Master of Business Administration Programs in the United States

Twenty percent of international students who come to study undergraduate or graduate (master- or doctorate-level) education in the United States of America study in financial programs such as business administration and economics. It is such a common practice that almost every university in the world has started their own business and economics colleges and programs. These departments also offer degrees that yield a range of alternatives in terms of acquiring a profession. Matters related to money are always hot. This is a reality throughout the US, and almost every single university offers business administration programs for its students.
Since these business-related programs are very popular, millions of students graduate from these programs each year. This naturally increases the competition with respect to finding a job. Although the business field is broad, there still must be something that sets you apart so that you will be preferred by high-ranked companies. For example, to graduate from a very good school in your home country will distinguish you, as will good foreign language skills; both will make you a more desirable hire in the eyes of employers.

In summary, it is necessary to differentiate yourself from the thousands of college graduates who enter the job market each year. For this, study abroad experience will be enough to carry you to the front ranks. As I said at the beginning of the article, 20% of students coming to the United States of America to receive undergraduate or graduate education study in fields related to finance. The vast majority of this 20% enroll in Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. These programs are a bit market oriented. So, while you are a student, perhaps all of your classmates will become managers or employees in companies. I can say that theory and practice are intertwined in MBA programs. The faculty members also listen and learn about new experiences from real life, like students. You can imagine how good finance-related education is in a country that is the center of banking and commerce. But remember, they won’t teach you how to make thousands of dollars a month with miraculous formulas. An MBA degree will give you a first life experience. Trade and business life are learned in place. Your English will improve dramatically, and you will be considered lucky to have been educated in the first country to experience financial innovation and all other major scientific and technological advancements.

Let’s continue with the technical issues. I mentioned that MBA programs are available in almost every university in the United States. In this postgraduate program, they usually require you to complete thirty-six credits. Some courses are compulsory, and some are electives. One course is usually worth three credits. That also means three hours of coursework per week. You take twelve courses to complete the program, and they expect you to take three courses each semester (nine hours per week). As an international student, you cannot get less than nine credits anyway. You may handle four courses per semester; however, students usually prefer to take three. In some cases, the school may also ask you to write a thesis worth six credits. On the other hand, some MBA programs may require you to complete forty-eight or more credits. Top schools generally impose such an obligation. Sometimes scores from exams such as the GRE and GMAT are included among the requirements for admission. In other words, the applications may not be completed with language test scores alone. They do not expect a base score from the GRE or GMAT like the base scores they expect from language tests. As I mentioned, not every school requires those GRE and GMAT tests. A personal statement, reference letters, and your transcripts, on the other hand, are always required by any school to which you would apply.

Scholarship opportunities are limited but not impossible. Price per credit is applied and prices per credit generally vary between USD 600-1200. Assistantship opportunities exist, but there are usually very few available.

So, is it worth that much expense for this study experience? It is absolutely worth it. I can say that the education you will receive and the vision you will obtain will be with you throughout your life. Believe me, the financial payback will come in very different dimensions. International companies will prefer you and you will rise quickly in your profession with comfortable English. Many different opportunities will be waiting for you. Do not hesitate about this. The prestige aspect should not be forgotten either. Having good English skills and study abroad experience among the graduates of the same or similar departments will increase your reputation.
Of course, do not forget that MBA programs (and their derivatives) also have areas of concentration. We can call it an area of expertise. Let me share the titles of some of the programs I have chosen for you. Get counseling to gain acceptance from quality schools with a strong application. Have fun!

MBA in Executive Management and Entrepreneurship
Master of Science in Finance
MBA in Taxation
MBA in Marketing
Master of Science in Travel and Tourism
Master of Financial Risk Management
MBA in Healthcare Management
MBA in Project Management
MBA in Human Resource Management

Erkan Acar, PhD

Copyright ©
All rights reserved by USA International Education Consulting LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form (except for critical reviews and other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law), including photocopying, recording or other electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written consent of the publisher. For permission requests, please write to info@usaintermationaleducation.com