The United States is a country that combines diverse geography and culture with a reputation for academic excellence, making it a leading destination for students pursuing master’s degrees. It's a melting pot of ethnicities, nationalities, races, classes, and opinions, and with a large number of foreign students enrolled in masters degree programs all over the country, the USA is a wonderful place to further your education. No matter what program of study interests you, you’re sure to find something to meet your needs. The USA is particularly well-known for a large number of non-traditional options for pursuing a master’s degree, such as part-time studies, online programs, and distance learning options.
The US higher education system uses the traditional three tiers – bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate. Although most master’s degrees fall into the category of Master of Arts, Master of Science, or Master of Business Administration, many specialty degrees exist as well.
Admission to a master’s program varies widely. Some programs will accept students with as little as an application and transcript, while other programs require letters of recommendation and exams such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Non-native English speakers may also be required to demonstrate English proficiency via an accredited English language test like TOEFL. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each school and plan ahead to take exams if needed.
Tuition and fees vary widely for different programs depending upon the type of school (public or private), program of study, and the student’s state of residence or nationality. Students who are US citizens and residents of a specific state will receive the lowest tuition rates for public institutions in that state (in-state tuition). US citizens who are residents of another state and international students will pay the highest rates (out-of-state tuition). Typical in-state tuition is about $12,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition is about $30,000. Private schools also typically charge around $30,000 per year. However, scholarships, grants and loans are widely available to help defray costs. Master’s programs are usually one to two years long and most combine coursework with a research project. Some technical master’s programs require a research thesis that must be publically defended.
More than 750,000 international students attend universities and other higher education institutes in USA each year. In addition to offering high quality master’s degrees in virtually every subject imaginable, studying in USA also offers cultural opportunities and provides non-native English-speaking students with additional language experience.
Whether students want to remain in USA when they complete their studies or look for opportunities in other countries, they will find that employers understand the value of a master’s degree from a US school. Those wanting to remain in USA will find many employment opportunities in a wide variety of industries including aerospace, banking, software and education.
Take the first step now towards a masters degree in USA your new education adventure by browsing the programs below. Search on specific criteria if you already know what you want, and contact specific universities to receive additional information.
Hult’s one-year Master of Finance equips you with the foundation necessary to tackle the complex world of corporate financial management. Learn both the language of business and the tactical financial skills needed to make an impact in corporate finance and accounting. [+]
Creighton University’s Online Masters in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution develops strong leaders across a variety of industries that can systematically break down problems, mediate different points of view, and collaborate towards innovative solutions. [+]
The Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA) degree in the Mendoza College of Business delivers an education that in 2011 was ranked 4th in ethics by the Aspen Institute-Beyond Grey Pinstripes. Our program, which draws students from an array of undergraduate majors and varied work backgrounds, is designed for individuals with at least two years of post undergraduate nonprofit work or volunteer experience, and we strongly encourage an... [+]
The Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA) is our leading executive international affairs degree. Incoming students are seasoned professionals with five or more years of work experience and our curriculum challenges them by digging deeply into the study of international relations, international political economy, public policy, environmental sustainability and Asia-Pacific security. Whether you’re looking to advance your global career or launch a new one, the MAS-IA provides all the tools you’ll need to excel. [+]
The Master in Migration Studies is a two-year, 34-unit program. Students start the program at the University of San Francisco in the first semester followed by a semester at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City (classes are conducted in English). [+]
The Master of Finance program at UC San Diego's Rady School of Management prepares graduates to tackle significant challenges facing the financial sector. [+]
Ranked among the top 40 graduate accounting programs in North America by Eduniversal, and with a curriculum endorsed by the Institute of Management Accountants, our accounting master’s program is strategically designed to help meet the career goals of recently-graduated accounting majors looking to prepare for the CPA exam and launch satisfying careers. [+]
The MMIS program at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business is an innovative, project-based program designed to address business problems through the use of technology. It carries a STEM designation (29-month work option after graduation) in database management and analytics, consistently attracting many talented students from around the world. [+]
The Master in Accounting and Business Advisory Services is fully accredited by AACSB-International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the "gold standard" for business education. [+]
The Daniel Morgan Graduate School of National Security (DMGS) is a unique, professionally-oriented graduate school offering a Master of Arts Degree in US national security. The DMGS program is specifically designed to support the professional development of aspiring, new, and mid-level professionals in government, the private sector, and in civil society who seek to advance and secure the interests and ideals of the nation. [+]
Developing in-depth knowledge of all aspects of creative and physical production, Producing Fellows graduate with an ability to think creatively and lead with confidence and authority. [+]
– Strong generalist knowledge and skills in European and international business law – Nine modules in Europe, the United States and Asia – Continue working throughout the entire program – In English – For lawyers and non-lawyers – More than 20 years of experience – Academic title of “Executive Master of European and International Business Law E.M.B.L.-HSG” [+]
A primary goal of the LL.M. for Foreign Law School Graduates program is to provide law students with an understanding of the United States legal system, give a frame of reference for dealing with transnational business and legal interests, offer an appreciation of the role of law in national and internal development and equip them with the analysis and problem-solving skills needed to meet the complex demands of the world. [+]
The Master of Professional Studies (M.Pr.S) degree is an applied professional program with workforce development, organizational leadership and personal development at the core of its mission. This graduate degree is designed to provide students an accessible, online, and affordable opportunity to achieve their educational and professional objectives. [+]
An option for the student who wishes to pursue career options in professional services and consulting firms. [+]
