Which U.S. Schools Offer a Master of Research (MRes)?

If you are searching for a U.S. program specifically called a Master of Research (MRes), expect few results. The MRes is more commonly used in countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. In the United States, research-oriented graduate study is usually offered under degree names such as MS, MA, or, in some fields, MPhil.

That difference in naming does not necessarily mean U.S. programs lack substantial research training. It does mean you should compare the program’s structure and credential rather than relying on the acronym alone.

Is there a list of U.S. MRes schools?

There is no dependable nationwide list of universities offering an MRes under that exact name. U.S. universities organize graduate degrees by field, and the same university may offer a thesis-based MS in one subject, a coursework-focused MA in another, and no standalone research master’s in a third.

If the exact MRes credential matters to you, search official university catalogs for the full degree name, then confirm it with the department. Do not assume that a search-result page or a third-party directory is using “MRes” as the university’s official title.

If your main goal is research experience or preparation for a PhD, search more broadly. Useful phrases include “MS with thesis,” “research-track MA,” “master’s thesis,” and “graduate research program” alongside your subject.

Where to start looking

Large research universities are reasonable places to inspect because they offer graduate programs across many fields. Depending on your subject, you might begin with the official graduate catalogs and department pages at institutions such as Stanford, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, or Carnegie Mellon University. These are starting points for a subject-specific search, not a claim that each offers an MRes. Program names, admissions routes, and research options differ by department.

A smaller or specialized university may be a better fit if it has a strong research group in your particular area. Choose by the research topic and supervision available, not just by the institution’s overall reputation.

How to compare a U.S. research master’s with an MRes

Read the program’s curriculum and degree requirements. Look for these details:

What to check	Why it matters
Official degree title	Confirms whether the credential is an MRes, MS, MA, or another degree.
Thesis or capstone	Shows whether you complete an independent research project and how substantial it is.
Research credits and lab work	Indicates how much of the program is devoted to research rather than taught courses.
Supervisor availability	A thesis usually requires a faculty member willing and able to supervise your topic.
PhD placement and preparation	Helps you judge whether the program supports your longer-term academic plans.
Funding and assistantships	Affects the total cost and may determine whether you can take part in research.

A degree labeled “MS” can involve serious research, while a degree with a research-sounding name may have limited thesis work. The curriculum and assessment requirements are more informative than the label alone.

Worked example: searching for a research master’s in biology

Suppose you want a research-focused master’s in biology and are open to a U.S. degree other than an MRes.

1. Search for biology MS thesis [university] and biology graduate master's research [university].
2. Open the university’s official catalog and check whether the degree is a terminal master’s program or is available only to students already enrolled in a PhD track.
3. Read the requirements for the thesis option. Check whether you must secure a supervisor before applying, and whether the program guarantees access to a lab or research project.
4. Ask the department to confirm the diploma title and the expected balance of courses and research.

For example, a department page might describe an “MS in Biology” with a thesis option. That could be a practical equivalent for research training, but it would not make the awarded credential an MRes. If an employer or later university requires the exact MRes title, ask them whether an equivalent U.S. degree is acceptable before you commit.

Common mistakes

• Searching only for “MRes.” You may miss U.S. programs that offer research training under MS or MA titles.
• Treating “master’s” as a single program type. A taught degree, a thesis degree, and a research degree can have very different requirements.
• Assuming every MS is research-based. Some programs are primarily coursework-based; others offer a thesis option, and some award a master’s only along a doctoral route.
• Relying on a third-party list. Use the university catalog or department page to verify the exact credential and current requirements.
• Assuming credentials are automatically equivalent. If you need the degree for a visa, professional qualification, or admission abroad, check the receiving organization’s rules directly.