Are you a Malaysian student with dreams of pursuing a master’s degree in the United States? Read on to learn more about things you should take note of while planning your master’s degree in the USA.
What are the requirements to study for a US master's degree?
- Academic Credentials: a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. Transcripts and certificates will be required.
- Standardized Tests: Some programs may require students to have taken GRE or GMAT, or other standardized tests.
- English Language Proficiency: Students will be required to demonstrate their English Language Proficiency, usually IELTS or TOEFL. Some schools may accept Duolingo, iTEP or others.
- Letter of Recommendation: Usually at least one letter of recommendation will be required from someone who could prove your academic or professional abilities.
- Statement of Purpose: This document will usually be required for application, and some universities may have a specific prompt to the essay.
- Resume/CV: Regardless of whether the student has any work experience, they are often required to provide this to highlight their academic and professional background.
Are all US master's degrees 2-year in duration?
The answer is “No”.
While some master’s programs, such as Master of Business Administration (MBA), typically span two years, the duration of a master’s degree in the United States can vary widely. Many programs can be completed in one year or 18 months.
Here are some examples of 1-year master’s degrees in the United States:
1. University of Illinois at Chicago: Master of Science in Business Analytics
– QS World University Rankings has ranked three UIC Liautaud Graduate School of Business programs in their top master’s programs – including Top 50 among MS in Business Analytics globally. It can be completed in one year of full-time study.
2. Arizona State University: MS in Information Systems Management
– This program is a 12-month full-time program offered by ASU’s top-ranked W. P. Carey School of Business. Students will be able to earn an innovative master’s degree and kick-start their career in the United States.
Do US universities accept a 3-year bachelor's degree from Malaysia?
Though generally, US universities would require a 4-year bachelor’s degree to enroll in a master’s degree, there are still a number of universities that may accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree directly. Therefore, it is highly recommended to check with your preferred universities before you submit an application.
Contact our counselors to find out more about the eligibility of a 3-year bachelor’s degree from Malaysia to apply for a US master’s degree.
Is GRE a mandatory requirement for a master's degree?
While many graduate programs do require the GRE as part of the application process, an increasing number of universities and programs have been moving toward test-optional or test-flexible policies.
Test-optional means that you are not required to submit GRE scores as part of your application, but you can still choose to do so if you believe it will strengthen your application. Test-flexible policies may allow you to submit alternative test scores (such as the GMAT) in place of the GRE.
For instance, MS in Data Science from Drew University has highlighted that GRE or GMAT scores are optional. Whereas the MS in Data Science from the University of the Pacific has stated that neither GRE or GMAT is required for admission to this program.
How to Get Started?
Our services are free for students applying to our partner universities. University application fees, if any, are paid directly to the respective universities.
Contact us to find out what your study options are.
Deadlines for a master’s degree vary and it is important to allocate enough time especially if you are planning to take GRE or GMAT tests.