There are different reasons why students value pursuing a Master’s degree in the US. For one, it opens paths to a doctoral degree that would in turn lead towards a career in academia. It could also significantly boost career prospects in the corporate world, as with enhanced qualifications, one could get a promotion or the next higher pay grade.
Usually, a Master’s program lasts 18-24 months in the USA and offers students far wider choice of programs that remains limited at the undergraduate level.
These also include niche courses like Non-Profit Management, Public Policy, Dispute Resolution and the like for those who need to improve their experience and expertise in particular areas.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is by far the most sought-after Master’s program in the US as also Master’s in domains such as Accounting, Finance, Management, Economics and Mathematics. Similarly, programs in Information Technology, Engineering, and Law are also among the top choices.
Among popular MS courses are Master’s in Biostatistics, Human Computer Interaction, Telecom Engineering, Applied Math, Statistics, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Business Administration and Information Science.
The US also has a Master’s degree and a Master of Science program. While both are graduate programs, the Master of Science (MS) degree is a research-based course that requires students to write a thesis as opposed to a Master’s program, which is more course-work oriented.
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Test Scores that prove the candidate’s proficiency in English is a basic requirement and the two most oft-used tests to assess candidates are: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing Service).
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are the other tests.
There are other, more specific standardized tests for the legal and medical domains.
A matter of concern for candidates, especially from India, is that most American universities demand 16 years of formal education among eligibility criteria for a Master’s program. Since a Bachelor’s degree in India is a three-year program (B.Sc, B.Com, B.A etc), that adds up to 15 years (including 10 years of schooling plus 2 years’ junior college), it leaves a shortfall of one year for them.
However, some American universities, including some elite business schools, have begun to accept 15 years of formal education, instead of 16, if the rest of the application package is especially strong.
A matter of concern for candidates, especially from India, is that most American universities demand 16 years of formal education among eligibility criteria for a Master’s program. Since a Bachelor’s degree in India is a three-year program (B.Sc, B.Com, B.A etc), that adds up to 15 years (including 10 years of schooling plus 2 years’ junior college), it leaves a shortfall of one year for them.
Experts advise applicants to concentrate on getting excellent GRE/GMAT scores that would automatically open University doors for them and save an year in the bargain. But they should carefully check the admission policy of the School and directly contact the admission team to clear any doubts.
Several Master’s programs, especially in the fields of medicine, education and technology, require practical experience or internships. So, apart from group discussions, writing a thesis and attending lectures, candidates may be required to have actual professional experience.
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International students signing up for Master’s course will not be eligible for employment while studying, but student internship will be enough.
MSc in Management (MiM/ MBM) courses typically require little or no work experience and can be pursued by freshers.
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Some of the other parameters a US university will judge students are on academic record; the college/university attended; recommendations; research work and published work; extracurricular activities and work experience, if any.
Applicants will need to submit a Statement of Purpose (SoP) as well, which is among the most important parts of the Master’s application.
It is also essential to draw up a short-list of universities that maximises the student’s chances of securing admission to a good college. (Image Sources: Wikimedia, XYZ)