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.
The Master of Arts in Human Resources and Industrial Relations is widely considered to be one of the top programs of its kind in the nation and is available through a full-time or part-time option. Taught by world-renowned faculty, the curriculum gives students a thorough understanding of contemporary HR practices and the underlying theories that are necessary for successful careers in the field. [+]
The Rady School's Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc) enhances future career opportunities by preparing students for a wide range of accounting career opportunities that span public accounting firms, corporate accounting departments, and not-for-profit and governmental organizations. The foundation of the MPAc experience at Rady includes outstanding faculty, integrative accounting knowledge, team projects, emphasis on communication and teamwork, case studies, professional seminars, guest speakers, simulations, and hands-on-experiences. [+]
The Cameron School of Business (CSB) helps students reach success with flexible programs. We accommodate working professionals with our class offerings. The small class environment coupled with access to Houston’s business community provides a unique liberal arts focus. [+]
The Master of Finance program will introduce you to some of the top minds in finance today. Our faculty are consultants to large financial institutions, multinational corporations and government agencies. [+]
This program is designed for students interested in working in international sport, either outside of the United States or with international sports organizations within in the United States, and who are interested in taking classes on campus in a traditional classroom setting. [+]
The UCO MPA inspires public values by providing transformative learning experiences for ethical leaders striving to improve communities in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area and the world. As the flagship public service program for Oklahoma’s metropolitan university, the UCO MPA prepares professionals to serve as leaders in local, state, and national governments; nonprofit organizations; and international agencies. UCO MPA graduates inform public debate and address critical policy issues. The values of the UCO MPA include civic engagement/collaboration, discipline knowledge/professional competence, diversity and cultural sensitivity, environmental stewardship, ethical leadership, global awareness, good governance, pride in public service, quality of life, and social justice. [+]
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (Rutgers) is proud to be among only ten CFA Institute Partner Schools in the country to offer a one year Master of Financial Analysis (M.Fin.A) that prepares students to pass the prestigious CFA (chartered financial analyst) exam. [+]
The Master of Science in Management-Operations Research and Supply Chain Management (MSM-OR/SC) degree is designed for individuals with quantitative training who seek to obtain a position in operations management or a management position in manufacturing, service or consulting firms that are part of sophisticated national or global supply chains. [+]
The Jefferson Master of Architecture Program is a first-professional graduate program designed to prepare students for professional architectural practice through the development of sustainable design and technology skills, knowledge of project management, and collaborative experiences in an interdisciplinary environment. [+]
The Master of Science in Applied Computer Science offers students with a strong undergraduate background in a technical computing discipline an opportunity to increase their technical expertise and to complement that expertise with fundamental business concepts related specifically to information technology. [+]
Carthage offers a 38-credit Master of Education program with three areas of concentration, as well as licensing tracks in reading, administration, special education, and English language learning. Through evening studies, you can earn your M.Ed., add additional teaching licenses, or complete coursework for personal enrichment. [+]
Technology does the number-crunching. Accountants provide the wide-ranging analysis, insight, and expertise that makes those numbers useful. Originally founded as a school of accounting and finance, Bentley continues to educate technically proficient accountants who enter the workforce with the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills required in a global business environment. [+]
The Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) at the University of San Francisco is focused on building expertise in investment analysis and management. [+]
The Master’s in Marketing gives you a comprehensive look into consumer-decision making and strategic processes that prepare you for a successful career in marketing. Our specialized concentrations in Digital Marketing, International Business, Marketing Analytics, and Marketing Management let you tailor your studies to your professional goals. [+]
This internationally-recognized international business graduate program is designed for seasoned business professionals ready to deepen their international business expertise. You’ll augment your previous management studies with the critical knowledge you need to power your international business career. Master of International Business (MIB) graduates are in demand by multinational corporations, trade associations, and other globally oriented organizations. [+]
