MS VS. MA degree

UPDATE: THIS POST IS NO MORE RELEVANT SINCE SLIS DECIDES TO SUSPEND THE MA OPTION.

When you apply for SLIS, you are already asked to choose either MS or MA degree. However, you can always switch through a request to the graduate school.

There are a few differences between MS and MA degree.
1) MS degree requires 36 credit hours while MA degree requires 42;
2) Upon graduation, MS students need to build a portfolio while MS students can do either a portfolio or thesis;
3) MS students have to take at least 6 credit hours course in cognitive science.

Details can be find on the Exit Requirements page.

Overall, MS degree is designed for those students who are interested in research and may pursue a doctorate degree afterwards.

You would need to form a thesis committee if you decide to do the MA w/ thesis option (almost right away). This is probably not easy to manage if you are not on campus.