A master's degree is a postgraduate academic degree. One must already have an undergraduate degree to apply for a master's program. Most master's degree programs would require students to complete a master's thesis or research paper.
Benefits of pursuing master’s in the USA
The US is home to some of the best universities in the world, including Harvard, Yale and Columbia. If you want to study abroad and gain an international outlook while also gaining a competitive edge in your field, then pursuing a Master’s degree in the US is a great option for you.
Here are some of the significant benefits of pursuing master’s in the USA:
- One-year degree: A master's degree takes one year of full-time study to complete, although some programs offer part-time options. This makes it easy to fit into your schedule, especially if you have other commitments like family or work..
- No dissertation: If your undergraduate degree was in the sciences or engineering, you may have spent months writing a thesis for your final year. In contrast, most master's degrees don't require a thesis paper or dissertation at all.
- : According to Forbes magazine, people with MA degrees earn an average starting salary of $51,000 per year (as of June 2014). This is much higher than the average starting salary for bachelor's degree holders ($41,000).
What are the different types of master’s degrees in the USA?
The type of master's degree you choose will depend on your career goals. Here are some of the most popular types of master's degrees
Academic or research degrees
Professional degrees
These programs are designed to provide advanced training for students who have already earned bachelor's degrees in a related field. Professional master's programs usually take one year to complete, but may require more time if they're offered part time.
Certificate programs
These programs offer specialized training in a specific field without requiring full-time study (or even any classroom time). A certificate may also be referred to as an endorsement or specialization.
Popular areas
The U.S. is home to thousands of universities and colleges, many of which offer master's degree programs in a variety of subject areas. Many students choose to earn a master's degree in order to advance their careers or simply because they have a passion for learning.
Here are some of the most popular master's degree programs in the USA:
Business Administration
Technology
Medical
Engineering
Healthcare Administration and Management
Nursing
Law
Computer Science
Psychology
Data Science and Analytics
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for a masters degree in the USA varies from country to country. However, there are some common features which are as follows:
- The students must have a Bachelor’s degree in any field.
- The minimum age limit is 18 years.
- The GPA should be above 3.00 (on a scale of 4.00).
- High CGPA/Percentage
- There is no specific language requirement for getting admission into masters degree programs in the USA.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a masters degree in the USA?
Yes, you can apply for a master's degree in the USA. You should have completed your bachelor's degree from an accredited institution to be eligible to apply for admission at US universities.