Why Study MS In The USA In 2023?
Are you looking to pursue your master's degree abroad? There are many great options available, depending on your budget and your choice of university. Some of the most popular study destinations for master's degrees include the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Studying in the USA: Among all these options, pursuing a Master's degree in the USA is probably one of the most popular choices for international students. The USA is home to some of the top universities in the world, such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These universities offer excellent curricula and are highly respected by employers all over the world.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- Why study MS in the USA?
- What are the top MS specialisations in the USA?
- Top Universities for MS In USA
- Eligibility for studying MS in the USA
Why study MS in the USA?
The quality of education: According to the QS World University Rankings, almost half of the top 100 universities in the world are based in the USA. This is one of the biggest reasons why studying in the States is so popular among international students.
Flexibility of courses: Another reason why studying in the USA is excellent for students is the flexibility of the courses. American universities allow you to design your courses according to your preferences. You can choose your desired subjects and plan your degree accordingly. You can also find unique and diverse subjects and programs offered in the US that might be unavailable in most countries.
Global recognition and opportunities: US degrees enjoy global recognition and provide their students with some of the best opportunities. As a Master’s student, America is one of the best destinations for research with universities like Harvard University and Stanford University. At the same time, the education system is highly interactive and collaborative.
Multicultural society and employment opportunities: Studying in the USA will let you enjoy a higher standard of living and experience a multicultural society. The USA is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world coming to study and work there. This makes it a unique and exciting place to live and learn.
A strong economy and high salaries: The USA has one of the strongest economies in the world, which means there are many employment opportunities available for international students. After completing their studies, international students can find work in a variety of fields, including technology, finance, and healthcare.
Campus life in American universities: The campus life in American universities is also unparalleled. International students will get to meet students from different countries, learn about their cultures, and broaden their understanding of the world. They will also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and organisations.
Indian students choose the USA for their Master's: Indian students prefer to study their Master's in the USA because of the country's excellent education system and abundant career opportunities. US universities are highly ranked and offer a wide range of courses, while the US economy is strong and there is a high demand for skilled workers.
What are the top MS specialisations in the USA?
America has a diverse set of degrees and programs designed for students. There are some of the most competitive and unique education programs that can be pursued in this country. Here are some of them:
A. Computer Science
The field of computer science is constantly evolving, and there are endless specialisation options available to students interested in computers and software. American universities offer a plethora of specialisation options in computer science, such as:
A Master’s degree in Computer Science is one of the most in-demand and rapidly growing degrees in the world. This degree guarantees great placement opportunities and higher earnings.
Bachelor's in Computer Science degree with The WorldGrad: If you are looking for a bachelor's degree program in Computer Science, you can get a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSc. CS) degree with the help of The WorldGrad's outstanding collaboration with McKendree University. This collaboration allows international students to save up to INR 50 lakhs on tuition fees.
B. Finance
Excellent finance degrees in the USA: Many good universities offer excellent finance degrees for international students in the USA. Interestingly, the USA has some of the best-ranked universities in the world offering a Master's in Finance (M.Fin) program.
Specialisations in finance: While studying finance in the USA, you can specialise in a variety of areas, such as: Investment Banking, Risk Management, Financial Modelling, Corporate Finance, and Behavioural Finance. MIT, Columbia University, and UCLA
C. Engineering Management
MSEM: The perfect way to transition into a leadership role: As an engineering graduate, it’s not always easy to jump into a management role even after you have gained experience. The Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program at Trine University is the perfect way for you to transition into a leadership role.
Below are some prerequisites to enrolling:
A Bachelor’s degree in Technology (CS, IT or any other engineering field) or Bachelor of Commerce in Computer Science
A GPA of 3.0+ or equivalent in a bachelor’s degree
A proof of English proficiency score
You can opt to write any of the below tests:
IBT TOEFL – 71+
PTE – 50+
IELTS 6.5+
Duolingo 95+
D. Business Analytics
MSBAN: The perfect stepping stone for data-driven professionals: If you have a keen interest in statistics and evaluating business performance and developing new insights using data, the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program would be the perfect stepping stone for you.
Open to all graduates: Graduates from any field can apply for the MSBAN program. Upon graduation, you will have the skills to excel in any strategic and management role.
Trine University offers a 30-credit MBA program that includes a capstone project and great recruitment opportunities. Students can choose from two campuses, Detroit or Phoenix.
E. Embedded Systems
Computer Engineering: This degree program is a relatively new field that encompasses computer hardware, computer networks, and digital systems. It emerges from an electrical engineering background and provides knowledge of both software and hardware technologies.
Embedded Systems: Michigan State University, University of Pennsylvania, University of California San Diego, and Michigan Technological University have excellent programs in this field.
F. Life Sciences
If you are a biology buff and are interested in studying living organisms, a Life Sciences degree is the best course for you. This degree provides in-depth knowledge of physiology, anatomy, toxicology, genetics, and immunology.
George Washington University, Rice University, and University of San Francisco are some of the best Life Sciences programs in the world.
Eligibility for studying MS in the USA
Once you set your mind to pursue a master's degree in the United States, there are specific eligibility requirements that you should focus on. The first requirement is a bachelor's degree in the field of your choice. However, some institutions might also allow students from different disciplines to pursue a master's degree, as long as they meet the program's requirements.
Along with a bachelor's degree, you will also need a good GPA record. Typically, an average GPA of 3.0 is considered good to get admitted to an American university. However, some universities may require a higher GPA, depending on the program you are applying to.
Some universities have additional requirements like GRE and GMAT scores. You will have to check your desired university's website to know what kind of competitive tests you require for admission.
Most universities in the United States require either IELTS or TOEFL as proof of English proficiency. These tests assess your ability to understand and use English in an academic setting.
Letters of recommendation (LORs) are an important part of your graduate school application. They can help to strengthen your application and demonstrate your academic abilities and potential for success.
Extracurricular activities can enhance your college application and improve your chances of getting admitted to your dream university. These activities can demonstrate your skills and interests, and can also help you stand out from other applicants.
The WorldGrad is a great resource for checking additional eligibility requirements and getting answers to your degree-related queries. You can visit their website or schedule a Virtual Counselling session with one of their experts.
Cost of Studying MS in the USA
The average cost of pursuing a Master’s degree in the United States is approximately ₹30 lakhs annually. This can be segregated into ₹20-22 lakhs a year for tuition fees and the remaining amount as living expenses.
The list of few universities in the USA which have some affordable MS options:
How can international students afford studying MS in the USA?
Trine University is a reputable university in the United States with three campuses in Detroit, Phoenix, and Angola. The university has made a significant mark in the sphere of affordable international education, offering MS degrees in varied fields like Business Analytics, Information Studies, and Engineering Management to international students in partnership with The WorldGrad.
The hybrid program offered by The WorldGrad in collaboration with Trine University allows students to complete their first year of study online from home and then complete the remaining two years on campus. This is a great option for international students who want to save money on tuition and living expenses.
In addition to the benefits of the hybrid program mentioned earlier, students who opt for the All American Graduate Program (the hybrid program) will also receive a tuition fee reduction of up to INR 14 lakhs (USD 16,000) and an overall expenses reduction of up to INR 40 lakhs (USD 48,000).
Higher education, especially master's and PhD programs, are some of the most common courses for which international students can find financial aid. This makes it more affordable for international students to study MS in the USA.
There are a few popular scholarship options listed in this article. However, before we jump to that, let’s just talk about the affordability of studying an MS in the USA a little more.
There are different parameters based on which a student can receive a scholarship, such as scholarship essays, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and the strength of the application. You can enquire about financial aid at the time of submitting your applications. There are two types of scholarships: merit-based and need-based.
- Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on a student's academic performance, extracurricular activities, and other achievements.
- Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
Apart from scholarships offered by universities, there are also many organisations that offer financial aid to students wishing to pursue a Master’s degree in the USA. These organisations typically offer grants or fellowships, which are awarded based on merit or need.
Students can also apply for Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA) positions, which can help offset the cost of their education. A good IELTS/TOEFL score will be helpful.
Scholarships for MS in the USA
Some scholarships make pursuing a Master in Science in the USA an affordable experience, let us explore them:
The Fulbright Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship that funds Master's degrees, diplomas, and certificates in the United States. It covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance.
The Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship (CSSNOS) is a scholarship program that provides financial assistance to low-income Indian students to pursue master's degrees in the United States.
The Generation Google Scholarship is a scholarship program that helps aspiring computer science students excel in technology and become leaders in the field.
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a scholarship program for nationals of developing countries who are also World Bank Member Countries. Participating universities in the USA include Harvard, Cornell, and Columbia.
Now that you have all the information you need to pursue a Master's degree in the USA, you can get started on your study abroad journey. The WorldGrad can help you at every step of the way, from researching programs to applying for scholarships.
Visit their website to learn more and book a free consultation:
https://theworldgrad.com/study-resources/study-ms-in-the-usa/