In Germany, there is a wide range of master's degrees in different disciplines and with different prerequisites.
Some of the most common master's degrees in Germany are:
This degree is awarded in science and technology subjects such as computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering.
Teachers acquire this degree in order to work in teaching in schools and educational institutions. It is a teaching degree.
Lawyers earn this degree to specialize in specific areas of law or to study international law.
These masters focus on artistic subjects such as music (M.Mus.) or fine arts such as painting, photography, film and the like (M.F.A.).
The M.A. is widely used in humanities and social sciences, including subjects such as history, sociology, linguistics, literary studies, and cultural studies.
The MBA is a postgraduate degree in business administration and is often sought by working professionals to enhance their career opportunities in management.
This degree specializes in technical courses and focuses on applied engineering sciences and technologies.
There is also a difference between consecutive and non-consecutive master's degrees. A consecutive master's degree builds directly on an already completed bachelor's degree that is related in content. This means that in a consecutive master's program, you will dive deeper into the same subject area that you already studied in your bachelor's degree. An example of this would be a bachelor's degree in psychology followed by a consecutive master's degree in clinical psychology. A non-consecutive master's degree, on the other hand, allows you to study in a different field that is not necessarily related to your previous bachelor's degree. This gives you the flexibility to enter new fields. For example, after earning a bachelor's degree in biology, you could study a non-consecutive master's degree in marketing.
Continuing education master's degrees are tailored to working professionals and offer the opportunity to enhance existing professional qualifications. An example of this would be the Master of Business Administration (MBA), which is aimed at executives and managers who want to improve their management skills. To more easily identify these degrees, you can look for the dots in the abbreviation. Continuing master's degrees, unlike consecutive master's degrees attached to the bachelor's degree, often have no or fewer points in the abbreviation: for example, Master of Business Administration and Engineering (MBA Eng.), International Master of Business Consulting (MBC), Master of Business Marketing (MBM), Master of Health Economics (MaHE), etc.
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The Master of Arts and Master of Science programs are the two most common in Germany. The main difference between a Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) is the field of study: M.A. focuses on humanities and social sciences with more qualitative approaches, while M.Sc. covers natural science or technical subjects with a stronger focus on quantitative and scientific methods. In the following, both degrees are presented in more detail and the differences are explained:
A Master of Arts (M.A.) is an academic degree, usually awarded in the humanities and social sciences, that provides in-depth knowledge and analytical skills in these subject areas.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) is an advanced degree program that allows students to deepen their knowledge in a specific area of study in the humanities and social sciences. During the M.A. program, students engage in theoretical and analytical approaches to develop a deep understanding of their chosen discipline.
The M.A. program focuses on developing critical thinking skills, research skills, and deepening understanding of cultural, social, and humanities issues. Typical subjects that offer an M.A. include literature, history, philosophy, sociology, art history, and linguistics, but there are also interdisciplinary M.A. programs that combine various aspects of the humanities.
During the M.A. program, students are often required to complete a master's thesis, in which they demonstrate their research skills and contribute to current scholarly debates. An M.A. can be used to gain in-depth expertise in a subject area and also serves as a foundation for an academic career or as preparation for professional jobs in a variety of industries, including education, cultural management, media, and communications.
The abbreviation M.A. for Master of Arts has historical roots in the educational system and is part of a tradition dating back to the medieval universities of Europe. The term Magister Artium or Magistra Artium in Latin originally meant teacher of the arts. This designation referred to the intellectual and liberal arts, which were considered core subjects in academic education.
Over time, various academic degrees evolved to denote completion of a master's degree in the humanities and social sciences. The use of M.A. eventually became common practice to denote this degree. It has become established worldwide and is now a recognized designation for a master's degree in the humanities and social sciences.
A Master of Science (M.Sc.) is an academic degree awarded primarily in the natural sciences and engineering disciplines, and emphasizes quantitative, empirical, and scientific methods to deepen specialized knowledge.
A Master of Science (M.Sc.) offers students the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and skills in their chosen fields in the natural sciences and technical disciplines. The focus of an M.Sc. program is on empirical research, quantitative methods, and the application of scientific principles.
During an M.Sc. program, students engage in intensive study of scientific topics such as mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and many others. They learn to analyze complex problems, conduct experimental investigations, and generate scientific knowledge. This degree enables students to gain expert knowledge in their field and develop new research.
A characteristic feature of an M.Sc. degree program is the master's thesis, in which students work independently on a scientific research question and present their findings in writing. This process fosters the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate scientifically.
M.Sc. degrees are in demand in a variety of industries, including research and development, technology, health care, environmental science, business, and education. They offer a wide range of career opportunities and often serve as a foundation for advanced study, including doctorates.
An M.Sc. is a valuable qualification for anyone who wants to work in the science and technology fields and is looking for a strong scientific foundation.
The abbreviation M.Sc. for Master of Science originates from the Latin term Magister Scientiae and is a historical designation dating back to the development of the academic graduate system. The term Magister Scientiae means Master of Science and was traditionally used to denote the highest academic qualification in the natural and applied sciences.
Over time, the abbreviation M.Sc. has been adopted worldwide to symbolize the successful completion of a master's degree in the natural sciences, engineering, and related disciplines.
Today, M.Sc. is an internationally recognized designation for degrees in the natural sciences and engineering subjects and symbolizes in-depth knowledge and the ability to conduct scientific research and application.
Overview of the most
important differences?
| Aspect | Master of Arts (M.A.) | Master of Science (M.Sc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Fields of Study | Humanities and Social Sciences | Natural Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Health Sciences |
| Focus | Theory, Qualitative Research | Empirical, Quantitative Methods |
| Research Approach | Theoretical and Analytical | Empirical and Scientific |
| Professional Fields | Education, Cultural Management, Communication, Teaching, Journalism, etc. | Research, technology, healthcare, engineering, mathematics, data science, IT, etc. |
| Thesis | Master's thesis or scientific research | |
| Career Options | Teacher, cultural manager, journalist, researcher, lecturer, social worker, etc. | Scientist, engineer, IT specialist, data analyst, research and development, etc. |
| Emphasis on theory vs. practice | Strongly based on theoretical research and discussion | Emphasizes practical application of science and technology |
| Quantitative skills | Less emphasis on quantity, more on qualitative approaches | Strong emphasis on quantitative skills and statistical analysis |
Choosing between a Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) depends on your individual interests, career goals, and academic background. Here are some things you should consider:
In terms of future prospects, much depends on your individual career path and the programs you choose. Both degrees can open up a variety of career paths. An M.A. can lead to careers in teaching, research, arts management, journalism and more, while an M.Sc. offers opportunities in fields such as research and development, technology, healthcare and engineering.
Ultimately, choosing between an M.A. and M.Sc. is a personal decision. It's important to choose a program that fits your passions and goals, as this is critical to being successful and fulfilled in your chosen major and career field. Also, consult with faculty and career advisors to make an informed decision.
There are many other master's degrees besides the Master of Arts and the Master of Science. We have already presented some of them above. In addition to the Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees, however, we would like to explain a few of the most common ones in more detail below:
A Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a postgraduate academic degree in the field of law. It provides the opportunity to deepen legal knowledge, specialize in various areas of law, and develop professional skills. This degree is particularly useful for lawyers who wish to specialize in specific areas of law or study international law.
After completing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, a variety of career options are available, depending on specialization and interests. Some career areas that are typical for graduates of an LL.M. are lawyer*, judge*, just in business or public service, management consulting and compliance, etc. This degree opens a wide range of career paths in law and beyond.
A Master of Education (M.Ed.) is an advanced academic degree that focuses on education and pedagogy. It is designed to further educate and specialize teachers and professionals in the field of education. This degree allows graduates to deepen their teaching skills and work in a variety of educational settings.
Possible career options after an M.Ed. include teacher*, principal*, educational consultant*, educational policy analyst*, curriculum developer*, educational researcher*, and university lecturer*, etc.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an advanced academic degree in the field of business administration. This program focuses on management skills, business strategy, and leadership competencies and is designed for professionals who want to advance their careers in the field of management. To do so, a certain amount of work experience is required. An MBA offers the opportunity to deepen business knowledge and develop leadership skills.
Career opportunities after an MBA are varied and often depend on your interests and specializations during your studies. The following industries open up for alumni of this degree program: business management, consulting, marketing and sales, international business, etc. This degree opens doors for challenging and well-paid positions in various industries, and is therefore in high demand among professionals around the world.
The Munich Business School MBA is focused on International Business and therefore also offers career opportunities around the world.
| Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) | Health Sciences, Epidemiology |
|---|---|
| Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) | Public Administration, Non-Profit Management |
| Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) | Social Work, Social Sciences |
| Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.) | Informatics, Software Development |
| Master of Health Administration (MHA) | Health Care Management, Health Policy |
| Master of International Relations (MIR) | International Relations, Political Science |
The master's programs at Munich Business School offer high-quality education with a focus on internationality and practical relevance. Students benefit from individual focus, interactive teaching methods and a close connection to the business world. The opportunity to build a global network and live in the attractive city of Munich round out the benefits. These programs prepare students for successful careers in various business areas. Munich Business School offers a selection of top-notch master's programs to take your education to the next level:
This degree program not only deepens your business knowledge, but also gives you the opportunity to further your education in various focus areas. These include Innovation and Digital Business, Sustainable Business, International Marketing, Luxury Management, Corporate Finance Global Family Business and Wealth Management and International Entrepreneurship.
If you dream of creating your own start-up or already have a promising idea, this master's offers the perfect foundation to develop your entrepreneurial skills. You will acquire advanced business skills and learn to manage, identify and implement innovations in order to operate successfully in an international environment.
This program provides you with expertise in behavioral psychology, innovation, consumer behavior and brand communication. You will also gain tools and skills to analyze market structures and competitive environments.
If you love sports and at the same time have an interest in the background of the sports sector, this master's offers the perfect combination. The course content includes sports communication and media, sports sponsorship and marketing, licensing and rights exploitation, as well as digital sports management and sports event management. After graduation, you can work as a specialist in companies in the sports industry, sports clubs and associations.
This degree program focuses on the world of business and finance. Strategic management and finance are the focus. Upon completion of the program, you will have extensive knowledge in financial management, financial statement analysis, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, capital markets and much more.
At Munich Business School, the concept of internationality is not only taught theoretically, but also actively practiced. Therefore, a stay abroad is an integral part of our study programs. MBS maintains partnership relations with more than 60 universities worldwide and is constantly expanding its international network. This cooperation ranges from common programs such as ERASMUS+ and exchange programs, to more than 20 dual-degree agreements with cooperating universities in Europe, Australia, Asia and the USA.
With the dual degree option, you acquire an additional, specialized Master's degree from one of our partner universities.Munich Business School's cooperation with renowned international universities gives you the opportunity to acquire two different master's degrees within two years. The dual degree is only available in the fall start. For a dual degree, you will normally spend two semesters at MBS and then two semesters at the partner university, followed by the Master's thesis.
There is no general answer as to whether a Master of Arts (M.A.) or a Master of Science (M.Sc.) is better, as it depends on your individual interests and career goals. They are equivalent and only indicate the area in which the master's degree was earned. The M.A. is typically in the humanities and social sciences, while the M.Sc. is common in the natural sciences and technical fields. Your choice should be based on which field and degree better fit your personal and professional interests.
There are a large number of Master's degrees in Germany, but there is no exact number as it is continuously growing and varies from university to university. The variety ranges from Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Master of Arts (M.A.), which are the two most common degrees, to specialized degrees like Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Laws (LL.M.). You can find more info above or here.
The main difference between a Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) is the subject area. An M.A. usually focuses on humanities and social sciences and often includes more qualitative and theoretical aspects, while an M.Sc. typically covers natural science or technical fields and is more focused on quantitative and scientific methods. See the text above for more info on the topic.
A Master of Science in Business Administration (M.Sc. BA) is an academic degree that focuses on the in-depth study of business topics with an emphasis on scientific and analytical methods. This master's program provides in-depth apprenticeship in various areas of management and business administration to prepare graduates for leadership positions in the business world.
At MBS you can study the Master of Art International Business, which is a very similar program but focuses more on the International Market and the human side of business.
Master means Meister or Magister in German. However, in Germany the word Master, and not the German translation, is used as an academic degree for certain degrees, such as the Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Master of Arts (M.A.).
