a strong solid state program. My question...
  50. V

    Good Job now vs. TA position and Master's

    I'm really stuck here and trying to find some advice here. I am graduating on May 1st with my BSEE from a good engineering school. I have a 3 job offers and I also have a TA offer. I had originally planned to attend graduate school to achieve at least my Master's degree with a desire to go for a...
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