Master of Science or MS in the USA is a two-year program offering students an advanced post-graduate degree. The USA provides world-class research opportunities, a job-oriented course, and renowned faculties to impart quality education. Most international students travelling to the US for education opt for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Management) programs, including computer sciences, data science, accounting and management, computer engineering, and more. However, some of the biggest concerns that usually hold aspirants back are how to study MS in the USA from India, how much it costs to study MS in the USA, the requirements to study MS in the USA, and more.
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Why study MS in USA?
Every year more than 80,000 students travel to the US to obtain a master’s degree in various specializations. Reasons to study MS in US include:
World’s best universities- The Ivy League universities in the USA are famous for being the best universities worldwide. A degree from an Ivy League institution or one of the best-ranked universities can help you get a head-start in the competition of securing a good job and building a successful career ahead. More than 50 US universities are in the top 100 in the world list. Some of the best institutes to study MS in the USA-:
-Harvard University
-Johns Hopkins University
-Columbia University
-Northern Arizona University
-Washington State University, and more
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Wide specialization options- There are over 200 master programs in the US to specialize in. So, you have multiple options to choose from. Some of the top MS degrees in the US are:
-Computer Science
-Wireless Communications
-Pharmacy
-Life Sciences
-Medicine
-Law
-Engineering, and more
Highly accredited faculties: Universities in the US are famous and valued for employing renowned professors to help students complete their degrees successfully and become industry-ready to face real-life challenges.
Zero culture shock- The US witnesses an influx of more than 80,000 international students every year. You can easily find Indian students on the campus too. As a new student, you might feel homesick but not alone as there are thousands of others like you in the same country, which provides relief.
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Popular MS specializations in USA:
Some of the many popular MS specializations in the US are
| Master Program | University | Total Fee (in INR) |
| Data Science | Harvard University Yale University Stanford University Johns Hopkins University University of Pennsylvania | INR 32,19,224-82,15,000 |
| Finance | Columbia University UCLA UC Berkeley University of Southern California MIT | INR 45,15,582- 90,31,164 |
| Marketing | Columbia University University of Texas, Austin Michigan State University University of Southern California Florida International University | INR 21,45,779-48,18,592 |
| Computer Science | Harvard University Stanford University University of California Berkeley MIT Carnegie Mellon University | INR 10,16,471-10,616,482 |
| Business Analytics | UCLA University of Minnesota The University of Texas at Austin MIT Michigan State University | INR 15,05,414-60,21,816 |
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Cost of MS Degree in the USA:
One needs to consider some factors when calculating the complete cost of studying MS in the USA. They are:
· Entrance exam
· Application fee
· Airfare
· College tuition fee
· Cost of living
| GRE Exam (Entrance exam for MS in the USA) | INR 15,800 |
| TOEFL exam (English language proficiency test) | INR 13,500 |
| University application fee (per application) | INR 3,301-15,002 (approx.) |
| Tuition fee | INR 9,00,122-58,27,992 (may vary) |
| Airfare | INR 58,000 |
| Living cost | INR 2,00,000 (may vary) |
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Scholarships to study MS in the USA:
Managing living and tuition costs in the USA can be made easier with scholarships. But how to get a scholarship to study MS in the USA?
It is best to begin the scholarship hunt with thorough research and check if you meet the eligibility.
Another essential that one must not miss is applying for the scholarship before the deadlines.
Here are some scholarships that are available for Indian students wanting to pursue MS in the USA:
-Narotam Sekhsarai-Scholarship
-International Fellowship-AAUW
-International Scholarship Programme-Aga Khan Foundation
-Global Study Awards
-Generation Google Scholarship
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How to apply for MS in US:
When applying to an MS program, there are at least 40 central portals that are being made accessible to everyone. These portals are commonly known as CAS (Centralized Application Services). Some application portals are:
| Program | Portal | Fees in INR |
| Law | LSAC (The Law School Admission Council) | INR 13,869 |
| Medical | AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) | INR 13,121 |
| Engineering | Engineering CAS (Course Applicability System) | INR 4,348 |
| Pharmacy | PharmCAS (Pharmacy College Application Service), | INR 13,121 |
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Career opportunities after MS degree in the US:
As observed, masters in STEM offer high-salaried jobs. Here are some sought-after career opportunities after completing a master’s in science:
| Jobs | Average Annual Salary |
| Mathematics and computer science (Software Engineer, Software Developer, Finance Analyst and others) | INR 1,53,87,549 |
| Life Sciences (Researcher, Biochemist, Lab Analyst, Medical Representative and | INR 61,38,578 |
| Data Scientist | INR 58,25,475 |
| Civil Engineer | INR 54,06,930 |
| Architect | INR 90,00,540 |
| Information Technology Manager | INR 64, 80,075 |
| Biomedical Engineer | INR 62,92,877 |
The average salary after an MS course in the US is $73,900 (INR 55.91 lakhs).
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Eligibility criteria to apply for MS in USA:
The major aspect you need to keep in mind while applying for MS in the US is that you must have an undergraduate degree in the subject relevant to your MS field.
You also have to meet these requirements to study MS in the USA-
1. An undergraduate degree in the relevant field
2. A score of 65-75% in graduation
3. English language proficiency test score should be above 6.5 or as per university requirements
4. GRE score above 250 or as required by your institution of choice
5. A solid statement of purpose
6. At least three letters of recommendation
7. Published research papers (if any)
8. Certificate of social activity (if any)
9. Internship projects or research projects (if any)
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Standard tests required for applying in MS in USA:
| Test | Courses | Scores required | Test authority |
| GRE | Social science information Technology Engineering Management | 250+ | Education Testing Services |
| LSAT | Law | 160+ | Law School Admission Council |
| MCAT | Medical | 511+ | Pearson VUE |
| GMAT | Management | 720+ | Graduate Management Admission Council |
Important Resources to Read About USA:
Essential documents to apply MS in USA:
The admission process in the US can be exhaustive. A set of documents are required from international students to become eligible for admission. Here is the list-
· Marksheet of previous educational institutions
· Transcripts in an envelope sealed and signed by Head of Department
· Health Insurance
· ID proof
· Statement of Purpose
· 2+ letters of recommendation
· Bank statement
· Updated CV
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Types of visas:
1. F-1 visa– This is for students migrating to the USA to complete higher education. Students cannot take up full-time jobs. Part-time work is allowed.
2. F-2 visa- This is for F-1 visa dependents.
3. F-3 visa- This is for Canadians and Mexicans. F-3 visa holders are not allowed to work part-time or full-time.
4. J-1 visa– This is for exchange students.
5. M-1 visa– It is given to non-immigrants visiting to pursue non-academic or vocational courses. They are not allowed to work off-campus.
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