A lot of time and effort goes into researching and selecting a master鈥檚 degree. Students must consider their interests, educational background, and career aspirations before making this choice. According to , Canada and the United States are two of the most popular study abroad destinations for international students. If you plan to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in either of these countries but aren鈥檛 sure where to begin or what you want to study, we’ve outlined some key information to make this decision easier for you.
Courtesy of Marshall University.
Educational Background
Whether you choose to study in Canada or the US, your undergraduate degree doesn鈥檛 always have to be in the same field as what you study in graduate school. Often, fields of study are complementary. For example, a student with a bachelor’s degree in history might pursue a master鈥檚 in architecture.
However, if there鈥檚 little relation between your bachelor鈥檚 degree and prospective master鈥檚 program, the university may require you to complete prerequisite courses or provide documentation of related work experience.听
Many choose to pursue a master鈥檚 degree to advance or switch careers. Suppose you鈥檙e a financial analyst with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting and are looking to move into a role as a finance manager. You may want to consider pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to support your career progression.听
Due to the time spent working in their field, many students will have a gap of one or more years between their undergraduate and master鈥檚 degree. Before applying to a master鈥檚 program, these students should be prepared to provide the university with their work experience documented on a resume and an explanation for the gap.听
Courtesy of Western Kentucky University.
Interest (Field of Work)
When selecting a master鈥檚 degree in Canada and the US, it鈥檚 crucial to align your interests and career aspirations to ensure the best study path for you.
Many students change their minds when picking a career, which can lead them to change their area of study. A student shouldn鈥檛 shy away from changing their career path because of their undergraduate degree. Say you鈥檝e completed an undergraduate program in fine arts, but then realize that you have a growing interest in English. In that case, you shouldn鈥檛 let your previous education hold you back from pursuing a master鈥檚 in English. Being passionate about the field of work you enter is crucial, and your choice of master鈥檚 program should reflect your interests.
The master鈥檚 degrees offered in Canada and the US cater to a range of interests and are designed to set you up for success in your chosen field of work鈥攚hatever that may be.
Courtesy of Laurentian University.
Flexibility
Canada and the US offer international students flexibility when it comes to admission requirements for master鈥檚 programs.听
Many Canadian and US universities are relaxing standardized testing requirements to incentivize international students to apply to their institutions. This means that the ) has become an optional application step at many universities. The GRE is no longer an admission requirement, but rather a way for students to strengthen their applications.听
Like the GRE, many academic institutions require students to take the ) as part of their application process for programs like an MBA. However, more and more Canadian and US universities have removed this test from their admissions requirements.听
Both of these countries鈥� commitment to putting international students first and providing flexibility wherever possible makes them attractive study abroad destinations.
Courtesy of Bishop’s University.
Program Duration
When choosing a master鈥檚 degree, it鈥檚 important to consider the duration of each program and the benefits of its length.听
Typically, master鈥檚 programs in Canada and the US are two years in duration. This is similar to Australian programs but longer than in the UK, where a master鈥檚 program is usually one year. Two-year programs generally offer students more practical experience, which gives them a competitive edge when applying for jobs.听
Many academic institutions in Canada and the US offer international students the option of pursuing an accelerated master鈥檚 degree. Students who apply for an accelerated master鈥檚 program can start taking courses toward their master鈥檚 in their first or second year of undergraduate studies and receive dual course credit for both their undergraduate and master鈥檚 degree. Accelerated master鈥檚 degrees save students the cost and time of application fees, extra courses, and graduate admission tests. Also, due to the compressed academic schedule, they often reduce the student鈥檚 cost of living and tuition expenses.
Different course durations offer their own sets of benefits, so consider your needs and goals carefully when making this choice.
Courtesy of the University of Ottawa.
Work Experience
Many US and Canadian academic institutions offer international students the opportunity to gain industry experience in their field.
If you want to pursue a master鈥檚 in the US and gaining work experience is a priority, choose a degree that qualifies for .听
OPT can occur before or after an international student鈥檚 program ends. It provides them with the opportunity to work anywhere in the US that directly relates to their field of study and at every level of study the student will receive an extra 12 months of practical training. Conversely, CPT occurs during an international student鈥檚 master鈥檚 program, and allows them to gain off-campus work experience in their field of study. This experience is usually through an internship or practicum and must be directly related to their program鈥嬧��鈥�typically students will receive course credit.
Students studying a master鈥檚 degree in Canada have many opportunities to gain practical experience. Typically a master鈥檚 program will offer students hands-on experience through a co-op placement, internship, or work experience. Although these are all slightly different by definition, each gives students the chance to apply what they鈥檝e learned in the classroom to real-world work experiences. International students can also take advantage of Canada鈥檚 Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP), which allows eligible applicants to live and work in Canada for up to three years.
Courtesy of Trine University.
Canada and the US are currently open to international students, and most schools are accepting applications for January, May, and September 2022 intakes. However, spots are filling up quickly due to COVID-19, so apply soon to hold your spot.
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