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Master of Arts in USA: MA in USA is a popular postgraduate degree among international students after MS in USA. The course spans 1.5 to 2 years depending on whether you pursue it in full-time or part-time mode. MA in USA is offered with popular specializations like English literature, journalism, economics, history, sociology, psychology, etc.
The cost to pursue an MA in USA ranges from USD 35,000 to 55,000 (INR). The top universities offering Masters of Arts in USA aim to develop the student’s analytical and critical thinking skills. On the degree completion, you can earn an annual salary of USD 68,000, depending on the subject and specialization. MA programs generally involve coursework, seminars, research projects, and a culminating thesis or capstone project.
Top Universities for MA in USA
The US has various universities offering MAs in diverse fields such as social sciences, data science, or environmental studies. The top universities for Master of Arts degrees in the US, the programs they offer, tuition fee, and their admission deadlines are given below.
| QS Rank 2024 | University | Program Offered | Tuition Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Stanford University | MA in Philosophy MA in JournalismMA in History | 50,880 |
| 4 | Harvard University | MA in Anthropology MA in South Asian Studies MA in Music | 54,269 |
| 16 | Yale University | MA in Anthropology MA in Statistics MA in Design | 64,700 |
| 23 | Columbia University | MA in Statistics MA in Biomedical Informatics MA in Journalism | 65,340 |
| 13 | Cornell University | MA in Human Resource Management(Executive)MA in Design MA in Anthropology | 56,200 |
| 12 | University of Pennsylvania | MA in Liberal Arts MA in Mathematics MA in History | 35,000 |
| 11 | University of Chicago | MA in Humanities MA in Social Service Administration MA in Political Science | 65,000 |
| 47 | Northwestern University | MA in English Literature MA in Economics MA in Clinical Psychology | 31,300 |
| 38 | New York University | MA in Economics MA in Psychology MA in Journalism | 66,000 |
| 28 | Johns Hopkins University | MA in Liberal Arts MA in International Economics and Finance MA in Public Management | 34,200 |
Check: Master in Arts Universities in USA
Top Masters of Arts Program in USA
An MA in USA program grants you access to a strong alumni network which can help you find profitable career opportunities.
| University | Program Name | Placement Rate | Avg. GPA Req. | Top Recruiters | Avg. Base Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New School | MFA in Writing, MA in Media Studies | NA | 3.0+ | Arts & Culture organizations, Media Companies, Educational Institutions | Varies by program and career path |
| Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) | MFA in Illustration, Jewelry & Metalsmithing | 85% | 3.3+ | Design studios, Museums, Fine Arts institutions | $60,000 - $80,000 |
| Pratt Institute | MFA in Communications Design, Film & Video | 80% | 3.0+ | Advertising agencies, Design firms, Film & Television production companies | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) | MFA in Photography, Painting & Drawing | 78% | 3.0+ | Galleries, Museums, Art education institutions | $45,000 - $65,000 |
| Art Center College of Design | MFA in Media Arts, Product Design | 82% | 3.2+ | Design studios, Tech companies, Entertainment companies | $60,000 - $80,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Master of Fine Arts (MFA) | Data not publically available | 3.0+ | Galleries, Museums, Educational Institutions | Varies by career path |
| California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) | MFA in Film Directing, Experimental Animation) | 80% | 3.3+ | Film & Television production companies, Animation studios, Art institutions | $50,000 - $70,000 |
| School of Visual Arts (SVA) | MFA in Computer Art, Illustration | 84% | 3.0+ | Advertising agencies, Design firms, Publishing companies | $50,000 - $70,000 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) | MFA in Animation, Fashion | 90% | 3.0+ | Design firms, Fashion houses, Animation studios | $45,000 - $65,000 |
The top MA in USA programs have high placement rates ranging from 78% to 90%. Top recruiters for Master of Arts graduates vary by program specialization but include design studios, museums, media companies, and educational institutions.
Why Study MA in USA?
There are various reasons for choosing the USA as a study abroad destination for pursuing a Master of Arts program. Some of the major reasons you have to opt for MA in USA are:
- More than 50% of the top global universities are in the United States. These universities are popular for offering high-quality education research programs.
- An MA from a US university can enhance your career prospects with opportunities in academia, arts and cultural organizations.
- United States is known for cultural diversity, it invites students from all over the world with different ethnicities, cultures, and religious beliefs,
- The unemployment rate of USA as of 2023 is only 3.8%, indicating abundant job opportunities for graduates.
- MA in USA program prioritizes research along the course work helping you develop valuable research skills and critical thinking.
The average base salaries for graduates of Masters of Arts in USA range from $45,000 to $80,000.
Master of Arts Specializations
Some of the popular specializations for MA in USA include -
- MA in Language
- MA in Arts
- MA in Education
- MA in General Studies
- MA in Journalism
- MA in Political Science
The US offers a vast array of MAs across numerous fields like
- Humanities: Literature, History, Philosophy, Languages
- Social Sciences: Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology
- Fine Arts: Painting, Sculpture, Film, Design
- Professional Fields: Education, Business Administration, Public Policy
Master of Arts in USA Admission Requirements
The eligibility requirements for Master of Arts USA may vary depending on the university and specialisation.
Basic Admission Requirements for MA in USA:
- 3 to 4 years bachelor's 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
Master of Arts in USA Requirements: Documents
- Official transcripts
- An updated CV
- Statement of Purpose to Study Masters in US
- 2 to 3 LORs
- Bank statements for last 3 months
- 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)
Check Out: Why Study in USA?
Student Visa for USA
To study in the US, you'll need a student visa (F-1 or M-1). The application process involves acceptance by a SEVP-approved school, securing a visa form (I-20 or DS-2019), and a visa interview. Costs include application fees (around $160), SEVIS fee ($350), and visa interview fee ($190).
Check in Detail: American Student Visa
Cost of Studying MA in USA
Pursuing Master of Arts 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.
Master of Arts in USA Tuition Fees
The average fee for MA in USA is USD 29479 which is equivalent to INR 24.6 Lakhs. The tuition fee for the top Masters of Arts universities in USA include -
| University | Tuition Fee (USD) | Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 50,880 | 42.3 lakhs |
| Harvard University | 54,269 | 45.1 lakhs |
| Yale University | 64,700 | 53.8 lakhs |
| Columbia University | 65,340 | 54.3 lakhs |
| Cornell University | 56,200 | 46.7 lakhs |
| University of Pennsylvania | 35,000 | 29.1 lakhs |
| University of Chicago | 65,000 | 54.1 lakhs |
| Northwestern University | 31,300 | 26 lakhs |
| New York University | 66,000 | 54.9 lakhs |
| John Hopkins University | 34,200 | 28.4 lakhs |
Cost of Living in USA
On average, you might spend around INR 9 Lakhs to 12 Lakhs on accommodation, utilities, transport, and internet facilities.
Check out: Cost of Living in USA
MA in USA Scholarships
Studying Master of Arts in USA for international students can be expensive. 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, some 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Admitted in graduate degrees such as MA, Must have completed an undergraduate degree in January 2016 or later | Covers the entire cost of attendance |
| Harvard University Graduate Degree Students Scholarships | For highly qualified candidates who are unable to make educational expenses | Covers the 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 |
Check Out: US Scholarships for Indian students
MA in USA Salary
There is an extensive range of opportunities available for the graduates of MA in USA regardless of specialization or subject. Master of Arts graduates in the USA earn an average salary of USD 66,000 (INR 53.71 lakhs) per annum. Some of the highly paid Job Profiles for MA graduates in USA are:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (USD) | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Content Writer | 61,826 | 51 Lakhs |
| Assistant Professor | 75,081 | 62 Lakhs |
| 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 Top Recruiters
Some of the top recruiters for graduates of Master of Arts in USA are -
- HIM Recruiters
- Lucas Group
- Randstad
- Aerotek
- Robert Half
- Kelly
- Adecco
- Aerotek
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 the USA or MA in Canada by comparing and contrasting various factors, such as tuition fees, job prospects, and cost of living.
| 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 |
Pursuing an MA in USA helps students to master their skills. Whether you seek a thorough academic experience or a pathway to a satisfying career, obtaining an MA degree can equip you with the necessary expertise to succeed in your career. Earning a Master of Arts in the US landscape offers compelling advantages. The renowned educational system with research opportunities can help you find jobs with competitive salaries. Though the tuition fees for US MAs can be substantial, and living expenses add another layer of financial burden, the investment is worth it as the graduates of Master of Arts in USA can earn a profitable salary.
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.
- The course is offered either in full-time or part-time mode.
Ques. How long is MA in USA?
Ans. 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.
Ques. What is the average salary after Master's degree in the US?
Ans. The starting salary after completion of MA in USA may vary as per the specialisation or subject. On average, graduates of MA in USA, generally earn a salary of 68,000 USD (56.28 lakhs INR) per annum.
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for MA in USA?
Ans. If you want to pursue Master of Arts in USA, you need -
- 3 to 4 years bachelors degree
- IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.5
- GPA of 3.5 or above
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 Master of Arts USA is most in demand?
Ans. The most in-demand MA courses in USA include Anthropology, History, Journalism, Communication, philosophy, design etc.
Ques. Is the GRE Exam required for a Master of Arts in the USA?
Ans. GRE requirement is optional for Masters of Arts program in USA depending on the university you opt for. Some universities where the GRE scores are required are -
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
Some universities which provide admissions with optional GRE score submission are -
- University of Florida
- University of Southern California (varies by program)
- Arizona State University
Ques. Which are the most popular master’s degrees in Arts in the USA?
Ans. The most popular Master of Arts (MA) degrees in the USA fall into these categories:
- Art History
- English
- Arts Management
- Museum Studies
- Communication
Ques. What are some of the top publicly funded universities in the USA for studying an MA program?
Ans. Some well-regarded public universities offering MA in USA programs are:
- Arizona State University
- Texas A&M University
- The University of Illinois at Chicago
- The University of Texas at Dallas
- The University of Texas at Austin
Ques. What are some of the cheapest MA colleges in the USA for international students?
Ans. Some of the cheapest universities for MA in USA include -
- University of Indianapolis
- Vanderbilt University
- University of South Dakota
- Pepperdine University
International applicants can complete their Master of Arts in US program for approximately INR 7 lakh annually
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