Master's Degrees in the USA

A master's degree is a graduate-level qualification earned after a bachelor's degree. American master's programs are highly regarded internationally and attract large numbers of students from around the world — particularly in fields like business, engineering, computer science, and public policy.

Types of Master's Degrees

Master of Arts (MA): Typically awarded in humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. MA programs often require a thesis — an independent research project that makes an original contribution to the field.

Master of Science (MS): Awarded in scientific, technical, and quantitative fields. MS programs may be thesis-based or coursework-based (non-thesis), depending on the program and institution.

Professional Master's Degrees: Many fields have specialized master's degrees, including the MBA (business administration), MFA (fine arts), MPH (public health), MEd (education), MSW (social work), MPA (public administration), and LLM (laws).

Duration

Most master's programs in the US take one to two years of full-time study to complete. Professional programs like the MBA may have different structures, including part-time and executive options.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a US master's program typically requires a completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a competitive undergraduate GPA (usually 3.0 or above), English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS), graduate admissions test scores (GRE for most programs, GMAT for business), a statement of purpose, two to three letters of recommendation, and official academic transcripts.

Cost

Tuition for US master's programs ranges widely, from approximately $15,000 to $60,000+ per year. Business, law, and professional programs at elite institutions tend to be at the higher end. Engineering and science programs frequently offer funding through teaching and research assistantships, which can significantly reduce your costs.

Funding Opportunities

Teaching assistantships (TA) and research assistantships (RA) pay a stipend and may include tuition remission in exchange for working as a teaching or research assistant. Fellowships and grants are also available, particularly in STEM fields. Explore funding options on each program's website and ask about funding when applying.