MA in USA is one of the most preferred degrees by international students after MS in USA. It is offered by the majority of the top universities in USA and it usually has a duration of 1.5 years to 2 years. Some of the most popular fields to pursue with a Master of Arts include Anthropology, Journalism, History, Languages, etc. The average cost of pursuing a MA in USA is somewhere between 35,000 USD to 55,000 USD which can be equivalent to 28.96 lakhs to 45.52 lakhs INR for Indian students.
The program mainly aims to develop the analytical and critical thinking skills of students, allowing them to make their own conclusions and ideas. MA in USA primarily involves class interaction and may require students to write a thesis. The starting salary after completion of MA in USA may vary as per the specialisation or subject. On an average, graduates of MA in USA, generally earn a salary of 68,000 USD (56.28 lakhs INR) per annum.
Highlights
| Program | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
| Top Courses | MA in Anthropology | MA in Journalism | MA in Philosophy | MA in History | MA in Design |
| Duration | 1.5 - 2 years |
| Program Mode | Full-time, Part-time |
| Average Tuition Fee | 35,000 USD to 55,000 USD (28.96 lakhs to 45.52 lakhs INR) |
| Top Universities | Harvard University | Stanford University | Cornell University | Yale University | Columbia University | University of Pennsylvania |
| Average Salary | 68,000 USD (56.28 lakhs INR) |
| Top Job Profiles | Economist Financial Analyst | Professional Counsellor | Business Development Associate |
| Top Recruiters | HIM Recruiters | Adecco Aerotek | Robert Half Lucas Group | Korn Ferry |
Top Universities for MA in USA
The below table shows top universities in the United States for MA in USA, programs they offer, tuition fee, and their admission deadlines.
| University | Program Offered | Admission Deadlines | Tuition Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | MA in Philosophy | MA in Journalism | MA in History | April 1, 2023 | 61,731 |
| Harvard University | MA in Anthropology | MA in South Asian Studies | MA in Music | Anthropology [Dec 1, 2022] | Music [January 5th, 2023] | South Asian Studies [Dec 1st, 2022] | 52,456 |
| Yale University | MA in Anthropology | MA in Statistics | MA in Design | Anthropology [Dec 15th, 2023] | Statistics [Dec 15, 2022] | Design [Jan 9st, 2023] | 46,900 |
| Columbia University | MA in Statistics | MA in Biomedical Informatics | MA in Journalism | Statistics [April 27, 2023] | Biomedical Informatics [Sept 1st, 2023] | Journalism [Jan 6th, 2023] | 56,000 |
| Cornell University | MA in Human Resource Management(Executive) | MA in Design | MA in Anthropology | Human Resource Management (Executive) [March 15th, 2023] | Design [Dec 1st, 2023] | Anthropology [Dec 15th, 2022] | 56,200 |
| University of Pennsylvania | MA in Liberal Arts | MA in Mathematics | MA in History | Liberal Arts/History [April 1, 2023] | Mathematics [Dec 31st, 2022] | 35,000 |
| University of Chicago | MA in Humanities | MA in Social Service Administration | MA in Political Science | Humanities [May 2nd, 2023] | Social Service Administration [Jan 15th, 2023] | Political Science [Dec 15th, 2022] | 65,000 |
| Northwestern University | MA in English Literature | MA in Economics | MA in Clinical Psychology | April 15th, 2023 | 31,300 |
| New York University | MA in Economics | MA in Psychology | MA in Journalism | Economics [Jan 15th, 2023] | Psychology [Oct 1st, 2023] | Journalism [Jan 4th, 2023] | 66,000 |
| Johns Hopkins University | MA in Liberal Arts | MA in International Economics and Finance | MA in Public Management | Rolling Basis | 34,200 |
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Table of Contents |
Why Study MA in USA?
There are various reasons for choosing the USA as a study abroad destination for pursuing a Master of Arts. Here are some of the major reasons that one must know:
- Houses Top Universities: More than 50% of the top global universities are situated in the United States. These universities are not only popular for offering high-quality education and intellectual faculties but also for beautiful infrastructure and facilities.
- Range of Job Opportunities: An MA from a US university directly showcases that you are qualified enough for top job profiles. A high-paying job after compilation MA degree is guaranteed in the USA. Students may also work part-time while pursuing their respective degrees through assistantships or work as an intern in top firms.
- Diversity: United States is known for cultural diversity, it invites students from all over the world with different ethnicities, cultures, and religious beliefs,
- Financial Assistance: Pursuing a Master's degree in the USA can surely improve one’s life with assistance and scholarships throughout the duration of their study. The Students may also look for part-time jobs to earn additional income in order to meet their educational expenses or opt for paid internships.
- Unemployment rate: The unemployment rate of USA as of December 2022 is only 3.7%, indicating abundant job opportunities for graduates
Also Check: Top MA Universities in USA
MA in USA: Eligibility & Admission Requirements
The eligibility requirements for MA in USA may vary depending on the university and specialisation. For instance a higher GPA along with standardised scores and work experience may be required in top universities while others may require a GPA of 3.0 with no additional requirements. Listed below are general admission requirements that every applicant must meet to remain eligible for MA in USA.
Basic Admission Requirements:
- 3 to 4 years bachelors degree in relevant field
- English language proficiency
- IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5
- TOEFL: 88 - 100
- A GPA of 3.5 or Above or 87% in bachelors
- GRE score of 330
- Research Internships preferred
- Research Papers published
- Social & Leadership Activities
Documents Required:
- Official transcripts from each college/university attended
- Mark sheets of previously attended institutions, attested by the faculty
- An updated CV including level of research undertaken or prior work experience
- Statement of Purpose to study Masters in US must include the applicant’s goals, interests and expectations from the course
- At least 2 to 3 LORs to study in US
- Bank statements of last 3 months old, showing sufficient funds to meet annual educational and living expenses in USA
- Health Insurance certificate
- Passport for visa process.
- Portfolio with work samples (for admission to creative arts courses)
- 2-3 Writing samples/essays(required for Research-based courses)
MA in USA: Tuition Fee and Cost of Living
Pursuing MA in USA may cost around 35,000 USD(28.48 lakhs INR) while a private funded university may cost beyond 55,000 USD per year. Apart from courses fees, international students are also required to meet pre-arrival expenses such as visa application fees, IELTS/TOEFL fees along with living expenses during their stay in the United States.
Tuition Fees
| University | Tuition Fee (USD) | Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 61,731 | 51 lakhs |
| Harvard University | 52,456 | 43 lakhs |
| Yale University | 46,900 | 38 lakhs |
| John Hopkins University | 34,200 | 28 lakhs |
| Columbia University | 56,000 | 46 lakhs |
| Cornell University | 56,200 | 46 lakhs |
| University of Pennsylvania | 35,000 | 29 lakhs |
| University of Chicago | 65,000 | 53 lakhs |
| Northwestern University | 31,300 | 26 lakhs |
| New York University | 66,000 | 54 lakhs |
Cost of Living
Consists of all expenses that one must require to live in the United States. Though, the living expenses may vary depending on the university and city, tabulated below is the average cost of living for international students:
| Expense Type | Average Cost (USD) | Cost Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1,538 | 1.25 lakhs |
| Utilities | 180 | 14,683 |
| Food | 290 | 23,656 |
| Transport | 70 | 5,710 |
| Internet | 70 | 5,710 |
| Miscellaneous | 300 | 24,472 |
Check out: Cost of Living in USA
MA in USA: Scholarships
Studying MA in USA can be expensive, especially when one is planning to study STEM courses either as Master of Arts or Master of Science. To help international students, there are nearly 600 universities in USA offering scholarships worth 20,000 USD or beyond. While the majority of scholarships help to cover educational expenses, there are some that cover the entire cost of attendance for international students. Tabulated below are some of the popular scholarships for international in USA.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Award/Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| American Indian Graduate Center- Graduate Scholarships | Students planning to pursue STEM courses at graduate level | Varies |
| Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Admitted in graduate degrees such as MA, MBA, MD MFA JD, etc Must have completed an undergraduate degree in January 2016 or later | Covers entire cost of attendance |
| Harvard University Graduate Degree Students Scholarships | For highly qualified candidates who are unable to make educational expenses | Covers entire Tuition fee |
| Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships | Citizen of a country with Rotary clubs | 2 years of college course work or equivalent | Up to 25,000 USD |
| Fulbright Scholarships for Indians | Indian citizen | Academic excellence | English proficiency | Monthly stipend, Tuition and cost of attendance coverage |
| Inlaks Scholarship | Indian citizen | Minimum 65-75% marks | 100,000 USD |
| AAUW International Fellowship | Non US based women pursuing master’s and doctoral programs in USA | 20,000-50,000 USD |
| JN Tata Endowment Fund (loan) | Indian citizens | Bachelor’s degree | Minimum 60% marks | 1,00,000-10,00,000 INR |
| SelfScore International Student Scholarship | Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in prior studies, must score in the top 15% in SAT/ACT | 5,000 USD |
| Global Student Scholarship | Enrolled full-time in an American university/college Submission of 3 essay questions | 1,000 USD |
| TEC Scholarship | Enrolled full-time in an American university/college Submission of essay questions | 1,000 USD |
MA in USA: Job Opportunities
There is an extensive range of opportunities available for the graduates of MA in USA regardless of specializations or subject. The Master of Arts graduates in the USA earn an average salary of 66,000 USD(53.71 lakhs INR) per annum. The below table shows the top paid job profile in USA for MA degree holders.
Some of the Top paid Job Profiles for MA graduates in USA:
| Job Profile | Average Salary(USD) | Average Salary(INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Director | 82,900 | 68 lakhs |
| Human Resource Manager | 97,400 | 80 lakhs |
| Project Manager | 77,700 | 64 lakhs |
| Marketing Manager | 70,000 | 57 lakhs |
| Data Analyst | 64,800 | 53 lakhs |
| Program Manager | 89,100 | 73 lakhs |
| High School Teacher | 55,000 | 45 lakhs |
| Economist | 84,300 | 70 lakhs |
| Financial Analyst | 64,600 | 53 lakhs |
| Business Development Associate | 72,000 | 59 lakhs |
MA in USA v/s MA in Canada
This section aims to assist you in making an informed decision about pursuing a Master of Arts (MA) degree in USA or Canada by comparing and contrasting various factors, such as tuition fees, job prospects, and cost of living. Whether you seek a rigorous academic experience or a pathway to a satisfying career, obtaining an MA degree in either country can equip you with the necessary expertise and abilities to succeed.
| Parameters | MA in Canada | MA in USA |
|---|---|---|
| Program | Master of Arts (MA) | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
| Top Courses | MA in English | MA in Economics | MA in Psychology | MA in Criminology | MA in Anthropology | MA in Journalism | MA in Philosophy | MA in History | MA in Design |
| Duration | 1-2 years | 1.5 - 2 years |
| Program Mode | Full-time, Part-time | Full-time, Part-time |
| Average Tuition Fee | 7,000-27,000 CAD (4 lakhs-16 lakhs INR) | 35,000 USD to 55,000 USD (28.96 lakhs to 45.52 lakhs INR) |
| Top Universities | University of Toronto | University of British Columbia | McGill University | University of Alberta | McMaster University | Harvard University | Stanford University | Cornell University | Yale University | Columbia University | University of Pennsylvania |
| Average Salary | 63,000 CAD (39 lakhs INR) | 68,000 USD (56.28 lakhs INR) |
| Monthly Cost of Living | 1,987 CAD (1.19 lakhs INR) | 2,448 USD (2 lakhs INR) |
| Top Recruiters | EY | KPMG | Deloitte | Shopify | Accenture | The Walt Disney Company | Amazon | Microsoft | Facebook | The Boeing Company |
There are various advantages after pursuing an MA in USA as not only it will help students to master their skills but also increase their chances of earning high paying job profiles. Those planning to pursue MS in USA, may also go for Master of Arts degree in case they could not achieve the minimum criteria for STEM courses. It is best advised to thoroughly check the university’s official website and MA courses they offer along with their admission requirements before applying.
FAQs
Ques. What is an MA in USA?
Ans. MA or Master of Arts in USA is a specialized degree offered in areas like history, science, philosophy, language, design, fine arts, social science, management etc. It generally has a duration of 1.5 years to 2 years. Nearly 1,700 universities across the United States offer MA degrees in different specialisations either in full-time or part-time mode.
Ques. How much does MA cost in USA
Ans. The Master of Arts in USA cost may vary depending on the university. However, it may cost around 28 lakhs INR to 55 lakhs INR for international students.
Ques. Which MA is most in demand?
Ans. The most in-demand MA courses in USA include Anthropology, History, Journalism, Communication, philosophy, design etc.
Ques. Is it worth studying an MA?
Ans. Indeed an MA degree in the USA is worth going for as there is a wide range of specializations to choose from. Apart from this, the students will get to enhance their skills if they are pursuing STEM courses. Also, the job prospects after MA are quite higher in USA with the majority of students earning an average salary of 66,000 USD (54.7 lakhs INR) per annum.
Ques. How can I do MA in USA?
Ans. To be able to pursue an MA in USA, the applicant must have qualified a 3 to 4 year bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or an average of 65 - 70 %. As a part of ELP requirements, a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL 100 is required. Applicants are also advised to take GRE exam and obtain a minimum score between 290 - 300, to receive equal consideration for admission.
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