With an image of being one of the most developed nations in the world, the USA has been conceived to be the prime most sought-after study abroad destination for Indian students. The country has a diverse multicultural background with heaps of career opportunities. The USA is known to have the best education in the world allowing students the freedom to choose their courses as per their interests along with exposure to various internship programs contributing to their holistic development. Moreover, students can opt to participate in several student exchange programs to expand their horizons in learning. If you’ve completed your graduation and are planning for overseas education, then a master’s in USA can be a great way to begin your post-graduation career.
Why Study Master’s in USA?
There are more than 2 million MS courses in the US to choose from, a work-study option, a stay-back permit after receiving an MS, research opportunities, and merit-based scholarships to support education are some of the advantages that international students in the US can take advantage of while pursuing a graduate degree. Other advantages of studying MS in the US include:
- Students choose STEM courses in large numbers because they are in high demand in the US and because they can extend their work visas by 24 months after receiving their MS.
- 2.7% of the US economy, or 476,452 million USD, is allocated by the US government to R&D. Thus, earning an MS in the USA increases your chances of getting financing for your research.
- There is research potential after a master’s degree, and students can apply for a TA position or a research assistantship (RA).
- Students who work part-time as TAs can make $500 to $1,200 per month.
- While research assistants might receive a monthly stipend of up to USD 1,500 (INR 1.2 Lakhs).
- For any MS course, the curriculum is broken down into prerequisites, core subjects, and electives. Thus, it expands the possibility of pursuing a research-based MS by almost 30%.
- The typical scholarship provided to students pursuing an MS at any university in the USA is 10,000 USD (INR 8 Lakhs) for one year.
Must Read: 5 Reasons to Study in the USA for Indian Students
Top Choice for Masters in USA
Americans have a unique history of producing some of the best films and television shows along with their love for baseball and football. It is a dream for most of us to study in the USA and explore the rich cultural diversity. Being a student, you are always aspiring for world-class education and what can be better than studying in one of the top-ranked universities in the world? Also, a majority of the population speaks English, so it becomes easier for Indians to communicate and express ideas in the USA. Below we’ll run through some of the best Masters in USA:
Master of Science (MSc or MS)
MSc or MS is a technical-based postgraduate degree in the field of Science. Having an undergraduate degree in Science is not mandatory to go for MS in the USA. This master’s degree is usually for a duration of 1-2 years. However, in the case of Engineering, the MS program takes approximately 3-5 years to complete while the Master in Medicine is a 6 years degree program.
Also, to receive an MS degree from an American university, students have to usually write a scientific thesis at the end of their academic studies. The popular fields offering a Master of Science include Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Mathematics, Medicine & Health, Business, Informatics, etc.
To help meritorious students from various countries planning to study in the US with financial aid, there is a broad range of scholarships for MS in the USA.
Master of Arts (MA)
Conferred by universities as a graduate-level achievement, MA is an intensive program that usually ranges from 1 to 2 years depending Pursued to progress further in the field of research or to enhance the skill base, this program befalls in the realm of Social Science, History, Geography, Languages, Philosophy and Fine Arts.
The coursework of an MA degree program is designed to develop and nurture ideas and opinions leading to interactive classes which eventually help in independent research for the thesis in the final year. Pursuing an MA in the USA can be truly rewarding helping students grow personally, academically and professionally.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Considered a degree in Management and Business, MBA in the USA works wonders to give your career in business a boost. There are different types of MBA courses like Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Strategy and Operations, Business Analytics, IT, etc. for students to choose from.
Studying for a Master’s in the USA in one of the top business schools offer peer-to-peer education and interaction with a large network that can help you to become a well-rounded business graduate. After completing your coursework, you can easily find a job as a Product Manager, Health Service Manager, Marketing Manager, etc. You can also choose to become an Entrepreneur and start your own venture.
Masters of Engineering (MEng)
MEng or ME is a highly specialised postgraduate degree program focusing on developing a practical skill base, imparting industry knowledge and inspiring students to delve deeper into research.
The study duration of the degree offered by a technical university in the USA is usually between 1 to 2-year which includes theoretical courses and assignments, along with hands-on experience.
Moreover, the students are required to complete their final project which involves solving a complex technological problem using all the experience and knowledge accumulated during studies. Graduates can choose to specialise in areas such as Automotive, Aerospace, Information Technology, Electronics, Mechanical and Electrical. Other than this, you can also choose to pursue a course in Engineering Management (MEM).
Popular Specializations
As per US News, the United States of America is host to approximately 4298 universities that offer post-secondary education. So, considering the huge number of universities available, the master’s courses offered are multifarious. Thus, we have listed some of the prominent fields of specialised in which you can go master’s in the USA:
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Art and Design
- Business and Management
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Engineering and Technology
- Education
- Environment and Earth Sciences
- Healthcare and Medicine
- Humanities
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Law
- Media and Journalism
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Sports
Top Universities for MS in USA by Acceptance Rate
Prospective students can take MS courses at over 95% of American colleges. Many people aspire to enrol in MS programs at American universities like Stanford, Harvard, Yale, and other Ivy League schools. The admittance rates for all of these prestigious US universities are low. At the majority of premier colleges, the average acceptance rate for MS programmes in the USA is less than 6%.
| University Name | Acceptance Rate (MS) |
| University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | 26% |
| Cornell University | 11% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 9% |
| Yale University | 7% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 7% |
| University of Chicago | 7% |
| Princeton University | 5.5% |
| Harvard University | 5% |
| Stanford University | 3.95% |
Top Universities for Masters in USA: QS Rankings 2023-2024
With excellent teaching quality, resources, a learning environment and diversity on campus, the country welcomes a diverse range of international students. Take a look at the top American universities along with their world rankings in the table below:
| Institutions | Location | THE World University Ranking 2023 | QS World University Ranking 2024 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, Massachusetts | 5 | 1 |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | 2 | 4 |
| California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, California | 6 | 15 |
| Stanford University | Stanford, California | =3 | 5 |
| Princeton University | Princeton, New Jersey | 7 | =17 |
| Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut | 9 | 16 |
| The University of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois | 13 | 11 |
| University of Pennslyvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 14 | 12 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, Maryland | 15 | 28 |
| University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, California | 8 | 10 |
| Columbia University | New York City, New York | =11 | 23 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Westwood, Los Angeles, California | 21 | 29 |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, New York | 20 | 13 |
| Duke University | Durham, North Carolina | 25 | 57 |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan | 23 | 33 |
Eligibility Criteria For MS in the USA
There are literally hundreds of institutions across the world, and pursuing your higher education in one of the top-ranked universities provides you with exposure to the best facilities in terms of technologically advanced techniques. The USA offers experienced teaching faculty that hold long-standing expertise in the industry.
In order to enrol for a master’s in the USA, you need to fulfil the following eligibility requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the relevant field from an accredited institution.
- GRE score
- LOR (both academic and professional)
- Essays
- Secure required scores in English-language proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS and C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency.
Admission Process
Admission to US universities can be conducted online with all necessary documents and information. It is recommended that you check the different university deadlines to ensure that you complete your application procedure on time.
If you are still unsure about how to pursue MS in the United States, we have explained the admission process for MS in the United States for your convenience:
- Determine the course you want to take and hunt for the best university that offers it.
- Visit the official university websites to learn about the requirements, eligibility requirements, admission process, and fees.
- Begin the application process by providing all of the requested information.
- Upload the necessary documents so that your application can be examined. Your video essay, academic transcripts, IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE test scores, CV, LOR, SOP, and so on may be included.
- You may pay the cost once you have completed your application and uploaded all required papers.
- Wait for a response from the university.
- Once chosen, you may apply for your I-20 visa, which will allow you to obtain your F-1 student visa to study in the United States as an international student.
Must Read: Aspirants Guide for Admission Process to Study in USA
Documents Required
The application procedure is highly tedious for MS admittance to the United States. International applicants must provide a set of documents in order to be considered for admission. The following records are necessary for MS admissions in the United States:
- Transcripts: Placed in a sealed envelope with the appropriate HOD or Principal’s stamp and signature.
- Mark sheets from prior institutions attended, and certified by the HOD or Principal.
- CV: An updated CV that follows the proper format must be submitted. The amount of research done and/or work experience must be included. Statement of Purpose: The SOP for the MS programme should be prepared in advance and submitted with the application. It must contain information about the candidates, their objectives, and what they hope to gain from the course.
- At least two to three letters of recommendation (LORs) must be provided. Depending on the method of application submission, they may be submitted online or offline.
- Financial Statement: A bank statement that is no older than three months and that demonstrates you have enough money to cover at least a year of tuition must be supplied.
- If a candidate is requesting admission to the USA, health insurance is necessary.
- For visa purposes, identity proof is a passport.
Must Read: Study in USA Without IELTS
Admission Deadline
Application Cycle
- Autumn/Fall Intake: Applications begin in late September or early October and are accepted until the second week of December.
- Spring Intake: The application deadline for the spring intake in the United States often falls between mid-November and mid-December.
- Summer intake: The application date for summer admission is in April.
Admissions Cycle
- Autumn/ Fall Session: Classes begin in mid-August or early September and continue through the beginning of December.
- Spring Session: The session starts in January and ends in April.
- Summer Session: The session begins in May and concludes in August.
Cost of Studying MS in USA
The total cost of attendance for master’s programmes in the USA consists of tuition, books, board, and accommodation costs, as well as additional incidentals. It is advised that overseas students prepare an expected budget for their time studying in the USA. Pre-arrival costs, tuition costs, and cost of living are the three primary categories that can be used to categorise MS expenses in the US.
| University | Average Fees (USD/Year) | Average Fees (INR/Year) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 70,110 | INR 57.8 lakhs |
| Stanford University | 74,460 | INR 61.39 lakhs |
| Harvard University | 50,775 | INR 41.86 lakhs |
| California Institute of Technology | 54,560 | INR 44.98 lakhs |
| University of Chicago | 55,250 | INR 45.55 lakhs |
| Princeton University | 55,565 | INR 45.81 lakhs |
| University of Pennsylvania | 54,735 | INR 45.13 lakhs |
| Cornell University | 36,810 | INR 30.35 lakhs |
| Yale University | 45,395 | INR 37.43 lakhs |
| Columbia University | 20,145 | INR 16.61 lakhs |
Cost of Living in USA
Mentioned are the factors considered for expenditure in the daily life. The average expense range of students in the USA is:
- Accommodation: 75,000 – 1.50 lakhs INR (Monthly)
- Meals: 2,000 – 3,000 INR (one meal)
- Transportation: 7,000 – 22,000 INR (Monthly)
- Personal Expenses: 22,000 – 45,000 INR (Monthly)
- Health Insurance: 34,000 – 54,000 INR (Monthly)
Looking for affordable student accommodation in the USA? Fly Homes have you covered!
Scholarships For MS in the USA
International applicants must be able to finance their studies in order to be admitted to the US because higher education there is by no means cheap. Nevertheless, the cost of an MS in the USA varies by school and specialisation. The approximate cost of tuition for students is $30,000 USD; however, the price of a professional degree is typically more.
International scholarships, whether they come in the form of living stipends, study grants, or tuition exemptions, are one of the finest methods to save money. The Fulbright fellowship is one of the most well-known awards given to students in many fields. The following are some of the numerous and well-known scholarships available to foreign students in the USA:
| Scholarship Name | Organization | Benefits |
| New York University Wagner Scholarship | University | 25,000 USD (INR 20 Lakhs) to 47,000 USD (INR 38 Lakhs) |
| Fulbright Student Program | Government | Grant funds tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance |
| Clark University Scholarships | University | 20,000 USD (INR 16 Lakhs) to 25,000 USD (INR 20 Lakhs) |
| Next-Gen Scholarship | Next-Gen Foundation | 1,000 USD (INR 82,000) |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | Trust | 50% of grant and 50% loan is offered to students from developing countries |
| East Tennessee State University | University | 11,500 USD (INR 9 Lakhs) per year |
| Iowa State University Scholarships | University | scholarships up to 10,000 USD (INR 8.2 Lakhs) |
| University of Oregon Scholarships | University | 40 scholarships ranging from 7,500 USD (INR 6 Lakhs to 30,000 USD (INR 24 Lakhs) |
Careers After MS in the USA
MS students are intimidated about taking on various occupations after 3 or 5 weeks after admission. Jobs can be obtained through university relationships with various companies or through on-campus employment. In the United States, job opportunities can be found on LinkedIn or Indeed. Annual job fairs might also make it easier to find work. The average post-Masters earnings in the United States for students can reach $74,000 USD.
| Job Profile | Annual Median Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Statistician | 84,060 |
| Mathematician | 103,010 |
| Software Developer | 103,560 |
| IT Manager | 139,220 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | 114,520 |
| Biochemist | 91,190 |
| Database Administrator | 87,020 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 85,880 |
| Civil Engineer | 84,770 |
Top Recruiters
In this section, we are going to be discussing the top recruiters for MS Graduates.
| University | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | McKinsey | Adidas | Amgen | Dell | Bose | Amazon.com | Tesla | Boeing | Microsoft | Blackrock | BCG | GAP | Apple | Ericsson India | Deloitte |
| Stanford University | Accenture | McKinsey | Google | VISA | Bank of America | Amazon.com | Apple | Facebook | Orange |
| Harvard University | A T Kearney | IBM | Accenture | Credit Suisse | Google | Amazon | Adobe | American Express | Amadeus | Barclays Bank | BMW | Cisco Systems | Coca-Cola |
| Princeton University | Bain and Company | Bank of America | Barclays Bank | Boston Consulting Group | Citigroup | Deloitte | Goldman Sachs | IBM | JP Morgan Chase | McKinsey | Microsoft |
| University of Chicago | ABN Amro Bank | 3M | AOL | Barclays Capital | ACCENTURE | Goldman Sachs | Adobe | JP Morgan Chase | Arcelor Mittal | Amazon.com | eBay |
FAQs
Ans. A master’s degree in the USA typically costs INR 30.27 lakh a year to pursue. This comprises INR 8.02 lakh for living expenditures and INR 22.25 lakh for first-year tuition.
Ans. You must meet the following prerequisites in order to pursue an MS degree in the US: a minimum 3.0 GPA and three to four years of study toward a bachelor’s degree in the pertinent discipline, or 65 to 70 per cent and higher. GRE score of 290 or higher; documentation of your English language proficiency test, such as the IELTS.
Ans. You need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 and a minimum band score of 6.0 in each of the four areas to be eligible for a student visa to study in the US.
If you’ve decided to study for a masters in the USA, it’s time to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the college requirements. Talk to our experts at Leverage Edu and take help in crafting your SOPs, and resume along with choosing the right university to begin your postgraduate education. Also, the last call for getting into the top business school for the September 2021 intake is right here. Book your 30 minutes of free career counselling now!
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