Study in USA and Canada at top universities: easy access for international students

  
home » Study in North America » Academics: degrees and pathways » Master's degrees

Master's degree programs in the USA and Canada

North America is a great place to continue your higher education at master's level. MBA degrees in the USA and Canada are renowned for providing cutting-edge advantage and unequaled opportunities in the business world. A master's degree is often a professional requirement for a career in engineering or health sciences.

Science research at Royal Roads University Science Studying business at Royal Roads University

Popular master's degrees for international students

Universities in the USA and Canada offer a wide choice of graduate programs but some of the most common degree choices for international students are:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

MBAs are an extremely popular choice at graduate level and normally take two years to complete. They are the gold standard of business education, giving significant advantages to those who earn it: enhanced marketability; broadened opportunities; and significantly higher lifetime earnings. Getting an MBA degree is a clear sign of drive, professional commitment and competence to successfully manage in a wide range of senior and executive level capacities. On average, graduates with an MBA earn $25,000 more than holders of bachelor's degrees. An MBA will educate you in the broad principles and standards of business management.

Master's in Engineering

Along with a Master of Science in Engineering, an MEng or Master of Engineering degree is considered the terminal degree in the field of engineering. Master's degrees in Engineering usually focus on a specific type of engineering such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, and chemical engineering. A master's degree in engineering can lead to highly-paid professional career opportunities in the chosen specialism.

Master's in Management

While an MBA degree exposes you to all the key areas of management within the business domain, many other master's degrees focus on a specific aspect of the Management discipline. A master's degree in management may lead to career opportunities in international business, or in industries including engineering, health professions, and public affairs. Master's degrees in Management tend to be less expensive than MBA degrees.

Master's in Computing

A Master of Science in the field of computing prepares highly skilled professionals with advanced expertise in creating and maintaining secure and reliable computing systems and user interfaces. A Computer Science major approaches computing from a scientific perspective. An Information Systems major integrates the technology of computing into the business process and business strategy. The knowledge and skills you will acquire in a computing master's degree open up career options in a wide range of industries and applications.

Master's in Accounting

Master of Science in Accounting or Accountancy degrees prepare you for a professional accounting career in public accounting, industry or government enterprises. Programs strengthen technical expertise and enhance your understanding of professional responsibility. Concentrations include Accounting Information Systems, Taxation, and Professional Accounting.

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The MPA is a professional public affairs degree that prepares you for a wide range of careers in government, public sector management, health policy, law, and non-profit organizations. An MPA is especially relevant to international students looking to play an influential role in the development of social and medical services in their home countries.

Master of Fine Art (MFA)

While an academic program, an MFA degree centers around practice in a particular artistic field. The degree is structured to provide a professional orientation to art, and the chance for further growth and competence.

Master's in Nutrition

A Master of Science in Nutrition enhances professional qualifications as a food and nutrition specialist and prepares students for leadership positions in the nutrition community. Concentrations include Clinical Nutrition, Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Nutrition in Geriatrics, and Eating Disorders.

Master's in Criminal Justice

Master of Science in Criminal Justice degrees prepare students for modern-day careers in areas such as law enforcement management systems, corrections, court practitioners and cyberspace crime detection. Concentrations are available in Fraud Examination, Security Administration, Public Administration and Emergency Management.

Structure of master's programs in North America

Length of study

Masters' programs vary in length depending on the number of academic credits that must be completed. A 30 credit program can usually be completed in 12 months. Most master's degrees are studied for two years. Some specific professional programs require 60 or more credits for completion (e.g. Master of Science Genetic Counseling at Long Island University).

Teaching and learning

Unlike undergraduate degrees, where you take a broad range of courses in addition to your major, graduate degrees are focused on a specific field of study. Master's degrees are mostly taught programs, as opposed to a graduate research program (called doctorate degrees). You will spend time learning in class. To complete a master's degree you will usually need to submit a 'thesis' - a paper on an extended research project. However, some master's degree programs in North America instead require completion of practical work in a professional setting, under supervision.

Graduate Schools

At master's-level in America and Canada, you study at Graduate School. These are usually departments within a university which provide teaching and resources specifically for graduate students. Master of Business Administration (MBA) students will likely be based in a university's graduate Business School.