The USA remains the most popular choice amongst Indian students seeking master’s opportunities abroad. According to the 2019 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange (IIE), there was a 3% hike in the number of Indian students in the US. The largest proportion of this cohort included graduates at 90,333 students.
In this article, you get to know why the USA remains a preferred choice for higher education, benefits of pursuing a graduate degree from the states, how to apply in a US university and some of the course suggestions.
Masters (MS) in USA Salient features
There are more than 1,500 recognised universities in the USA which offer masters-level degrees. Some of the highlights of studying in the USA are:
- Most of the global rankings for universities have listed American institutions at the top out of the top 50 in Times Higher Educations league, 24 are based in the US.
- Though education in the USA is not cheap, there are a number of ways available to help you in meeting those costs. A number of scholarships, grant and loans options are available for students.
What does Masters in USA offer?
- Education and training in the specialised field or branch
- Academic courses under the categories, Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) or professional categories like Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Social Work (MSW), and Master of Education (MEd)
- Thesis or non-thesis option may be offered.
- One to three years of additional study beyond a bachelors degree is required.
When to apply?
- Most colleges offer early application deadlines usually fall in between December to January and a regular deadline that usually falls in between March to April.
- Some institutions also accept applications on an ongoing basis.
- There is no cap on the number of applications that can be made by an applicant. However, ideally six applications are made by most of the students.
- An application fee usually between USD 50 and USD 100 is charged.
Masters (MS) in USA – General Admission Requirements for a Graduate Programme
- 16 years of education (Completion of at least 4 years of graduation or diploma after 10+2 is a must)
- Bachelors degree
- A transcript/record of your previous courses
- A scan of your passport
- Your CV
- Testing scores (GRE/GMAT)
- Evidence of scholarship or funding
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
- Portfolio and/or writing samples
English-language tests scores
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Note: Always check your universitys website to confirm the exact requirements for the course of your liking.
To know about college admission in US after 12th, read the blog Study in USA after 12th
Masters (MS) in USA – Steps to do Masters in the USA
Masters in the USA requires preparation and planning. It is a lengthy process and should start a year before the actual admission. Give yourself enough time to prepare and complete all the prerequisites to enhance your chance of pursuing masters in the USA. Here are the 5 comprehensive steps one can follow to achieve a place in a masters course at an American university .
Step 1: Research and explore your options
There are a great many institutes in the USA which offer a masters degree in various fields. The eligibility requirements for these institutes vary greatly. It is to be remembered that there is no one best institute for masters in the USA. The best institute for you is the one which meets your academic, financial and personal requirements.
Step 2: Finance your studies
Proof of enough financial resources to fund your masters programme and your stay in the USA is mandatory. Start planning your budget early and look for the available financial assistance in the form of scholarships, in-state tuition benefits, waived application fees and deadlines, and other similar provisions to reduce the cost.
Step 3: Complete your application
The application process for MS in the universities of the USA is time-taking. It requires collecting recommendations, writing essays and putting down results of the required examinations. Prepare all the documents at least one month before the application.
Step 4: Apply for student visa
International students are required to obtain an F-1 non-immigrant visa to pursue an education in the USA. You can apply for this after securing admission in an SEVP-approved university (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). The non-immigrant visa application fee is currently USD 160. Youll also need to provide proof of sufficient funds for the course duration and a confirmation of your intention to leave the US after completing your studies.
Step 5: Prepare for departure
Complete all the documents and reach the university premises at least a couple of days prior to the date of commencement.
REGISTER TODAY TO MAKE A GREAT CAREER IN USA!
Masters (MS) in USA – Popular MS Universities in US
The USA dominates the top rankings in terms of top institutes for pursuing masters. 7 out top 10 universities according to THE rankings are located in the USA. Some of these top institutes are:
TOP RANKING INSTITUTIONS TO DO MASTERS IN THE USA
| Universities | THE Rankings 2020 | QS WorldUniversity Rankings 2020 |
| California Institute of Technology – Caltech | 2 | 5 |
| Stanford University | 4 | 2 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 5 | 1 |
| Princeton University | 6 | 13 |
| Harvard University | 7 | 3 |
| Yale University | 8 | 17 |
| University of Chicago | 9 | 10 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 | 15 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 12 | 24 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 13 | 28 |
| Columbia University | 16 | 18 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 17 | 35 |
| Cornell University | 19 | 14 |
| Duke University | 20 | 25 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 21 | 21 |
| North-western University | 22 | 31 |
| University of Washington | 26 | 68 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 27 | 48 |
| New York University | 29 | 39 |
| University of California, San Diego | 31 | 45 |
Popular Universities in USA subject-wise
TOP UNIVERSITIES IN THE USA FOR PURSUING MASTERS IN THE FIELD OF BUSINESS & ADMINISTRATION
| Program | Institution | Degree Awarded |
| Master of Business Administration – General Business | Northcentral University | MBA |
| Master of Business Administration | Widener University | MBA |
| Master of Business Administration | Benedictine University | N/A |
| Master of Business Administration | The University of Scranton | MBA |
| Master of Business Administration | Queens University of Charlotte | MBA |
| Master of Business Administration | Winthrop University | MBA |
| Master of Business Administration | Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota | MBA |
| MBA – General | Utica College | MBA |
| MBA- Executive | Loyola University Chicago | EMBA |
| Master of Business: Administration | Sacred Heart University | MBA |
| Master of Science in Global Energy Management | University of Colorado Denver | MS |
| MBA | Aurora University | MBA |
POPULAR UNIVERSITIES IN THE USA FOR PURSUING MASTERS IN THE FIELD OF ENGINEERING
| Program | Institution | Degree Awarded |
| Computer Science | Colorado State University | ME and MS |
| Electrical Engineering | Colorado Technical University | MS |
| Civil Engineering | Norwich University | MS |
| Nuclear Engineering | Pennsylvania State University | ME |
| Engineering Management | Ohio University | MEM |
| Computer Engineering | University of Southern California | ME |
| Computer Engineering | University of Tulsa | ME |
| Material Science Engineering | University of Pittsburgh | MS |
POPULAR UNIVERSITIES IN THE USA FOR PURSUING MASTERS IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL WORK
| Program | Institution | Degree Awarded |
| Master of Social Work | Northcentral University | MSW |
| Master of Social Work Online Bilingual (MAESTRA BILINGE EN TRABAJO SOCIAL EN LNEA) | Loyola University Chicago | MS |
| Master of Social Work Advanced Standing | Widener University | MS |
| Master of Social Work – Advanced Standing | Sacred Heart University | N/A |
| Master of Social Work – Traditional Track | Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota | MS |
| MSW | Aurora University | MSW |
| Master of Social Work (MSW) – Advanced Clinical Social Practice (Standard: up to 2 courses/term) | Walden University | MS |
| Master of Social Work – Traditional Track | Winthrop University | MSW |
| Master of Social Work | Our Lady of the Lake University | MSW |
MS in USA – Cost of Study in USA
HSBC’s 2019 report, titled as The Value of Education mentioned the US as the top choice among students considering universities abroad but has also labelled it as one of the most expensive with students spending USD 99,500 over the duration of their masters degree.
TUITION FEE AT TOP-RANKED UNIVERSITIES IN THE USA
| University | Average tuition |
| Princeton University | USD 44,000/year |
| Harvard University | USD 5,500 33,000/year |
| University of Chicago | USD 13,500 39,500/year |
| Yale University | USD 22,000 46,000/year |
| Columbia University | USD 23,000 59,000/year |
MS in USA – Most affordable universities of USA
Mastersportal has listed the following universities as most affordable for the master studies in the USA:
- The City University of New York (CUNY)
- California State University Long Beach
- Western Kentucky University
- South Texas College
SUBJECT WISE TUITION FEE SPREAD IN USA
| Subject | Number of institutes with annual fee USD up to 20,000 |
| Masters in Business | over 1900 |
| Masters in Engineering | over 1100 |
| Masters in Law | over 180 |
| Masters in Medicine | over 1,100 |
| Masters in IT | over 600 |
| Masters in Humanities | over 1,100 |
*This table only provides a tentative idea. There are many courses available which cost much less or much more than the aforementioned bracket. 
SUMMARY THE TOTAL COST OF STUDY IN USA IN THE FIRST YEAR OF ARRIVAL
| Factors | Amount in USD/yr | Amount in INR/yr |
| GRE | USD 205 | ?15,200 |
| TOEFL | USD 170 | ?12,600 |
| Applications | USD 1100 | ?81,400 |
| Counselling (optional) | USD 340 | ?25,000 |
| Other Expenses During Applications | USD 162 | ?12,000 |
| VISA Fee | USD 160 | ?11,840 |
| SEVIS Fee | USD 200 | ?14,800 |
| Airfares (one-way) | USD 675 | ?50,000 |
| Tuition Fee | USD 40000 | ?29,60,000 |
| Living Expenses | USD 15000 | ?11,10,000 |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | USD 58000 | ?42,92,000 |
Masters (MS) in USA – FAQs
Q. How many admission/intake seasons are there in the USA?
A. The USA has two intake seasons, namely fall and spring semesters. Fall semester starts in late August and ends in late December or early January whereas the Spring semester begins in January and ends in early May.
Q. What are popular subject choices among international students seeking higher education in the USA?
A. Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects are popular among international as well as domestic students in the USA. Psychology, Business Administration, Education, Economics and Political Science are some other popular courses among applicants.
Q. What are some of the popular scholarships for Masters in the USA?
A. Some of the popular scholarships for masters in the USA are:
- Fulbright Scholarship Programme
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
- Inlaks Scholarship
- Upakar Indian Scholarship Foundation
- The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
- S.N. Bose Scholars Student Exchange Program for Indian Students
- SEED Foundation Scholarship
Q. Are there work opportunities for international students studying in the USA?
A. Yes, international students in the USA can work while pursuing their degree. The government allows students to work up to 20 hours per week at the minimum wage that falls between USD 7-8 per hour.
Q. How to get work after study visa in the US?
A. In the US, the international students holding F-1 student visa can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) which allows them to stay back for one year after completion of the course, provided they work in their field of study. Students who hold a degree from the US governments designated list of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects can extend their OPT by another 17 months which allows them to work in the US for a total of 29 months.
