Bachelor of Applied Sciences? Bachelor of Engineering?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the differences between Bachelor of Applied Sciences and Bachelor of Engineering degrees, particularly in Canadian universities. It highlights that, at the undergraduate level, these degrees are generally equivalent, with no significant differences in course content or professional outcomes, as both qualify graduates to become Professional Engineers. However, distinctions arise at the Master's level, where a Master of Applied Sciences (MASc) is typically more research-focused, while a Master of Engineering (MEng) is project-based and geared towards professional practice. The conversation notes that different universities may offer one type of degree over the other, but this does not affect the overall equivalency of the undergraduate degrees in terms of career prospects.
TheAbsoluTurk
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What are the differences, if there are any, between these degrees?

By differences what I mean is what classes are different in obtaining one from the other? Why do some universities give one and not the other? What possible drawbacks are there between each degree in terms of future employment and academic endeavours?
 
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The answer to this question really depends on where you are studying. I live in Canada, and in Canadian universities the engineering programs typically offer either a Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree or a Bachelor of Engineering degree (not both). Therefore, the two degrees are for all intents and purposes completely equivalent, and there is no difference in the content of the degree programs.

The situation can differ, however, for Masters degrees. In some universities a Master of Applied Sciences (MASc) degree is offered that is more research-intensive and is intended to prepare the student for further graduate studies, whereas a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree is more project-based and intended for those seeking a professional Masters program. In other universities, both research-based and project-based degrees are called either MAsc or MEng, but there is an additional designation indicating the type of Masters.
 
Yes, I live in Canada; I should've specified.

UBC only has an applied sciences bachelor degree but U Alberta has engineering bachelor degree. I haven't looked at other universities but, going by what you said, they either have one or the other most of the time then?

So there's no difference at the undergraduate level?
 
TheAbsoluTurk said:
Yes, I live in Canada; I should've specified.

UBC only has an applied sciences bachelor degree but U Alberta has engineering bachelor degree. I haven't looked at other universities but, going by what you said, they either have one or the other most of the time then?

So there's no difference at the undergraduate level?

Yeah, they are effectively the same thing. They both will count towards becoming a Professional Engineer equally. I believe Queens also has a faculty of applied sciences, rather than engineering.
 
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