master of science

IPA/ˌmɑː.stər əv ˈsaɪ.əns/
IPA/ˌmæs.tɚ əv ˈsaɪ.əns/

master of science — noun

1. a postgraduate qualification awarded by a university to students who pass an adv

1.nounB2
Definition

a postgraduate qualification awarded by a university to students who pass an advanced course of study and sometimes produce a research project or thesis in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics subject

Example

Haruto is applying for a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at a Tokyo university.

applying for a Master of Science in [subject]

Cape Town University's Master of Science in Climate Science draws students from across Africa.

Master of Science programme in [subject]

Common collocations
  • earn a Master of Science
  • award a Master of Science
  • pursue a Master of Science
  • Master of Science programme
  • Master of Science in [subject]
  • complete a Master of Science
  • hold a Master of Science
Synonyms
  • MSc

    common British abbreviation, written without periods

  • M.S.

    common American abbreviation, written with periods

  • science master's degree

    less formal; used in everyday conversation

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

Master of Science + in + [subject]

a Master of Science + in + [field]

Usage Note

The subject of study is introduced with the preposition 'in' — Master of Science in Physics, never 'of Physics' or 'on Physics'. The degree is commonly abbreviated as M.S. (American style) or MSc (British style). This sense covers both the programme of study and the final credential; context makes the distinction clear.

Common Mistakes

She earned a Master of Science of Biology.
She earned a Master of Science in Biology.
use 'in', not 'of', before the subject name.
He has two Master of Sciences.
He has two Master of Science degrees.
'Science' stays singular even when referring to multiple qualifications.

2. a person who has completed all the academic requirements for a master's-level qu

2.nounB2
Definition

a person who has completed all the academic requirements for a master's-level qualification in a scientific or technical field and has been officially awarded that degree

Example

Amira, a Master of Science in Biotechnology, works for a company that develops new vaccines.

person title + a Master of Science in [subject]

Ignacio became a Master of Science in Physics after defending his thesis on quantum entanglement.

became a Master of Science in [subject] — after thesis defence

Common collocations
  • be a Master of Science
  • become a Master of Science
  • a Master of Science in [subject]
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

[person] + is + a Master of Science + in + [subject]

[person] + became + a Master of Science

Usage Note

When 'Master of Science' refers to a person, it functions as a formal descriptor similar to 'doctor' or 'engineer'. The plural form is 'Masters of Science' (not 'Master of Sciences'). Distinguish from sense 1, where the term refers to the degree or programme itself rather than to the individual who holds it.

Common Mistakes

Kwame is a Master of Sciences in Computer Science.
Kwame is a Master of Science in Computer Science.
'Science' always stays singular.

Word family

  • MSc
    nounB2
  • M.S.
    nounB2
  • master's degree
    nounA2
  • bachelor's degree
    nounA2
  • doctorate
    nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All five terms describe a postgraduate qualification in a scientific field, but they differ in formality, region, and precision. 'Master of Science' is the full official name used on diplomas and in formal academic writing. 'MSc' (no periods) is the standard British abbreviation, widely used on CVs and in university prospectuses across Europe, Africa, and Asia; 'M.S.' (with periods) is its American equivalent and is preferred in US academic contexts. 'Master's degree' is a broader category covering Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Business Administration, and others — using it for a science degree is correct but less precise. 'Science master's' is informal and mostly appears in spoken American English, rarely in official documents. When filling out applications or writing a CV, use 'Master of Science' for the full title and choose 'MSc' or 'M.S.' depending on the regional convention of the institution.

Master of Science ↗MScM.S.master's degreescience master's

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • Master of Science in [Subject]
  • award a Master of Science
  • earn a Master of Science
  • pursue a Master of Science
  • hold a Master of Science
  • complete a Master of Science

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinMedieval LatinEnglish

The title 'Master of Science' comes from the medieval Latin phrase 'Magister Scientiae', which European universities used to label someone qualified to teach a branch of knowledge. 'Master' traces back through Old English 'mægister' to Latin 'magister', meaning 'chief' or 'teacher'. 'Science' comes from Latin 'scientia', meaning 'knowledge'. The modern structure of the degree — a one- or two-year postgraduate programme following a bachelor's degree — became standard in British and American universities during the 19th century.

First known use

1898

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1