Editor’s note: This article is part of our Meaningful Travel Forecast series and official travel report for 2019. ☆ Thinking about going back to school, eh? If you just graduated from your undergraduate degree or have been in the career force for a while, a masters degree abroad might be just the ticket to get started on (or reinvigorate) your awesome career!
Read the GoAbroad Official Report on the 10 Best Subjects for Masters Programs Abroad in 2019
Even if your language skills are a little rusty, master’s degrees abroad taught in English exist all over the world! In a year or two, imagine having not only another academic feather in your cap, but the priceless experiences of immersing yourself among international students, opportunities for travel during your weekends and breaks, and a lifetime of friends and memories.
Depending on your home country, completing a master’s degree abroad may work out to cost the same or even less than the same degree at home—so don’t automatically dismiss the idea based on funds! Graduate degrees in all subjects are available abroad, but some academic specializations, in particular, will benefit you as a student enormously from the international exposure.
While researching masters abroad programs, keep in mind that curriculums might be highly varied even with the same subject. For example, what might be a taught, or largely classroom-based, degree at one university could be primarily research-oriented at another, so be sure to research thoroughly to get the right program fit for you.
Drumroll, please! The best subjects for master’s programs abroad in 2019, according to international educators, meaningful travelers, and international program admin are:
The best subjects for international degrees in 2019
1. Business
Business students, rejoice! Students looking to pursue their graduate degree in business-related studies abroad will be delighted to discover that dozens of strong programs exist in all corners of the globe. Whether you're looking to specialize in Finance or Luxury Branding, there’s a masters program abroad to get you both skilled and connected in all things international and commerce.
- Traveler’s program pick: MBA at the University Catolica de Murcia in Spain
2. Travel & Tourism
If you're considering a graduate degree in a travel-related discipline, it would be a tragedy not to pursue it abroad. You’ll be able to make invaluable connections while deepening your travel expertise both academically and personally. Degree specializations range from a broad hospitality curriculum to those focused specifically on the culinary arts or spa management. Start your globetrotting career the right way by earning your tourism degree abroad!
- Traveler’s program pick: Universidad Catolica de Murcia in Spain
3. Engineering
Engineers and computer scientists don’t need to feel left out! Very strong technical programs exist in Asia, Europe, and Australia for students hoping to earn their master’s abroad in the technical disciplines. Programs in various specializations are available, including aerospace engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering.
- Traveler’s program pick: American University of Beirut in Lebanon
4. Art, Fine Arts
Artists looking at international degree programs should expect a significant focus on studio courses which will help them develop their craft and portfolio throughout the program. International graduate degree programs in the Arts often emphasize creating and showing your artwork to a greater extent, and less focus on theory, compared to programs in the United States. Programs are extremely varied, however, and opportunities exist to specialize in interior design, art crime and cultural heritage protection, fashion design, art business, or one of the more traditional fine art subjects.
- Traveler’s program pick: John Cabot University in Italy
“Students would be wise to get degrees abroad in humanities and social sciences, which are subjects and career paths that benefit greatly from experience abroad.” —Cathryn Fortuna, GoAbroad Editor
5. Public Health
Public health is a field with a global context. From rural Appalachia in the U.S. to refugee camps in Lebanon, there are billions of global citizens lacking consistent access to basic treatment, education, and preventative healthcare. By earning your degree abroad in public health, you’ll be helping to create a change in the lives of vulnerable individuals across the world. Specializations in global health, integrative medicine, and policy are available depending on the program.
- Traveler’s program pick: AIFS Study Abroad in Perth, Australia
6. Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
In our globally connected economy, multinational corporations are located in major cities across the world. From London to Hong Kong, these locations offer an amazing opportunity to work with international corporations and unparalleled networking opportunities while getting your master’s degree abroad. Specializations in digital marketing, sports marketing or even luxury brand management!
- Traveler’s program pick: Study at Universidad del Pacifico, Lima - Peru
7. International Relations
Perhaps a no-brainer, but deciding to earn a master’s degree abroad in international relation is a smart first step towards launching a global career. Whether your interests lie in public policy or economic development, studying international relations abroad will train you in the finer points of cross-cultural interaction and diplomacy which are required to be successful in the field. Specialize in EU relations, intercultural leadership, or even international trade policy.
- Traveler’s program pick: Master’s in International Relations in Argentina
8. Kinesiology / Exercise Science
Scientific and research-based fields like exercise science tend to be shaped by the culture in which they are being taught. To gain a better understanding of how the human body is utilized, protected, and understood, students should absolutely consider a masters abroad program in kinesiology! Specializations may focus on biomechanics, sports medicine, or sports performance.
- Traveler’s program pick: Movement Science in Australia at Murdoch University
Study abroad leads to mutual understanding amongst peoples and cultures and I believe to a more peaceful world. Youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow!—David Comp, Columbia College Chicago
9. Social Work
Students of this interdisciplinary field, which focuses on mental and physical health, poverty, and social injustice, can benefit immensely from taking their graduate education abroad. By adding a culturally sensitive dynamic to your classroom studies you’ll have a broader scope and understanding of international issues affecting societies and people around the globe.
- Traveler’s program pick: API at Maynooth University in Dublin, Ireland
10. Nursing
The best nurses are well-versed in providing care, guidance, and education about health conditions to people of various cultures and backgrounds. No better way to stretch your cultural and technical proficiencies than by completing your nursing degree abroad. Also, if you are interested in taking your medical career abroad, a masters abroad program in nursing is a great way to get started!
- Traveler’s program pick: Study Nursing in Australia at Murdoch University
Next steps to book master’s programs abroad
Here are handful of resources to get you started on your very own journey to becoming an international student. 2019 could be YOUR year to go abroad for a degree—and we can help make it happen! Get free program recommendations that match your travel goals, or use MyGoAbroad to bookmark and compare program options with confidence.
Still hungry for more? Bookmark these bad boys:
Degree Abroad Inspiration
- Applying for University Abroad? Here’s How to Do It Right
- The Most Popular Degrees to Earn Abroad
- Here’s Where to Get a Cheap Master’s Degree for International Students
Program Selection Advice
- Want to Study Abroad for Masters Programs? 9 Questions to Ask First
- 8 Criteria to Consider as You Shop for Universities Abroad
- 11 Things to Look for When Comparing Study Abroad Programs
Paying for Your International Degree
- Paying for Your Degree Abroad: Student Loans, Savings, & More
- 3 Countries with Free Tuition for International Students
- Hundreds of Scholarships for Study Abroad
[Get Matched with 5 Degree Programs Abroad for FREE]
Participate in getting your master’s degree abroad this year!
There’s never been a better time for getting your masters degree abroad.
Whether you’re a recent undergraduate or considering going back to school after a long break, getting your master’s degree abroad will place you on a trajectory for career success. Sure, you’ll be accomplishing an impressive academic qualification. You’ll also be deepening your cultural proficiency, practicing foreign languages, making lifelong connections, and having an epic adventure you’ll remember fondly for the rest of your awesome career!
Don’t worry if you don’t speak another language (yet!) as master’s degrees abroad taught in English are not necessarily limited to English-speaking countries. Also, if funding your degree is a concern, be sure to look into (and apply) for international student scholarships. As technology continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, the opportunities to study abroad has never been more exciting. Opportunities in International education have never been more exciting. Getting your master’s degree abroad will prove to the world how savvy you're before you’ve even finished your MBA.
Now that you’re an expert on the best subjects for international degrees, get started applying for master’s programs abroad.
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