Best MS Courses in USA 2023: Top MS Specializations, Universities & Scholarships

The United States is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for international students. The USA is home to the world’s top-ranked universities, which provide the best master’s programs in various specializations.

Universities in the USA follow an open education system, which allows you to apply for any major or specialization regardless of your background. Admission to MS courses in USA is not based on your bachelor’s or study field.

Admission to MS courses in USA universities is based on academic achievement and standard exam scores such as the GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS. There are numerous universities in the USA where you can study MS programs in top specializations. 

Universities in the USA provide the best education possible, including scholarships for students who excel academically. Below are some of the most popular MS Courses in USA for international students.

Top MS Courses in USA

Now let’s look at the most sought-after MS courses in USA.

1. Engineering:

MS in Power Engineering:

Power and Energy Systems is a branch of electrical engineering that deals with designing and constructing modern power systems, rotating machinery, transmission and distribution systems, surge phenomena, system protection, and dynamics, among other, more specialized topics.

Popular Job Roles: 

MS in Petroleum Engineering:

Petroleum engineering is the technology of economically developing and producing underground oil, gas, and steam reservoirs. This technology is based on fundamental physics, chemistry, mathematics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and economics concepts. 

Today, the petroleum industry is one of the most prominent and recognizable in the USA. MS in Petroleum Engineering students get financially rewarding placement opportunities.

Popular Job Roles: 

• Program Manager
• Petroleum Manager

MS in Embedded Systems:

The MS in Embedded Systems course teaches students about embedded hardware. Embedded systems are computer systems that operate reliably as part of a more extensive mechanical or electrical system.

Students with a B.Tech / BE in ECE, EEE, or Computer Science can pursue this major. MS in Embedded Systems allows you to balance hardware and software knowledge.

Popular Job Roles: 

• Biomedical Engineer
• Embedded Systems Architect
• Embedded Software Engineer
• Embedded Systems Engineer
• Firmware Engineer
• Hardware Engineer
• Hardware Test Engineer
• Mobile App Developer
• Printed Circuit Board Designer.

2. Public Health

MS in Pharmacy

MS in Pharmacy is a course that teaches students about pharmaceutical drug production, usage, and dosage. Universities in the USA provide students with more hands-on experience learning about the chemistry used to create medication.

As a result, pursuing majors such as MS in Pharmacy, MS/Ph.D. in Chemistry, Pharmacology, Drug Administration, Pharmaceutical Administration, and so on is preferable.

Popular Job Roles: 

• Research & Development
• Quality Control
• Sales & Marketing
• Formulation Development
• Retail/Hospital Pharmacy
• Teaching
• Medical Writer

MS in Life Sciences

MS in Life Sciences is a field of study that focuses on the human body and its various functions. Life sciences are concerned with the scientific study of living organisms such as plants, animals, and humans and related issues such as bioethics. Students can access anatomy, physiology, genetics, immunology, and other major courses.

• Popular Job Roles: 
• Product Manager.
• Food Scientist.
• Nutritionist.
• Project Manager.
• Immunologist.
• Research Assistant.
• Data Scientist.

3. Business and Management

MS in Management Information Systems

The MS in Management Information Systems (MS in MIS) curriculum includes business and IT courses. MIS trains future IT managers, business analysts, systems analysts, and programmers in healthcare, insurance, banking, and marketing, among others. It is concerned with the application of information systems to the organization.

Furthermore, MIS supplements the MBA. As a result, students who have completed an MS in Management Information Systems can pursue an MBA. It will significantly advance their careers.

Popular Job Roles: 

• Software Developer
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Web Developer
• Technical Services Manager
• Information Systems Manager

MS in Marketing

Master of Science (MS) in Marketing in the USA is a 10-month to a one-year degree with specializations such as digital marketing, marketing analytics, marketing science, and so on.

Marketing is a critical component of any company’s survival. The efficiency and effectiveness of a company’s marketing team determine its revenue generation, thus increasing the demand for MS in Marketing graduates. 

Popular Job Roles: 

• Brand Manager.
• Business Development Executive.
• Category Manager.
• Customer Relationship Manager.
• Digital Marketing Manager or Strategist.
• E-commerce Manager.
• Key Account Manager.

MS in Business Analytics

MS in Business Analytics in the USA is a graduate program for international students lasting 8 to 12 months. For admission to the program, prospective students must have a 3-4 year undergraduate degree in a related field.

The USA is one of the top destinations for MS in Business Analytics students. Students with an MS in Business Analytics degree in the USA earn high salaries at various top companies such as Wells Fargo, City, Capital One, and others.

Popular Job Roles: 

• Machine learning engineer. 
• Data architect. 
• Statistician. 
• Data analyst.
• Chief technology officer (CTO) 
• Chief data officer (CDO) 
• Application architect. 
• Project manager.

MS in Finance

MS in Finance in the USA is a 10- to 24-month program. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in corporate finance, investment banking, financial institutions, risk management, financial modeling, capital markets, behavioral finance, econometrics, investment management, and other areas.

Popular Job Roles: 

• Financial Analyst
• Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent
• Financial manager
• Personal Financial Advisor
• Corporate Investment Banker
• Actuary
• Stockbroker
• Investment Consultant

4. Science

MS in Computer Science

The major topics of the MS in Computer Science are Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. A Master’s degree in computer science from a USA university allows you to work with global behemoths such as Facebook, Google, Amazon, Accenture, Wipro, Tesla, and others.

Popular Job Roles: 

• Computer Engineer
• Computer Network Architect
• Information Security Manager
• Computer and Information Research Scientists
• Web Designers
• Software Developers
• Web Developers
• Computer System Analysts

MS in Game Design and Game Development

Students must have a strong foundation in computer science, an engineering-oriented game development core, and a concentration in the fundamental research directions in game development to be admitted to the MS in Game Development programs at top USA universities. 

This MS degree’s long-term goal is to establish research and development directions that will result in the development of video games.

Popular Job Roles: 

• Game design
• Product Management
• UI/ UX design
• Software Engineering
• 2D/3D art
• Sound Engineering
• Project Management
• QA Testing

MS in Data Science

Most universities in the USA offer a two-year MS in Data Science degree. It is one of the programs that will determine our technologically advanced future based on data.

The market for Data Science is among the most advanced in the evolution of analytics. Demand for Data Scientists is growing as more organizations recognize the value of big data. 

Popular Job Roles: 

• Data Analyst
• Data Engineers
• Database Administrator
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Data Architect
• Statistician
• Business Analyst

Also Read: Masters (MS) In Engineering Management In The USA

Top Universities to study MS Courses in USA

Now let’s look at the top universities to study MS courses in USA. This list of universities is based on the QS World University Rankings for 2023.

University	Ranking
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1
Stanford University	3
Harvard University	5
California Institute of Technology	6
University of Chicago	10
University of Pennsylvania	13
Princeton University	16
Yale University	18
Cornell University	20
Columbia University	22

MS Courses in USA: Eligibility Criteria

To study MS courses in USA, you must meet specific requirements and eligibility criteria:

• Undergraduate Degree
• Language Requirement
• GMAT/GRE
• Work Experience
• Passport and Visa

Undergraduate Degree:

The first requirement for studying MS courses in USA is a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Although the scores vary by course and university, most universities require a minimum of 60% for a bachelor’s degree.

Language Requirement:

The English proficiency test is required for all international students seeking admission to MS courses in USA, including Indian students. Minimum test scores are as follows:

• TOEFL – 88 – 100
• IELTS – 6.5 – 7.5

GMAT/GRE

MS courses in USA in subjects such as finance and management in the United States require a GMAT or GRE score. While a good GMAT score is required for some courses, it is optional for others.

The GMAT score for master’s programs in the United States should be between 600 and 740, and the GRE score should be between 318 and 329.

Work Experience

A minimum of 2 to 3 years of work experience is required for pursuing MS courses in USA. However, some courses only ask for work experience as a mandatory requirement.

Passport and Student Visa

For Indian students, a valid passport and a student visa are required for get admissions in universities providing MS courses in USA. Remember to apply for your visa at least three months before your planned departure date.

MS Courses in USA: Documents Required

Admission to universities providing MS courses in USA for Indian students requires a series of documents. Some of the widely accepted documentation are mentioned below:

• Transcripts of all educational credentials
• CV or Resume
• LOR or Letter of Recommendation
• SOP or Statement of Purpose
• Scoresheets of IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT/ GRE
• Work experience certificate (if applicable) (if applicable)
• Proof of funds

MS Courses in USA: Admission Process

Admission to US universities can be made online with all necessary documents and information. It is recommended that you check the relevant university deadlines to complete your application process on schedule.

If you are still concerned about how to pursue MS courses in USA, below, we have addressed the admission procedure for MS courses in USA. Follow the steps below to have the most streamlined admission experience.

• Determine the course you want to take and look for the best university that offers it.
• Visit the official university websites to learn about the requirements, eligibility requirements, admission process, and fees.
• Begin the application process by providing all requested information like your video essay, academic transcripts, IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE test scores, CV, LOR, SOP, and so on. Upload the necessary documents so that your application can be reviewed.
• You may pay the fee once you have completed your application and uploaded all required documents.
• Wait for the university to respond. Once chosen, you may apply for your I-20 visa, which will allow you to obtain your F-1 student visa to study in the USA as an international student.

MS Courses in USA: Cost

Two factors determine the overall cost of studying MS in the US. They are your cost of living and the tuition fees in the US.

Tuition Fees

The cost of an MS in the United States is determined by the university and course taken. On average, MS fees in the United States range from 20,000 USD to 70,000 USD.

Cost of Living

The preferred lifestyle determines the cost of living in the United States for international students. If you have a limited budget, you must choose student housing.

MS Courses in USA: Scholarships

Tuition fees in US universities can be steep, but excelling students won’t have to feel the pinch by applying for some of these scholarships. These scholarships mainly pertain to Indian students.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Offers opportunities for selected outstanding students to study, teach, and conduct research, as well as exchange ideas and play a role in finding solutions to shared international concerns.

Amount/Benefit: Each year, an estimated 8,000 competitive, merit-based grants are awarded in various academic fields and disciplines of study.

2. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships (2022-23)

Provided to Meritorious students from developing nations with:

• Brilliant Academic Records
• Genuine financial need
• Admission to a highly prestigious institution or program of study
• Relevance of the fields of study to AKDN’s focus areas.

Amount/Benefit: Half of the money is a grant, and the other half is a loan for tuition and living expenses.

3. Fulbright- Nehru’s Master’s Fellowships:

Exceptional Indian students with at least three years of professional work experience will be admitted to master’s degree programs at various US universities.

Amount/Benefit: Provides J-1 visa support, airfares, college tuition funding, living expenses, and accident and illness coverage per US Government guidelines.

4. AAUW International Fellowships

They are provided to women trying to pursue MS in the USA who are not US permanent residents and who wish to return to their country of origin to pursue a professional career.

Benefits range from $18,000 to $30,000.

We know, finding the best scholarships based on your interests and skills is a challenge. Presenting you, Leap Scholar’s scholarship finder that provides a free, up-to-date, comprehensive list of scholarships, grants and other awards that are available to international students from different parts of the world.

Why study MS courses in USA?

There are many reasons why MS courses in USA are sought after by students all across the globe. Here are some of the more prominent reasons you should consider studying MS courses in USA:

Wide choice of specializations:

MS degrees are available at US universities in significant fields subdivided into 781 specializations.

Experiential learning:

The course structure includes plenty of industry experience in the form of internships and projects, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Flexible eligibility criteria during Covid 19:

During COVID-19, many universities offering MS in the United States waived or reduced the minimum score requirements for competitive tests to encourage students to apply for the program.

Top Universities: 

According to Times Higher Education (THE) 2023 rankings, with 177 institutions, the US has the highest overall representation among the top 200 countries (58).

Renowned Faculties: 

MS programs in the United States are known worldwide for employing world-class faculty and resources.

MS Courses in USA: Job & Post Study Work Visa

The United States is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations in the world. Finding jobs after MS in the United States is becoming increasingly difficult as the population grows.

How to seek jobs after studying MS courses in USA

Some of the factors contributing to this challenge include strict immigration policies and high living costs. MS graduates in the United States earn an average of 94,000 USD (70.4 lahks INR) per year.

STEM courses in the United States offer more opportunities than other subjects. Through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) route, international students can return to the United States for a year after completing their studies.

Jobs after MS in the United States are plentiful if a student possesses the necessary skill sets and zeal to strive.

Most universities in the United States do not offer direct campus placement services. They have a Career Service department that invites businesses to hire students as interns or project assistants.

All the top universities in the United States strive for 100% placement, but only some students are fortunate enough to secure a position of their choice through the university’s placement services.

Another option is to apply directly through the organization’s Career page. However, this is time-consuming because you must be aware of when job openings are published and visit each organization’s page individually.

To address this issue, numerous websites on the internet list job postings by various organizations on their page.

How to get Post Study Work Visa after studying MS Courses in USA

Under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) scheme, international students with an F-1 visa can stay for a year after completing their MS. For those pursuing an MS degree in STEM fields such as computer science, engineering, business management, and so on, this time period can be extended up to three years.

 To be eligible for OPT, students must find work within 90 days of their US student visa expiration.

The employer of the graduates can convert F-1 visas into H-1B visas.

The H-1B visa provides temporary work authorization for three years and can be extended for an additional three years.

Anyone who changes organizations during the H-1B period must reapply for this visa with the new employer’s information.

The United States is frequently regarded as the best place to pursue an MS degree abroad. International students with an MS degree from the United States can find work almost anywhere. The average yearly salary of students pursuing jobs after MS in the United States is 94,000 USD.

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