Brandeis International Business School

Why I stayed at Brandeis to earn a master’s degree

Jump-start your career with the BA/MA, BA/MBA or BA/MSBA programs at Brandeis International Business School

A portrait of Brian Hseih in a blue jacket and white shirt.

Brandeis undergraduates can earn a master’s degree in as little as two semesters at Brandeis International Business School.

There are three fast-track dual degree programs for undergraduate students to consider: the BA/MA, BA/MSBA and BA/MBA.

For me, staying at Brandeis to earn a master’s degree was an easy decision.

By investing an extra year in my education, I know I’ll have the knowledge, skills and network to achieve success in my career after graduation.

On the fast track with transfer credits

Many of the credits I needed to finish my undergraduate degree also count toward my Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance (MA) program. This played a significant role in my decision to stay at Brandeis.

Thanks to these transfer credits, I’ll be able to earn both my undergraduate and MA degrees in just five years. BA/MSBA students can do the same, while BA/MBA students can complete both degrees in five and a half years.

Be sure to check out the BA/MA, BA/MSBA and BA/MBA landing pages for program-specific curriculum requirements.

Building my Brandeis network

I already built a valuable network as an undergraduate — there’s no shortage of helpful professors, staff, alumni and classmates at Brandeis.

That’s why my decision to enroll in the BA/MA program was also a decision to continue investing in that network, which took four years to build.

As a graduate student, I now have the ability to focus solely on my career and academics without having to adapt to a brand new environment.

Students at the International Business School also come from diverse backgrounds, allowing me to learn from their respective cultures and perspectives.

Career support — it’s a team effort!
The proof is in the numbers: the average U.S. salary and bonus for BA/MA, BA/MSBA and BA/MBA graduates in 2022 was $99,153— or $38,587 more than the average Brandeis undergraduate salary.

Career support (and success!) is another major reason why I’m excited to study at the International Business School. The Career Strategies and Engagement Center (CSE) offers so many valuable resources and networking opportunities.

Some of the CSE’s main focus areas include connecting students with prospective employers, coaching them to sharpen their resume and interview skills and helping them develop and broaden their professional network.

From networking events to career fairs to Industry Treks, the CSE is an invaluable resource as I prepare to launch my career.

Student Insights features blog posts produced by current students and recent graduates of Brandeis International Business School. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author.

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