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. [+]
Enhance and refresh your knowledge in leading in the elementary and middle school classroom with the regionally accredited Master of Education in Elementary Education. This elementary education program, offered by Grand Canyon University's College of Education, is designed for licensed teaching professionals to help them refine instructional methods and expand their understanding of advanced content. [+]
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 Rady School is in a unique position to offer a Master of Finance that emphasizes quantitative methods, empirical work and financial econometrics. UC San Diego has a rich tradition in empirical and theoretical econometrics. Some of the most widely-used empirical models developed from the research of UC San Diego faculty. The emphasis on rigorous empirical data-driven methods differentiates the Rady School’s Master of Finance from programs specializing in financial engineering. [+]
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 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. [+]
– 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” [+]
As artists, writers and performers in the heart of San Francisco, our work is influenced by technological innovation, cultural transformation, and urban redesign. Our curriculum gives students a chance to focus on their own practice in an interdisciplinary setting. [+]
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. [+]
The Rutgers Business School Master of Science in Business of Fashion is a cutting-edge program that will prepare you for a thrilling business career in the fashion industry. Bridging the gap between creative passion and business acumen, our program will provide you with the knowledge you need to position yourself to be a key player in the industry—all in a location that is just minutes away from the fashion center of the world, New York City. [+]
The MPS in Interior Lighting Design (MPS-L) is a one-year, post-professional degree that provides rigorous professional education in the area of natural and artificial illumination for the interior environment. [+]
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. [+]
Located at the crossroads of energy in the United States, OU Law has long specialized in energy law and offers this LL.M. to lawyers interested in a career in energy law. [+]
