If you want to do a master’s degree, one of your foremost choices can be an MS in the US. The country also offers MBA, MSc, MEngg, and other master’s degree programs. Home to the Ivy League universities, the US exposes international students to truly diverse classrooms and the best academic standards. A US degree is globally recognized and opens several doors in the job market. Here’s all you need to know about pursuing masters in USA.
Master’s degrees, also known as ‘graduate degrees,’ are of two types:
Academic or research degrees: These degrees generally lead to a career in academia or research.
Professional degrees: These 1-2 year degrees prepare students for specific professions.
MS in USA: Highlights
Level of Degree
Postgraduate
Average Cost of MS in US
$33,328 to $59,950
Top Specializations
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Sciences and Analytics, and Law
Popular Specializations for Masters in US
The country is known for its strong STEM and management programs. Some of the popular specializations that students opt for include-
Technology
Engineering
Business Administration
Computer Science
Data Sciences and Analytics
Sciences
Law
Top Universities for Masters in US
Based on the Times Higher Education (THE) US College Rankings 2024 report, the following table represents the top 10 universities. It also provides you with the cost of studying a masters degree in the US.
Social Sciences; Engineering; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Public Administration; Physical Sciences; History; Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Philosophy and Religious Studies.
$56,010
#5
California Institute of Technology, California
Computer and Information Sciences; Engineering; Physical Sciences; Mathematics and Statistics; Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Neuroscience; Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering; Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology; Computer and Information Sciences, International Relations, Chemical Engineering; Economics, Mathematics
This is a language proficiency exam. You will need to score in the range of 65 to 85 on the internet-based test. You may need higher scores for different universities.
There are almost 3400 universities in the US that accept the IELTS score. You will need a minimum of 6.5 band score for admission to the best universities in the US for MS.
This exam is taken before admission into your chosen graduate program in the USA. You will need a minimum score of 160 on the test. However, you must check the respective university site for the admissible score.
Law schools in the US use LSAT for admission to master’s degree courses. You will need a minimum score of 150. Some schools demand a 160. Various universities give almost 70 per cent weightage to your LSAT scores during the admission process.
If you want to go to medical school in America, then you will have to take this exam. The minimum requirement for admission would be 510. However, prestigious schools may ask for a higher score.
Used for B-School admissions in the US, you will need an average score of 700. You will also have to ensure a good GPA if you want to get into a highly competitive school.
Eligibility Criteria for Masters in US
The eligibility criteria that need to be met for pursuing MS in US are mentioned below:
You must have a three or four year Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field. Minimum 3.5 GPA is considered to be good for admission.
Must be proficient in the English language and able to demonstrate good IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores.
More than 300 GRE score.
Documents Required for Masters in US
Here’s the list of documents that you must be able to provide during your admission for Masters in US:
Transcript of your academic record
An updated curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
Work experience, if needed or applicable
2 or 3 Letters of recommendation (LORs)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
GRE/GMAT scorecard
IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scorecard
Valid passport and visa
Cost of Living in US
When you pursue your master’s degree in the US, the tuition fee won’t be the only cost. Other factors come into play as well. It would be best to look at your cost of living in the United States of America.
The average cost of living would be around $600 to $1200 per month. So, the cost of living for your MS in the US could boil down to $15,000 over the course of two years. Here’s a table to help you understand the cost breakdown better.
Breakdown of Cost of Living for a master’s degree in US
Required Items/Activities
Cost Per Month
Living Space/Rent
$200
Electricity Bill
$20
Groceries/Food items
$200
Internet
$15
Cell Phone Bill
$50
Miscellaneous
$200
Total Cost
$685
Optional Practical Training After Masters in US
Any international student on F1 visa who completes atleast a 12-month program in the US is allowed to gain relevant work experience in their areas of specialization via the Optional Practical Training (OPT). US university graduates are allowed a 12-month OPT period and those with STEM degrees may apply for an extension of another 12 months.
Scholarships for MS in USA
The following scholarships will help you fund your masters degree in the US to a great extent.
Scholarship Name
Benefits
Fulbright- Nehru’s master’s fellowships
J-1 visa support, round-trip economy class air travel, tuition fees, living and related costs, and accident and sickness coverage per U.S. Government guidelines
Aga khan foundation international scholarships
50% of tuition fee
AAUW international fellowship
$20,000 to $50,000
Jobs After Masters in US
After completing an MS degree from the US, your salary will vary depending on the degree you have pursued.
upGrad Abroad in collaboration with some of the leading US universities, offers several blended undergraduate and graduate degrees. These programs follow a unique pedagogy and are cost-effective. To know more, get in touch with our counsellors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which master’s degree courses are offered in the US?
One can pursue MS, MBA, MSc, MEngg, MPharm and various other master’s courses in the USA.
What are the most popular MS specializations in the US?
The country is known for its strong STEM and management programs. Some of the popular specializations that students opt for include- Technology, Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Sciences and Analytics, Sciences, and Law.
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