Studying abroad in the United States of America appeals to many international students because of the opportunity to learn in the number one country for education, secure rewarding careers, and immerse themselves in a melting pot of culture.
In fact, the number of international students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities reached a record-breaking 1.1 million last year.
If you’re wondering how to pursue a master’s program in the USA, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover how long it will take to earn your degree, what the application process entails, and how much time you need to prepare a strong application that gets noticed.
Duration of a Master’s Degree in the U.S.
A master’s in the U.S. typically takes one to two years to complete. However, the timeline can be shorter or longer depending on the number of credit hours your program requires, which may also include internship experiences. If you have credits from previous graduate coursework, check to see if you can transfer them.
Your personal preferences will also affect the length of your degree. For example, if you choose to enroll in an accelerated program, you can earn your degree sooner.
Application Timeline for International Students
While application deadlines vary across universities, the key is to plan ahead and start early to ensure you meet all of the requirements. Here is a general timeline to keep in mind for how to get into a master’s program:
1. Research and Identify Prospective Schools (18 Months Before Program Starts)
First, reflect on your career vision. It doesn’t have to be set in stone, but having a general direction of where you’d like to be in 5-10 years in terms of hard skills, roles, earning potential, and industries can help you determine which universities would be the best match for you.
Some factors to consider when researching and selecting schools to apply for include:
- Location: Research the area to see if it has elements that are important to you. For example, the university’s proximity to an airport, reliable public transportation, cultural experiences, and top companies that often hire recent graduates.
- Curriculum: In addition to learning theoretical frameworks, will there be relevant research or internship opportunities for you to gain real-world experience?
- Funding: Do your prospective schools offer scholarships, grants, or other graduate financial aid?
2. Prepare for Exams (12-14 Months Before Program Starts)
To study in the U.S., you’ll be required to submit recent proof of English language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking (if you’re applying from a country that does not meet the school’s exemption policy). You’ll either have to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Be sure to give yourself adequate time to prepare for the test
In addition, schools might require you to submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This test measures competency in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytic writing. Studying the test structure and scoring methodology beforehand can set you up for success.
For all exams, aim to schedule them early enough to leave time for retakes if needed.
3. Gather Documents and Submit Applications (10-12 Months Before Program Starts)
Be sure to verify and document the different deadlines and requirements for the schools you’re applying to in order to keep yourself organized and on track. Generally, international admissions departments will expect you to submit:
- An online application and application fee
- Transcripts
- English proficiency test scores
- GRE scores
- Letters of recommendation
Just like your test preparation, plan in advance to make sure you receive your transcripts from previous higher education institutions on time, and give others enough notice so they can write you thoughtful and impactful recommendation letters.
Your application is a representation of yourself on paper, so take the time to ensure it’s complete and accurate.
4. Accept an Offer and Begin the Visa Process (3-6 Months Before Program Starts)
After you’ve accepted an offer from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified school, you’ll be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Once your enrollment is confirmed, your designated school official will send you Form 1-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Form I-20 allows you to apply for a student visa, enter the U.S., and apply for benefits, such as a driver’s license or social security number.
For a full breakdown of how to apply for an F-1 visa, consult the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website. Here is an overview of the process:
- Complete the online visa application, Form DS-160, and upload your photo.
- Schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Wait times for interview appointments vary, so apply for your visa as early as possible.
- Prepare for your interview by paying your visa application fee and any other applicable fees, and gathering required documents. You’ll need:
- A valid passport for travel to the U.S.
- A printed Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Your application fee payment receipt
- A printed photo of yourself that meets the requirements (if your online upload failed while completing Form DS-160)
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20
- Any additional documents requested by a consular office, such as transcripts, standardized test scores, your intent to depart from the U.S. after your master’s program, and how you’ll pay all educational, living, and travel expenses.
- Attend your visa interview. If your visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee.
Visas are not guaranteed, so while you should do some planning and research beforehand, do not make final travel plans, buy tickets, or secure housing until you have a visa.
5. Arrive in the U.S. (30 Days Before Program Starts)
On an F-1 visa, you won’t be permitted to enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days before the start date of your master’s program. Within those 30 days, arrive as soon as possible to get settled before the first day of classes. Move into your on- or off-campus housing, gather all the materials you’ll need for your program, attend orientation, and overall, explore what your new home away from home has to offer.
Plan Ahead and Earn Your Master’s From an Esteemed University in America: SMU
There are several master’s degree programs in the USA for international students to choose from, depending on their professional aspirations. To begin, remember to plan ahead and get clarity on application requirements as well as visa timelines. Programs will vary, but be aware that you’ll generally need one to two years to earn your degree, plus about 18 months to prepare and apply to universities.
If you’re looking for a recognized institution to begin your journey, SMU’s Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies in Dallas, TX, may be the right place for you. We offer 120+ master’s degree programs, including:
- Business
- Chemistry
- Data Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- History
- Law
- Organizational Psychology
- Religious Studies
Plus, the city of Dallas offers several resources for community and support to help you adjust to life in the U.S. while honoring your home country’s rich traditions. If you’re ready to invest in your future and study in America, check out our free guide for international students today!
