[Latest] How to study for a master’s degree in the USA? Requirements and costs explained

Diverse fields of study

With hundreds of diverse disciplines to choose from, pursuing a master’s degree in the USA offers unparalleled academic freedom. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the most popular program, available at over 90% of U.S. universities.

The USA also offers specialized programs that may not yet have sufficient resources for research and practical application in Vietnam, such as astronomy, aviation services, cybersecurity, and space science. Here are some notable fields of study:

• Tourism, Hospitality, and Restaurant Management
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Social Sciences and Communication (18 subfields), Applied and Basic Sciences (15 subfields), Business and Management (12 subfields)

Expansive career opportunities

Expansive career opportunities

Graduates with a master’s degree from the USA are highly sought after for promising positions with excellent benefits and competitive global salaries ranging from $55,000 to $170,000. Thanks to world-class training, a U.S. master’s degree equips students with the qualifications to excel in various fields, including positions at foreign companies and multinational corporations.

Attractive scholarship opportunities

While studying for a master’s degree in the USA can be costly, numerous scholarships are available from universities, as well as government and non-government organizations. Notable scholarship programs include:

• Fulbright Program: A fully-funded scholarship offered by the U.S. Government, covering tuition, textbooks, airfare, living expenses, and health insurance. It supports students across all disciplines in social sciences and humanities, such as communication, journalism, international relations, and public policy.
• Humphrey Fellowship Program: A fully-funded program offering one year of professional enrichment for scholars selected based on leadership potential and commitment to public service in the public or private sector.
• World Bank Scholarships: Fully-funded scholarships for students from World Bank member countries. Recipients can study at five U.S. universities, including Harvard University, the University of Chicago, Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, and Columbia University.
• Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program: Provides a limited number of scholarships annually to outstanding master’s students from select developing countries. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis through a competitive application process conducted once a year.

4 Master’s Programs in the USA

4 Master’s Programs in the USA

With a rich and diverse educational system, there are multiple master’s programs to choose from in the USA. Below is an overview of some popular options:

Pre-Master’s Program

Key details about the Pre-Master’s program in the USA:

• Ideal for: Students without English proficiency certificates but capable of meeting other admission requirements.
• Admission requirements: Bachelor’s degree and an IELTS score of ≥6.0.
• Duration: 1 semester or 1 year.
• Content: Focuses on language, culture, and introductory courses in specialized fields.

Academic Master’s Program

Key details about the Academic Master’s program:

• Admission requirements: Bachelor’s degree, IELTS score ≥6.0, or completion of a Pre-Master’s program.
• Duration: 2 years or longer, depending on the field of study and institution.
• Fields of study:
  • Master of Arts (Social Sciences): Communication, linguistics, education, geography, culture, history, and music.
  • Master of Science (Natural Sciences): Biology, engineering, healthcare, statistics, and chemistry.
• Coursework: Includes attending classes, group projects, essays, and a final thesis. After completing the program, graduates are typically ready to enter the workforce.

Research Master’s Program

Key details about the Research Master’s program:

• Admission requirements: Relevant bachelor’s degree, minimum IELTS score of 6.5, and a research proposal.
• Duration: 2–3 years.
• Types of Research Master’s programs:
  • Master of Research (MRes): Focuses on advanced research skills, preparing students for doctoral studies.
  • Master by Research (MPhil): Ideal for students aiming for a Ph.D., allowing them to conduct independent research projects.
  • Master of Studies (MSt): Includes coursework and a dissertation, similar to an MA or MS.
• Structure: Students are not required to attend classes regularly. Instead, they focus on completing assigned research projects under the supervision of a professor.
• Evaluation: Based on a final dissertation (30,000–40,000 words) submitted at the end of the program.

Professional Master’s Programs

Professional Master’s Programs

Key information about professional master’s programs in the USA:

Admission Requirements:

• IELTS: ≥ 6.5.
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Work Experience: 2–3 years, including managerial experience, or a sufficient GMAT score.

Program Focus:

Professional master’s programs are designed to provide students with practical and specialized training for their future careers. These programs emphasize real-world applications, equipping students with both in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience to enhance job opportunities after graduation.

Types of Professional Master’s Programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): Focuses on advanced business management and leadership skills.
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA): Specialized in visual, performing, or creative arts.
• Master of Engineering (MEng): Tailored for engineering professionals seeking advanced technical skills.
• Master of Public Administration (MPA): Prepares students for leadership roles in public service and government sectors.
• Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MA, MALS, MLA/ALM, MLS): An interdisciplinary program for a broader education.
• Master of Education (MEd, MSEd, MIT, MAEd, MAT): Focused on educational theory and practice, including teaching methodologies.
• Master of Architecture (MArch): Prepares students for careers in architecture, emphasizing design and technical skills.
• Master of Music (MM/Mmus): Designed for musicians aiming to advance their expertise in performance or composition.

3 Requirements for Pursuing a Master’s Degree in the USA

Requirements for Pursuing a Master’s Degree in the USA

Studying for a master’s degree in the USA requires meeting educational, financial, and visa application criteria. Below are the details:

Academic Requirements

To be admitted into a U.S. master’s program, students must fulfill the following academic criteria:

• Minimum GPA: 3.2/4.0 or 7.0/10.
• Bachelor’s Degree: A 3 or 4-year undergraduate degree from your home country.
• English Proficiency:
  • IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL score of 550.
  • Some universities offer intensive English courses (3–6 months) for students who lack these certificates, allowing them to meet the language requirements without IELTS or TOEFL.
• Standardized Tests: Some universities may require GMAT/GRE scores, which assess critical thinking, academic ability, and skills.
• Additional Materials: Depending on the field of study, universities may request a thesis, portfolio, or relevant work experience, particularly for technical disciplines.

These academic requirements are relatively straightforward, so there’s no need to worry too much when preparing to apply for master’s programs in the USA.

Financial Requirements

To secure admission, students must demonstrate their financial capability to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs for the entire duration of their studies in the USA. This includes:

• Proof of Financial Stability: A minimum amount of approximately 1 billion VND (~$42,000).
• Savings Account: Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover at least one year of expenses in the USA. It’s recommended to open the savings account as early as possible, ideally at least one month before applying.
• Monthly Income: The sponsor’s monthly income (from salary, property rentals, bank interest, bonds, dividends, etc.) must ensure the ability to pay after deducting the family’s living expenses in Vietnam. This is typically around $35,000/year (~70 million VND/month).

Estimated Tuition Costs by Institution Type:

• Private universities: $15,000–$22,000/year.
• Public universities: $25,000–$42,000/year.

It’s also essential to explore scholarships or financial aid packages offered by universities to international students, which can significantly reduce study expenses.

Visa Application Requirements

The U.S. visa application process for a master’s degree can be complex and challenging. Required documents include:

• Admission letter from the university.
• Online visa application form.
• Visa interview appointment confirmation.
• Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
• Form I-20.
• Visa fee receipt.
• Passport-sized photo (5×5 cm).
• Academic transcripts as per the university’s requirements.
• Degrees, diplomas, and English proficiency certificates.
• Financial proof documentation.

Additional documents may be requested based on the specific university’s regulations. Therefore, thoroughly researching these requirements is crucial to avoid issues that may delay the application process.