Are non-American graduate Ii.e. Masters) degrees recognized and/or respected in the US?

I'm looking for an overseas graduate experience after having graduated from a pretty well-known and respected university in the US. I'm worried, however, that a degree from outside the US simply won't command respect. I can almost picture future employers glossing over my CV/resume and saying 'hmmm, I never heard of this school. Next...' Furthermore, I've always dreamt of working outside the US. Would going to school abroad at the graduate level (i.e. Master's) improve my chances at all of landing a job overseas? Or am I better off saving the airfare and staying in the US?

Public Comments

  1. You just need to make sure that the school is recognized and accredited. If so then it shouldn't be a problem verifying your degree. Try this site: http://www.chea.org/search/
  2. I know from experience that some medical degrees and accounting degrees from other countries are not recognized here in the US.........and also that many countries recognize US college degrees and accept your credentials. But a graduate school overseas may not be to your advantage....look into the graduate schools thoroughly. Good luck!
  3. It really depends on your field. You mention that you have always dreamt of working outside the US? Are you interested in international business? international relations? or something similar to those fields? If yes, by all means, get your graduate degree abroad. Just make sure that the universitiy is accredited. I would also suggest that you apply to universities that are recognized for the program of your choice. For example, the London School of Business is a great university for MBA studies. In Switzerland, you will find excellent universities that focus on hotel management. Australia is a great place for oceanography and marine biology studies. So, it really depends on your field of interest. In the end, you should follow your dreams. After you graduate, you should apply for jobs that offer you the type of international environment that you want and where your international experience/degree will be something valuable.
  4. I'd stay in the US for grad school. This is not to say that the overseas graduate experience is worse academically (perhaps, it might be better), only that (you're right) many employers are going to look at the degree, yawn, and toss your resume into the wastebasket. Unless you're going to Oxford or Cambridge or you're getting a Master's in a foreign language, stay state-side.
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