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MCA vs M. Sc. in Computer Science: What’s the Difference?

Lakhs of students after graduating with a  computer degree ..wonder what to do next in their masters ? Should they do an MCA or M.Sc. in Computer Science …and sometimes take the wrong course because they do not have clarity. Here we have  tried  our best to answer these questions.

What is MCA ?

MCA or in the proper name it is Masters of (Computer Applications).This course imparts students the practical skill of programming languages, software development etc.

Basic meaning of  MSc-

The basic meaning of M.Sc. (Master of Sciences) is that it is a postgraduate degree which is more research and theory based and can be pursued in various subjects like

M.Sc. in Mathematics

M.Sc. in Physics

M.Sc. in Computer Science

What is M.Sc. in Computer Science? 

As discussed above M.Sc. means a research degree so M.Sc. in computer Science means a research degree focused on computer systems. It helps students gain more theoretical knowledge in the field of computer science.

Similarities between MCA and M.Sc.. in Computer Science– 

  • Duration-Both courses expand from 2 years to 3 years depending on the university and country.
  • Focus- Both are  focused on the field of information technology.
  • Level-  Both are pursued in post graduation.

Differences between MCA and M.Sc.. in Computer Science- 

Basis MCA MSc. in Comp Science 
What is the full form? Masters of Computer Applications Master of Science in (Computer Science)
What is the ultimate focus? It focuses more on the languages of programming. It focuses more on theories of computer systems.
Eligibility criteria for the course  is ? A Bachelor’s degree is must either in BCA or BTech or BE.

And also the candidate must have had a Mathematics subject in his 10+2 or undergraduate level.

  • For this course a BSc. degree from a well recognized university  is a must.
  • And also candidate must have scored at altleast 50-60% marks in that degree.
Which educational background is preferred in the course ? The MCA course requires those candidates who have a strong base in computer science and its related subjects. The education requirement of MSc. in Computer Science is more flexible and candidates from various backgrounds can pursue it.
What is the average fee this course requires?   INR 2-5 lakh per annum is the average required fees of this course.   INR 2-5 lakh per annum is the average required fees of this course.
What average pay  will I get after the course ?  An MCA graduate can expect INR 5-10 Lakh per annum  as the average pay. INR 4-10 Lakh per annum can be expected as pay by a M.Sc. (Comp Science) graduate.
What syllabus is there in the course?  Focuses on providing both theoretical as well as practical knowledge.

It has core subjects, electives and  practical work and projects.

Focuses on theoretical and research knowledge.

It has both core as well as elective subjects.

What specializations does this course offer ? The MCA course has plethora of specialization options available

such as

  • MCA in Cyber Security
  • MCA Data Analytics
  • MCA in Systems Development
  • MCA in Systems Management
  • MCA in Cloud Computing
  • MCA in Artificial Intelligence
  • MCA in Data Science
  • MCA in Networking
  • MCA in Hardware Technology
  • MCA in Web Technology
  • MCA in Internet Working
  • MCA in Troubleshooting
  • MCA in Blockchain Technology
  • MCA in DevOps

 

The MSc. in Computer Science  offers plenty of specialization options available such as-

  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital Media
  • Information Systems
  • Human- computer interactions
  • Bioinformatics
  • Cloud Computing
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Advance Systems  and Networks
  • Game Designing
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computer Architecture
  • Wireless Networking
  • Distributed Databases
  • Theoretical Computing
What is the admission process for this course?   The admission to MCA program takes place in 2 ways.

  1. First is through entrance exams
  2. Second is through direct admissions

On the basis of ranks, preferences, seats are allotted .

The admission to MCA program takes place through entrance exams but some universities offer direct admission also.
Which entrance exams are held for this course?  There are exams at national, state and institutional level for admission to MCA courses. These entrance exams are very popular for the MCA course –

  • GATE 
  • NIMCET
  • MAH MCA CET
  • BHU PET MCA
  • TANCET 
  • WBJECA
  • BIT MCA 
  • CUET MCA
  • IPU CET MCA 
  • PU CET PG
  • OJEE 
The entrance exams are widely known  for admission in MSc. in Computer Science are-

  •  IIT JAM
  • CPGET
  • AP PGCET
  • CUET-PG 
  • MAH CET
  • LPUNEST 
  • BITSAT
  • DUET
  • JUEE
  • DUCET 
  • DSAT 

Conclusion- 

  • Selecting between MCA and MSc. in Computer Science should be done carefully seeing all the points.
  • The one with a passion in programming languages , software development should opt for MCA.
  • The analytical brain, or the one more interested in theories should opt for the latter one.
  • Both degrees have plenty of career options for the students. In the end it depends on the hard work  of the student.

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