Master of Science (MS) in USA is a two-year program offering students an advanced post-graduate degree to the students. USA provides world-class research opportunities, a job-oriented course, and renowned faculty members to impart quality education.

Most international students traveling to USA for education opt for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) 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 USA from India, how much it costs to study MS in USA, the requirements to study MS in USA, and more.

This article would give you a brief idea about all the information required to pursue MS in USA. Read on. 

Why Study MS in USA?

More than 80,000 students travel to USA annually to obtain a master’s degree in varioUS specializations. Reasons to study MS in USA include:

World’s Best Universities

The Ivy League universities in USA are famoUSA for being the best worldwide. A degree from an Ivy League institution or one of the best-ranked universities can help you get a significant head-start in your career. More than 50 USA universities are in the top 100 in the world list. Some of the best institutes to study MS in USA are-:

•  Harvard University
• Johns Hopkins University
• Columbia University
• Northern Arizona University
• Washington State University, and more.

Wide Specialization Options

There are over 200 master’s programs in USA to specialize in. So, you have multiple options to choose from. Some of the top MS degrees in USA are offered in the following streams:

• Computer Science,
• Wireless Communications,
• Pharmacy
• Life Sciences,
• Medicine,
• Law,
• Engineering, and more.

Highly Accredited Faculty

Universities in USA are famous and valued for employing renowned professors to help students complete their degrees successfully and become industry-ready to face real-life challenges.

MS in USA Top Universities

Given below are the list of the top 10 universities for the MS in USA:

Source: *topuniversities.com

Top Universities for MS in USA by Acceptance Rate

More than 90 percent of universities in USA offer MS courses. Many students wish to enroll in some of the top universities in USA, like Stanford University, Harvard University, Yale, and other Ivy League institutions. However, these universities have a low acceptance rate, as the average acceptance rate for the MS in USA in top universities is jUSAt 6 percent. Below is the list of the top universities for MS in USA by acceptance rate.

Source: *University official website

Popular MS Specializations in USA

Some of the many popular MS specializations in USA are:

Source: * Official University website

Duration of MS Courses in USA

The duration of an MS course in USA Usually ranges between 1.5 to 2 years.

MS in USA Admission Deadlines:

Application Cycle

• Autumn/Fall Intake: Applications open in late September or early October and are accepted till December’s second week. 
• Spring Intake: The application deadline for the spring intake USAually hovers between mid-November to mid-December. 
• Summer Intake: The application deadline for the intake is somewhere in April. 

Admission Cycle 

• Fall Intake: Classes begin in mid-AugUSAt or early September and go on till the beginning of December. 
• Spring Intake: The session begins in January and concludes in April.
• Summer Intake: The session starts in May and ends in AugUSAt. 

Admission Process for MS in USA

The admission process for USA universities can be conducted online. Students should check the university deadlines to complete their applications on time.

If you are still confused about how to pursue MS in USA, here we have discUSAsed the admission process for MS in USA for a better idea:

1. Select the course you want to pursue and look for the best university offering that course.
2. Visit the official university websites and gather information about requirements, eligibility criteria, admission process, and fees. 
3. Start the application process and fill in all the information asked. Upload the required documents for your application to be reviewed. This may include your video essay, academic transcripts, IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE test scores, CV, LOR, SOP, etc.
4. Once you have completed filling out your application and uploading all documents, you may pay the fee.
5. Wait for the university to revert. Once selected, you may apply for your I-20 visa to acquire your F-1 student visa to study in USA as an international student.

MS in USA Without GRE & Work Experience

GRE and work experience are among the two most crucial eligibility for MS in USA for Indian students. GRE tests your analytical ability and critical thinking, while your work experience helps you understand your course in-depth. Many universities in USA offer specific courses that do not require GRE or work experience as a mandatory requirement. However, they ask for an alternative like a high GPA, GMAT score, valuable internships, etc. 

So if you wish to pursue MS in USA, there are many universities USA that enroll students without GRE; some of them are given below:

• Purdue University
• Virginia State University
• Northeastern University
• University of Colorado
• Long Island University

Universities for MS in USA without work experience are

• Yale University
• Princeton University
• Brown University
• University of Washington
• Duke University

Cost of Studying MS Degree in USA

One needs to consider some factors when calculating the cost of studying MS in USA. They are:

•   Entrance exam fee
•   Application fee
•   Airfare
•   Insurance
•   College tuition fee
•   Cost of living

Career opportunities after MS degree in USA:

As observed, masters in STEM offer high-salaried jobs. Here are some sought-after career opportunities after completing a master’s in science:

Source: Payscale

The average salary after an MS course in USA is $73,900

MS in USA: Eligibility Criteria 

A significant aspect you need to keep in mind while applying for MS in USA is that you must have an undergraduate degree in the subject relevant to your MS field. 

You must also meet these requirements to study MS in USA-

1.   An undergraduate degree in the relevant field
2.   A score of at least 65% in graduation. 
3.   IELTS score of at least 6.5 or as per university requirement. 
4.   GRE score above 250 or as required by your institution of choice
5.   Statement of Purpose (SOP)
6.   2 Letter of Recommendation (LORs)
7.   Published Research Papers (if any)
8.   Volunteering Certificate (if any)
9.   Internship projects or research projects (if any)

Standard Tests Required for Applying MS in USA

Essential Documents for MS in USA

The admission process in USA can be exhaustive. A set of documents are required from international students to become eligible for admission. Here is the list-

•   UG Marksheets
•   UG Transcript signed by Head of Department (HoD)
•   Statement of Purpose (SOP)
•   Two Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
•   Updated CV

Scholarships to study MS in USA: 

Scholarships come a long way in managing the living and tuition costs in USA. But how do one gets scholarship to study MS in USA? It is best to begin the scholarship hunt with thorough research and check if you meet the eligibility criteria. Another essential thing 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 USA: 

Types of Visas:

1. F-1 visa: This is for students migrating to USA to complete higher education. F-1 visa holders cannot take up full-time jobs. Part-time work is allowed. The visa is granted to those enrolled in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. It is also crucial that USA government must authorize your chosen institute to accept international students.

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.