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Masters Degree In USA For International Students

12 min read
Blog Summary Learn about master's degree programs in the USA, where international students can pursue advanced education and research opportunities.
masters-degree-in-usa-for-international-students

In the US, two-year MS programmes are available in about 70% of academic institutions, and MS primarily consists of STEM programmes. The United States leads the world in academic leadership thanks to its dynamic educational system, which annually draws over 30% of students who study abroad. Developing subject area competence is crucial at the Master's level. The USA is a potential alternative because of the quality teachers who guarantee well-rounded growth, including exposure to both theory and practice.

The institutions in the United States are renowned for hiring eminent professors and emphasising experiential learning, which involves putting theoretical knowledge into practical situations. The most common courses for international students pursuing an MS are MS in Business and Management, MS in IT, MS in Computer Science, etc. International students who want to apply for admission to the USA's Masters programme in 2022 must have completed 16 years of study and have a GPA of at least 3.0 (80% on a 4.0 scale).

If postgraduate students need clarification about which path to take, this can help them develop a personal vision for their future and increase their chances of long-term success.

Why Study Masters in USA?

By enrolling in a master's programme in the USA, degree seekers from all over the world find themselves absorbing American culture, furthering their education, and enhancing their employment prospects. Investigating alternative lifestyles can boost self-esteem and develop strong social skills. Due to the country's size, which spans six time zones, there is great geographic and cultural diversity. By starting a postgraduate programme in a different state, even American-born students can immerse themselves in new, intriguing, and foreign environments.

Numerous colleges invest a lot of money in assisting students with their professional growth and career decisions. Postgraduate students can get assistance in choosing the most satisfying position in their chosen profession by attending workshops, events, and one-on-one tutorials. Additionally, businesses place a high value on foreign education because it gives graduates an advantage in terms of adaptability, independence, and communication skills.

Recruiters are more likely to look for applicants who have a practical understanding of other cultures and solid ties within these as the global marketplace becomes more relevant to various businesses. It is simple to create and maintain a network of other professionals at an American university by offering to volunteer with an appropriate organisation, seeking advice from tutors, and getting involved in campus activities.

Popular Masters Courses in USA

One of the top places to obtain a Master's (MS) degree abroad is the United States (US).

Along with providing a variety of MS specialisations, the US also exhibits academic excellence, generous support for international students, a wide range of educational options, and a flexible curriculum that gives students who come to the country to complete their master's degrees practical training. 

Name of University

Course or degree in MS

Duration of course

Stanford University

MS in Data Science

2 years 

MIT

MS in Computer Science

2 years 

Harvard University

MS in Engineering

2 years 

Arizona State University

MS in Business Analytics

2 years

University of Southern California

MS in Pharmaceutical

2 years

Yale University

MS in Finance

2 years 

University of Chicago

MS in Health Informatics 

2 years 

University of Pennsylvania

MS in Architechture 

2 years 

Princeton University

MS in Molecular Biology

2 years 

Cornell University

MS in Economics 

2 years 

Top Universities to study Masters in USA 

The United States is a hub of knowledge that welcomes students from all around the world. For those looking to pursue an MS, it is the best option. The MS schools in the US have excellent rankings and are recognised. According to the BLS, the employment of workers with a Master's degree will rise by roughly 9% between 2020 and 2030, compared to the average for all occupations.

University Name

QS World University Ranking 2023

Courses Offered 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

1

Aeronautics and Astronautics

Biological Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Data Science

Management Studies

Stanford University

3

Health Informatics

Management Science & Engineering

Bioengineering

Mechanical Engineering

Computer Science

Harvard University

5

Data Science

Biotechnology

Computational Science & Engineering

Applied Physics

Applied Mathematics

California Institute of Technology

6

Chemistry

Aerospace

Geology & Planetary Sciences

Applied Physics

Electrical Engineering

University of Chicago

10

Health Informatics

Management Science & Engineering

Bioengineering

Mechanical Engineering

Computer Science

University of Pennsylvania

13

Architecture

Robotics

Bioengineering

Data Science

Nanotechnology 

Princeton University

16

Computer Science

Mechanical Engineering

Molecular Biology

Civil Engineering

Financial Engineering

Yale University

18

Data Science

Computer Science

Applied Physics

Biological Engineering

Biostatistics 

Cornell University

20

Computer Science

Data Science

Applied Economics & Management

Geological Sciences

Architecture

Columbia University

22

Business Analytics

Data Science

Wealth Management

Computer Science

Sports Management

Masters in USA : Eligibility

You must meet specific requirements in order to get admitted to the best and most prestigious MS programmes in the USA. In short, to be eligible for an MS in the United States, a student must have respectable academic standing, sufficient financial aid (either through scholarships or merit-based financial aid), demanding courses completed, and a strong command of the English language. Depending on your degree, there may also be other requirements. The essential list of requirements for MS in the USA are as follows:

  • Undergraduate Degree
  • English Proficiency Test
  • GMAT/ GRE Scorecards
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Resume
  • Work Experience Certificate
  • Proof of Funds
  • Passport and Student Visa

English Language Requirements

If you are from a non-English speaking nation, you must take English language proficiency exams to apply for an MS in the United States. The scores, again, are different for different universities. Still, on a border level, their score range is mentioned below:

  • IELTS - 6.5 - 7.5
  • TOEFL - 88 - 100

Masters in USA: Admission Process

Once you've decided to pursue an MS in the USA, you must begin planning at least 15 months of the process for applying to MS programmes there. To begin the application process, you must hold a bachelor's degree.

Shortlist universities

The first stage in the process of applying to multiple US institutions is to narrow down the list of schools you're interested in based on where you want to pursue your MS.

Check Deadlines

Check the application dates for the specific courses you are applying for after you have narrowed down your pick of universities.

Most of the time, each university sets its deadlines for systems.


Eligibility requirements

It is crucial to review the criteria for MS programmes in the USA before moving on with the application process. Although different classes have varying prerequisites, you must meet the following standards:

IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, or GRE scores are required, as well as a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Participate in standardised tests.

As previously stated, you must have standardised test results to be admitted to an MS programme in the United States. To give yourself ample time to receive your test results, you must first register for the exams between July and August. For admission, the majority of US universities demand an average score.

Establish the application process

One of the most crucial components for students wishing to enrol for masters in the USA from home country is the application materials. The university committee gives a student's application high priority. While other colleges additionally ask for a brief introduction that includes some goals and references from the student.

Apply

The next stage in the process of applying for an MS in the USA is to visit the official website of the universities that have been shortlisted and begin the application.

Await the letter of confirmation.

This part of the MS admissions process in the US can be highly time-consuming. Colleges do not follow any set protocol for responding to an application form. Sometimes you receive a response within a week, and other times you may need to wait up to two months.

Obtain a visa

Applying for a visa is the final stage in the master's degree application process in the USA.

To apply, fill out the online form, provide a photo of yourself, and arrange a meeting with the US embassy or consulate in your nation.

Masters in USA : Documents Required

  • Passport
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Transcripts
  • Marksheets and pass certificates
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent
  • Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
  • Entrance Exam Scorecards - GRE/ GMAT/ LSAT/ MCAT
  • English Language Proficiency Test Scores
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Experience Letters (if any)
  • Application confirmation copy
  • Essays
  • Certificates for extra-curricular activities
  • Proof of Funds
  • Research proposal/ Portfolio/ Project Description (for specific courses)

Cost of Studying Masters in USA

Depending on the university and speciality, MS tuition costs in the USA can range from USD 25,000 to USD 63,000.

The US is regarded as one of the most significant places to pursue MS studies because it is home to some top universities. In addition to the fact that there is already a vibrant community in the nation.

University name

State


For International Students

Key Programs

Arizona State University

(Lake Havasu campus)

Arizona

$12,200

Business

Health Sciences

Social Sciences

Eastern Michigan University

Michigan

$13,000

Business

Education

Health Sciences

Wichita State University

Kansas

$15,000

Engineering & Computer Science

Health Sciences

Business

University of New Orleans

New Orleans

$15,200

Engineering & Computer Science

Health Sciences

Visual & Performing Arts

California State University Fresno

California

$16,100

Health Sciences

Architecture & Urban Planning

Engineering & Computer Science

California State University Northridge

California

$16,500

Engineering & Computer Science

Film & Television

Business

California State University Long Beach

California

$16,500

Engineering & Computer Science

Social Sciences

Visual & Performing Arts

Cleveland State University

Ohio

$16,800

Engineering & Computer Science

Health Sciences

Social Sciences

University of Wyoming

Wyoming

$18,000

Visual & Performing Arts

Engineering & Computer Science

Business

Indiana State University

Indiana

$20,150

Health Sciences

Business

Engineering Technology

University of North Texas

Texas

$21,125

Engineering & Computer Science

Health Sciences

Visual & Performing Arts

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Wisconsin

$21,200

Health Sciences

Business

Engineering & Computer Science

Kent State University

Ohio

$21,400

Health Sciences

Business

Engineering & Computer Science

Visual & Performing Arts

Florida International University

Florida

$23,300

Hospitality & Tourism Management

Engineering & Computer Science

Business

University of New Mexico

New Mexico

$24,000

Architecture & Urban Planning

Visual & Performing Arts

Health Sciences

Social Sciences

Scholarships for Masters in USA

Scholarships aid prospective students who want to finish or advance their formal education by offering financial aid. Many students can benefit from financial tuition assistance, even with aid and other loans. Scholarships assist students to avoid expensive tuition costs so they can concentrate more on their studies. Scholarships are crucial because they give potential students a chance to pursue an education that they might not otherwise be able to do due to financial constraints. With a scholarship, students may concentrate on their education rather than worrying about their tuition or other expenses.

FulBright Foreign Student Program

Offers selected outstanding students the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.


Amount/ Benefit: Approximately 8,000 competitive, merit-based grants annually in different academic disciplines and fields of study.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships (2022-23)

Meritious students from developing countries with:

Excellent academic records,

Genuine financial need,

Admission to a highly reputable university or programme of study,

Relevance of the field of study to AKDN’s focus areas.


Amount/Benefit: 50% is a grant, and 50% is a loan concerning tuition fees and living expenses.

Fulbright- Nehru’s Master’s Fellowships

Outstanding students with at least three years of professional work experience to pursue master’s degree programs at selected US universities.


Amount/Benefit: Provides J-1 visa support, airfares, tuition fees funding, living costs, and accident and sickness coverage per U.S. Government guidelines

AAUW International Fellowships

Women pursuing MS in the USA who are not US citizens or permanent residents, and who intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career.


Amount/ Benefit: $18,000 to $30,000

University Scholarships

Fully funded scholarships offered by individual universities to both domestic and international students pursuing MS in the US. Most universities, including Stanford, MIT, Yale, and Harvard, offer these scholarships

Amount/Benefit: Varies across universities and programs.

Jobs & Salary After Masters in USA

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual pay in the United States for those who hold an MS is USD 71,330.

Job Title

Average Annual Salaries

Civil Engineer

85,600 USD

Mechanical Engineer

86,500 USD

Software Developer

91,900 USD

Data Scientist

155,000 USD

IT Manager

163,000 USD

Project Manager

108,000 USD

Biochemist

189,000 USD

Financial Analyst

126,000 USD

Pharmacist

128,000 USD

Statistician

134,000 USD

Petroleum Engineer

97,100 USD

Operation Research Analyst

70,300 USD

Chief Financial Officer

194,000 USD

Business Development Manager

145,000 USD

Electrical Engineer

89,900 USD

Business and Management Managers

71,600 USD

Computer Science Engineer

72,000 USD

Social Sciences Professional

52,300 USD

Math & Science Professional

67,900 USD

Communication and Media Professional

55,700 USD

Top Recruiters

  • Accenture
  • Adobe
  • American Express
  • Amazon
  • IBM
  • Capgemini
  • Capital One
  • Cognizant
  • Deloitte
  • Microsoft
  • Fidelity
  • J.P. Morgan
  • KPMG
  • Morgan Stanley
  • PriceWaterhouseCoopers
  • Verizon
  • World Bank

Well, that was extensive coverage, but we have got more information for you at AECC. AECC is the right place to expedite your education endeavours with assistance, from finding accredited courses to an ideal destination and a leading institution. The expert counsellors provide guidance and will bring your dreams to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many months is Masters in USA?
A master's degree requires 18 to 2 years of full-time study, although several variables might affect the time frame.
What is the minimum CGPA requirement for Masters in USA?
Around 7.0 CGPA, or 65–75% or 3.0 US GPA, is the minimum for MS in the USA. However, candidates with 6.0 or lower can be admitted if they submit strong standardised scores, ELP scores, work experience, LORs, or other supporting documentation.
Which Masters degree is best in USA?
Eminent Universities provide a variety of degrees, including those in data science, business analytics, computer science, MBA, medicine, engineering, and more.
Can we do masters in USA without IELTS?
Yes, it is feasible to study in the USA without IELTS if you have completed your senior secondary education, graduated with English as the program's primary language of instruction, or spent a significant amount of time studying in an English-speaking nation
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