I've been building software professionally for 7 years and am considering a master's degree. I understand the difference between these two degrees as simply: MSCS is the theory while MSE is the practice. I'm equally interested in both and would be happy with either, although I'm curious how these degrees rank in the eyes of a potential employer. I could see two views that a hiring manager could possibly take:

• a MSCS is loftier and has an implied knowledge of Software Engineering
• an MSE is more practical and has an implied knowledge of Computer Science

In my own experience I've seen both MSCS degree holders than cannot program at all while others are among the best programmers I've met, so of course actual ability will depend on the individual. My question is about the "on paper" value of these two degrees when seeking a job. All things considered, is one degree more hirable, higher-paying than the other?