There are several different types of master's degrees, each serving a specific purpose. Some of the most common types are Master of Arts, a Master of Science and a Master of Business Administration.

Types of master’s degrees by subject/coursework type

The following list describes in greater detail the distinct types of master’s degrees based on the most common course names used in university listings.

Master of Arts (MA)

Master of Science (MS, MSc)

Master of Research (MRes)

Master by Research (MPhil)

Master of Studies (MSt)

Specialized and professional master’s degrees

There are also more specialized types of master’s degrees, often focusing on a specific professional area.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Library Science (MLS, MLIS, MSLS)

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Master of Laws (LLM)

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MA, MALS, MLA/ALM, MLS)

Master of Education (MEd, MSEd, MIT, MAEd, MAT)

Master of Engineering (MEng)

Master of Architecture (MArch)

Executive master’s degrees (EMBA, EMS)

Postgraduate research master’s degrees (Master by Research)

Integrated master’s degrees (MEng, MMath, MSci, etc)