M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.S. in Business
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The MSB program is an intensive, 36-credit-hour degree that can be completed in just nine months. It aims to provide students with a robust foundation in essential business disciplines, complementing their diverse undergraduate backgrounds with practical, career-oriented skills. The program emphasizes ethical business practices and leadership development, guided by Catholic principles of solidarity, subsidiarity, and human dignity, viewing commerce as a service to society. The program boasts an impressive 99% career placement rate within 3-5 months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $78,000 for the class of 2024.
Curriculum: The curriculum encompasses core business disciplines such as accounting, financial analysis, quantitative methods, integrated marketing, professional sales and negotiations, and data analysis through Excel. Unique courses like "The Spirit of Enterprise" and "Leadership as Service" are integral, fostering a comprehensive understanding of business within an ethical framework. The program also incorporates career development workshops, internships, company visits, field projects, and case studies to provide a uniquely practical and experiential learning environment.
Research Focus: As the oldest Catholic research university in the United States, CUA has a strong research tradition. While the MSB program is primarily practical and career-focused, the broader university's research endeavors span a wide range of disciplines, from science and engineering to the humanities. The university emphasizes "knowledge and understanding — the 'how' and the 'why' — and always in service to human flourishing," reflecting its R1 research institution status. This overarching research ethos, though not directly tied to a specific MSB thesis, ensures that students are exposed to a culture of critical inquiry and problem-solving.
Industry Engagement: The Busch School of Business actively engages with industry through various avenues. The MSB program faculty comprises successful business leaders with diverse experiences from prominent companies like ExxonMobil, Home Depot, Booz Allen Hamilton, Marriott Hotels, McKinsey & Company, and GE. This wealth of experience brings real-world insights into the classroom. Furthermore, the program's practical focus is cemented through internships, company visits, and field projects, providing students with invaluable opportunities to apply their learning and build professional networks. The university's strong career development staff also plays a crucial role in connecting students with employers and facilitating successful job placements.
Global Perspective: While the MSB program itself doesn't explicitly highlight a global business track, the Busch School of Business aims to provide its students with a "global vision." The curriculum's emphasis on integrated marketing and the ethical considerations of commerce can be applied universally, preparing graduates for diverse professional environments. As a university located in Washington, D.C., a hub for international organizations and global affairs, CUA naturally offers students exposure to a broader, globally connected environment.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 37500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
The comprehensive curriculum, encompassing areas like accounting, financial analysis, quantitative methods, marketing, and sales, combined with experiential learning opportunities such as internships and field projects, directly translates into a strong foundation for various business roles. Furthermore, the program's emphasis on ethical leadership and a service-oriented approach to business differentiates its graduates, making them attractive to organizations seeking principled professionals.
Financial Analyst: Leveraging skills in accounting, financial analysis, and quantitative methods, MSB graduates can excel in roles that involve analyzing financial data, forecasting trends, and advising on investment strategies for corporations, financial institutions, or non-profits.
Marketing Coordinator/Specialist: With a solid understanding of integrated marketing principles, graduates can pursue careers in developing and executing marketing campaigns, conducting market research, and managing brand presence across various industries.
Sales Professional/Account Manager: The program's focus on professional sales and negotiations equips graduates to enter sales roles, building client relationships, identifying business opportunities, and driving revenue growth for companies.
Project Manager: The emphasis on practical application and problem-solving through case studies and field projects prepares individuals to manage complex projects, ensuring timely delivery and effective resource allocation in various sectors.
Data Analyst: With training in data analysis and tools like Excel, graduates can find opportunities in analyzing large datasets to inform business decisions, identify trends, and improve operational efficiency across industries.
Management Consultant: The holistic business education and critical thinking skills fostered within the MSB program enable graduates to advise organizations on strategies to improve performance, solve problems, and achieve business objectives.
Human Resources Generalist/Coordinator: Understanding organizational dynamics and ethical considerations, graduates can pursue roles in human resources, managing talent acquisition, employee relations, and HR operations.
Operations Analyst/Manager: The program's broad business foundation provides the understanding needed to optimize business processes, improve supply chain efficiency, and manage day-to-day operations in various organizations.
Business Development Associate: Graduates can contribute to identifying new business opportunities, fostering partnerships, and expanding market reach for companies, leveraging their sales and marketing knowledge.
Non-profit Administrator/Manager: Rooted in Catholic social teaching, the program prepares graduates for impactful careers in the non-profit sector, where they can apply business principles to manage operations, fundraising, and program development for social good.
