Here is How You Get a Master’s Degree in the USA

America, land of the free and home of the brave. With 50 states that offer their own distinct experiences, scenes, and lifestyles to choose from, it’s no wonder why so many students opt to earn their master’s degree in the USA. 

Degree seekers from around the world find themselves soaking up American culture, enhancing their education, and improving their job prospects by enrolling in a master’s program in the USA. 

Keep on reading to learn about what it’s like to earn a master’s in America and the advantages you can expect by doing so. 

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Master’s in the USA

A master’s degree is an advanced academic degree that demonstrates mastery in a specific field of study. It follows the completion of a bachelor’s degree. 

When it comes to MS courses in the USA, you’ve got options! Institutions offer a variety of types of master’s degrees, such as: master’s of art, master’s of business administration (MBA), master’s of science, and more. 

Upon completion of a master’s degree, you can then continue on to earn a Ph.D., if you so choose. 

Typical Admission Requirements 

When you’re seeking a master’s in the USA from abroad, you’ll want to have a clear view of what’s required in order to apply. Each institution has its own admission requirements, so it will mean that you’ll need to do a little research that’s specific to your college of choice. 

However, suffice it to say that in America, there are some typical and expected items you’ll need to apply for most master’s programs. 

You’ll likely need to provide: 

• Language requirements (or TOEFL) 
• Undergraduate degree proof 
• CV or resume 
• Standardized testing scores 
• Letters of recommendation 

Alternatively, you may choose to enroll in a master’s degree program that takes place entirely online, such as one offered by the University of the People. If this is the case, your admissions process becomes much more simplified and streamlined. At the University of the People, you’ll need to provide your basic information, proof of your bachelor’s degree, and proof of English proficiency.

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How to Apply for a Master’s in the USA

If learning in America sounds like something you want to do, then keep reading to learn more about how to apply for a master’s program in the states. 

Depending on your field of study, you may need to take an international standardized test, such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations), GMAT testing (Graduate Management Admission Test), LSAT (Law Admission Test), or MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). 

Along with test scores, be sure to know the deadlines of each institution. In most cases, enrollment periods will be open one to three times a year, in Spring or Fall, or sometimes, Summer. Refer back to the above list of other typical requirements before applying. 

Once you have gathered all your documents and test scores, you can submit the application. In many cases, master’s programs in the US also conduct interviews to meet with you in person or virtually as a part of the decision-making process. 

For international students, be sure that you apply for a student visa. During the visa process, you’ll need documentation like:

• A valid passport
• I-20 form 
• DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmation (printed forms) 
• Academic transcripts
• Bank statements/proof of finances 
• Diploma (if applicable) 

Closing Thoughts

If you think there are a lot of states in the US, you’ll be shocked at the number of institutions you’ll come across when applying for a master’s degree in the USA. The freedom of choice and flexibility of education is what draw so many students in from around the world. Combined with the quality education and lifestyle options in America, you’ll be sure to find a fitting academic institution for your master’s degree endeavors. 

If you prefer to learn at an American and accredited institution from the country that you currently reside in or anywhere else that you’d like to live, you can do so with the University of the People. Our online and tuition-free university offers master’s degrees in Business Administration, Education, and Information Technology. All you need to earn your master’s degree will be an internet connection and a compatible device, from wherever you are in the world. Check out these resources to learn more about the student experience.