Master of Science Degree Options – Online vs Campus Programs

At one time, your only option for earning a Master of Science (MS) in your desired field was to take classes at a local college or university. Today, online programs are also an option – and one that more and more students are considering every year. There are advantages and disadvantages to each kind of schooling; let’s take a look at some of the major differences for MS degree students so you can decide which is right for you.

Program Flexibility

When it comes to program flexibility, online schooling beats out the traditional campus program by a mile. When you attend school virtually, you don’t have to drive to a physical location – you just log online and complete your work. This means that you can be “in class” from wherever is most convenient to you, by that at home in bed, at your local library, or even during a train commute to work. Because you can complete your work whenever you want, rather than having the structure of normal classes, this also means that you can complete little chunks of work here and there throughout the day as time allows, which is great for busy parents or those with full-time jobs.

Occasionally, you may have to log online at a specific time to attend a virtual lecture or participate in an online chat with your classmates. However, most online programs keep the bulk of their classes as flexible as possible. They’re also often more flexible in terms of program length – you can finish in two years, as is traditional with an MS, or finish more/less quickly as is possible for your schedule.

Course Offerings

On the flip side of the coin, if you’re looking for a wide array of courses, campus programs typically offer more than online colleges. Online schools are definitely closing the gap on this one, but there are just some classes that will always be impossible to teach online, such as dance or sculpture. Because online schools are newer than traditional campus colleges, there are also fewer course options in terms of programs in general. While there might be dozens of traditional campus programs offered in your field, only a handful of online schools might exist. Again, online colleges are closing the gap, but right now, there is a wider array of programs and individual courses offline.

Independence

Some campus programs offer students the chance to work in a highly independent environment; at online colleges, this is a guarantee. Having a ton of independence can be good or bad, depending on your learning style. Some students need a lot of motivation and constant contact with professors and other students to excel. For these students, online school might not be the best choice. On the other hand, some students thrive when they are given a lot of independence, so for these students online programs are a great option. Ask yourself this: If you are given a month to complete a large project on your own, would you work on it bit by bit, with a final push at the end of the month to finish, or would you procrastinate and find yourself at the end of the month with just a day or two to complete the entire thing? If you answered the former, online school may be right for you, but if you answered the latter, online school may not be structured enough for your learning style. Of course, at both online and offline schools, the degree of independence you have a student varies. You can find some online programs where students are extremely connected and you can find some campus programs where students are extremely independent.

Cost and Financial Aid

On average, online programs are less expensive than campus programs simply because the school doesn’t have to pay as much for real estate virtually as they have to in real life (and there are no property maintenance costs, not to mention that online colleges can typically survive with fewer staff members). Again, this varies, so you might find some online colleges that are more expensive than their campus counterparts, but most of the time, online college courses are more affordable.

That said, in order to take a class online, you need to purchase a computer, as well as required software and a subscription to a reliable Internet connection (unless you’re able to complete your work in full at a public location). If you already have a computer and subscribe to Internet through your cable or phone company, luckily this won’t be much of an added expense.

In terms of financial aid, both online and offline colleges offer help for students. Most outside organizations don’t specify, so as long as the program is accredited, you’ll likely be eligible.

Top Online Master's Degrees in Science

The master's of science degrees listed below are offered by the top online colleges that have received official accreditation. Degrees confered through 100% online study are available in the subjects of computer science, engineering, biotechnology, aviation, science education, space studies, and more. Peruse the list below to request additional information from each school.

Master of Natural Resources MS: Science & Math Edu.	Oregon State University – Oregon State's Master of Natural Resources degree and Master of Science degree in science & mathematics education both explore the examination and education of complex natural resource issues. Join an award winning science community at one of the nation's preeminent scholarly centers studying fisheries, wildlife, forestry, rangeland, and water resources.
Master of Aviation Science	Everglades University – The Master of Aviation Science degree from Everglades University offers aviation specialists an opportunity to significantly augment their knowledge of the aerospace industry and aviation community. Students will gain a mastery of the field of aviation in the broad-based program that centers on technical aviation coursework that will include analysis of transportation systems, airport operations, aerospace communications systems, aerospace logistics, aircraft simulation, advanced crew resource management procedures, aerospace systems safety, and advanced security and safety program management.
MS: Imaging Science	Rochester Institute of Technology – RIT's MS in Imaging Science degree prepares its students for positions in research in the imaging industry or in the application of various imaging modalities to problems in engineering and science. The program emphasizes a systems approach to the study of imaging science. The course work comprises of the physics and chemistry of radiation-sensitive materials and processes, the applications of physical and geometrical optics to electro-optical systems, the mathematical evaluation of image forming systems, and the statistics of experimental design and quality control.
MS: Science Education	University of Massachusetts – This MS degree in Science Education combines the expertise of educators ranging from science faculty from the University of Massachusetts to K-12 teachers in establishing a pro-science curriculum that is inquiry-based and has strong hands-on components. The degree was created jointly by UMass Amherst and UMass Lowell faculty in Education, Science, and Engineering. Upon completion of this program, participants will earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree, and may be eligible for Massachusetts Professional Licensure.
MS: GIS & Technology	University of Southern California – Southern Cal offers an MS in Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIST) through their online program. This degree equips its students with the fundamntal skills to cope with increasing GIST data complexity and more robust computer applications for GIST analysis, suitable for professions in real estate, telecommunications, government, infrastructure development, and more.
MS in Electrical Engineering MS: Computer Science	DeVry University – DeVry University prides itself in giving its students a competitive edge in such complex fields as engineering and computer science. The MS in Electrical Engineering will further your engineering education in analyzing, designing and developing computer and electronic systems. The MS in Computer Science is another program that provides for flexibility with onsite and online learning, and also 10 choice concentrations ranging from Information Security to Health Management Systems.
MS: Space Studies	American Military University – Space technology and advancements have made great impact on today's world. This degree will explore how space is connected to politics, economics, commercial industry, law, and various scientific and operational issues associated with space. The Master of Science in Space Studies Program gives students the education and tools to make further breakthroughs and overcome future challenges in the field of space exploration and technology.
MS: Biotech Mgmt MS: Biosecurity MS: Bioinformatics MS: Environmental Mgmt	University of Maryland University College – The University of Maryland offers several different Masters degrees pertaining to Biotechnology including Biotechology Management, Biosecruity & Biodefense, Bioinformatics, and Environmental Management. In Biotechnology Management, students will get a broader understanding of how their managerial and executive roles are an integral part of shaping their industry while teaching them the skills to make the indispensable to their respective companies. Biosecurity & Biodefense focuses on homeland security and how information technology can be used to deter the threat of bioterrorism. Bioinformatics is geared towards learning the broader application of analysis and managerial skills needed to climb the ranks in business or working in government. Students in the Environmental Management program are given the opportunity to learn managerial skills of how to function in various environments and to be successful in each situation.
MS: Software Engineering	University of Liverpool – This MS in Software Engineering program is designed for give students a comprehensive understanding of the engineering principles required to develop the correct application first time. The degree will cover all the classical aspects of the software development process which include concept, design, testing, QA and implementation. Ranking among the top 10 eLearning institutions in the world, University of Liverpool provides flexibility and reputable education that is completely accessible online.
MBA: Computer Science	Northcentral University – This MBA in Computer Science degree program presents prospective managers with practical abstract modern theory and practice in each of the key areas of managerial responsibility. Students are encouraged to apply the theory learned in the classroom and problem solve via the use of computers in practical business situations for a uniquely rewarding and educational experience. The curriculum is designed to provide preparation for professional careers in the areas of Software and Network Administration. A bachelor's degree or its equivalent is necessary to apply to this program.
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