At the graduate school level, students demonstrate advanced understanding, knowlege and skill in a particular area of study. During the undergraduate years, students take a survey of coursework spending a brief period studying one subject such as French, psychology or mathematics. In graduate school, students undertake specialized study. An undergraduate psychology major studies human development at the master's level, for example.
M.S. generally means that an individual has completed study in a science-related subject, although this varies with the institution. The M.S. tends to be awarded to students in the biological, social or physical sciences. The M.S. is also given for finishing applied programs. Applied science programs focus on the application of a subject such as medical technology. The M.A is awarded to students completing programs in subjects such as art, English and history.
Research and thesis requirements are principle hallmarks of the M.S. and M.Sc. Students conduct orginal research and complete a scholarly paper about it. The paper is called a thesis. A thesis explains the research project in detail, the results and an interpretation of the findings. According to New York University, a master's thesis is typically about 50 pages long.
Not all those completing graduate level programs obtain the M.S. or M.Sc. Individuals who study law, medicine, dentistry or pharmacy fall into the category of professional studies. Although advanced study is undertaken in one specialty area, the content and amount of time spent is significantly different compared to traditional master's programs. Medical students attend school four years and are awarded the Doctor of Medicine degree, for example.