Top 10 Facts Of  Studying MS in the US  (for Indians) (2024)

Master of Science or MS is among the most sought-after degrees offered in the US universities. The competition may be tough, but the benefits of getting an MS in the US are many including getting an H-1B visa.

What is MS in the US?

Here, MS stands for the Master of Science, a usually two-year study program that you can take up in the US. To be eligible for pursuing MS in the US, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject. The MS degree can be earned in different science disciplines and can be either fully course-based, research-based, or combine both.

A majority of the US universities offer Masters. Generally, MS in US is for STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Management - courses. The most sought-after MS programs in the US include MS in Business Analytics, MS in Data Science, and MS in Marketing.

Why take up MS in the US?

• Research opportunities
• Practical experience
• Variety
• Scholarships available
• High importance placed by employer

The education system in the US places a strong emphasis on research and practical experience. There is a wide choice in terms of MS courses available in the US. Many merit-based scholarships are also there to support your US education.

Under the assistantship program, you can assist your university in research or help with teaching while you pursue your own education.

What is MS eligibility?

Generally, to be able to apply for admission to a Master of Science course in the US, you will require -

• 16 years of prior education,
• 3-4 years of a bachelor’s degree in the same field,
• Average 65 to 70% marks,
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL),
• GRE score of at least 290,
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP), and
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs).

Most of the US universities accept scores of TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language. Any published research papers or research projects can add further weight to your study MS in US application.

What is the cost for MS in US?

The overall costs that you can expect will be based on the specialization opted for as well as the university that you will be attending. Generally, the cost for MS in the USA can be from anywhere between INR 10 lakhs to INR 70 lakhs.

The MS tuition fee in the US will be as per the total credit hours and whether the university is private or public. The minimum credit hours of an MS program is 30 hours.

How many years is MS in USA?

Typically, the duration of an MS course in the US is two years. However, certain Master’s programs can take a longer time for completion, depending on the specialization chosen.

What are the most popular MS courses in the US?

There are many different courses that you can select when you decide to do your MS from the United States.

Popular MS courses in the US for international students include, among others -

• MS in Data Science
• MS in Computer Science
• MS in Internet Technology
• MS in Cybersecurity
• MS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• MS in Biotechnology
• MS in Bioinformatics
• MS in Artificial Intelligence
• MS in Robotics
• MS in Pharmacology
• MS in Architecture

The US universities are well-recognized globally and have a high graduate employability quotient.

What are the best US universities for MS?

Many US universities offer study programs at the Master’s level. The best universities for MS and some of the popular MS programs offered by them are as follows -

• California State University: MS in Electrical Engineering, MS in Information Systems
• American University: MS in Data Science, Master of Science in Analytics (STEM)
• Arizona State University (ASU): Master of Science in Software Engineering, MS in Biomedical Engineering
• Clark University: Masters in Information Technology, Master of Science in Data Analytics
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MS in Atmospheric Science, Master of Science in Technology and Policy
• University of Southern California: MS in Spatial Data Science, MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Columbia University: MS in Computer Science, MS Mechanical Engineering
• Carnegie Mellon University - USA: MS in Software Engineering, MS in Robotics
• New York University (NYU): Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy, master of Science in Information System
• Michigan State University: Forensic Science - Master of Science, Master of Science in Computer Science
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech): MS Astrophysics, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
• San Diego State University: MS in Statistics, MS in Microbiology
• The George Washington University (GWU): Master of Science in the Field of Data Science, Master of Science in the Field of Computer Science
• Florida International University (FIU): MS in Computer Engineering, MS in Electrical Engineering
• Dakota State University: MS Cyber Defense, Master of Science in Analytics
• Northeastern University: MS Applied Mathematics, Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Mississippi State University: Master of Science in Mathematics, Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science
• Stanford University: MS in Design Impact, MS in Chemical Engineering
• Nova Southeastern University (NSU): MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Master of Science in Computer Science
• Auburn University: MS in Food Science, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

QS World University Rankings 2024 features 27 USA universities in the Top 100 universities in the world.

What is the salary after MS in US?

As per Statista, a leading provider of market and consumer data, individuals in the US with a Master’s degree in Computer Science had the highest starting salary in 2024. Those with MS in Engineering had the second-highest starting salary.

Source: Statista

A majority of Master’s degrees awarded went to those in STEM fields. Engineering remains among the most popular fields for seeking an MS in the US.

How to study MS in the United States?

The basic stepwise process for studying Masters as an international student in the US is -

STEP 1: Appear for the tests

You will generally require the test results of -

• GRE: Graduate Record Examinations
• TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language

While IELTS scores are also accepted as proof of language ability, it is recommended to appear for TOEFL as most US universities accept TOEFL scores.

STEP 2: Shortlisting universities

Ideally, you must select up to five US universities that offer MS to international students.

STEP 3: Applying to university

The precise documentation needed and the application process will be clearly mentioned on the official website of the university concerned.

STEP 4: Secure admission

Gain admission into a SEVP Certified School. SEVP stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Program. SEVP is responsible for monitoring US student visa holders - F for academic and M for vocational - as well as their dependents while in the US to ensure all rules and regulations are duly met by them. It is the SEVP that certifies US universities and colleges to take in international students.

STEP 5: Get your Form I-20

Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status will be issued to you by your US university.

STEP 6: Apply for US student visa

Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application will have to be filled up by you. The fee for this is USD160.

STEP 7: Give biometrics at Visa Application Centre (VAC)

STEP 8: Appear for visa interview at US Embassy or Consulate

Can an international student stay back in the US after course completion?

Yes. An international student can stay back after they complete their study abroad course in the US if they are able to secure a STEM OPT or OPT.

In conclusion

When it comes to study abroad, MBA in US or MS in US are the top choices for most international students.

While attending a graduate business school increases your chances of securing management positions in general, a Master of Science or MS in the US concentrates on a specific specialization.

Other FAQs

1. What is CPT for study abroad in US?

Here, CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training that is directly related to your major area of study in the US. Occurring before the end date of the study program, the training should be an integral part of the curriculum.

2. What is OPT for international students in the US?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is authorized by US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). A student eligible for an OPT is issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by USCIS, allowing them to work for any US employer, provided the training is as per their major course of study.

3. How long can I stay back in the US on my OPT?

A regular OPT allows a stay of one year in the US. With a STEM OPT, you can stay back in the US for up to three years.

4. How can study abroad in US get me my H-1B?

If you remain back in the US on OPT after completing your studies as an international student, your US employer might be able to sponsor you for a H-1B visa. If otherwise eligible, you can get your US employer to sponsor you for a US Green Card during your stay in the US as H-1B.

5. Is getting admission to MS in US hard?

Getting a Master’s degree from the US is possible for a wide majority of international students, provided they have the right academic background and financial support.

6. What is the maximum age for MS in USA?

As such, there is no upper age limit for seeking a Master’s degree from the US. To be able to apply for a US student visa, however, you must first secure admission into a SEVP-certified US university or college.

7. Is job experience required for MS in USA?

Generally, there is no requirement for prior work experience and you can apply for MS in the US as a fresher. Nevertheless, for some courses - such as MS in Business Analytics - work experience might be asked for by the US universities at the time of admission.

8. Can I do MS after 30?

Yes. You can do your MS in US after 30 years of age if you are able to meet the other eligibility requirements.

9. Can I do MS after 2 years experience?

Yes, you can do MS after two years of experience. You can also apply for MS in US as a fresher.

10. Is internship necessary for MS?

While not specifically required, an internship will be an added bonus. The experience letter from the concerned organization can be included in your US student visa application.

11. What are assistantships in US universities?

The US also allows you to assist your university in research or help with teaching while you pursue your own education. There are three kinds of assistantships available -

• Teaching Assistantships (TA)
• Research Assistantships (RA)
• Graduate Assistantships (GA)

An assistantship in a US university can help you in many ways. Along with gaining practical hands-on experience in your subject, you can also receive a fee waiver or stipend in lieu of the services offered by you.

12. Which US universities have the highest graduate employability quotient?

The Top 10 universities with the highest graduate employability quotient are -

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2. Stanford University
3. University of California, Los Angeles
4. Harvard University
5. Cornell University
6. University of Chicago
7. Yale University
8. Princeton University
9. New York University (NYU)
10. Columbia University

Topics:Study,USA,Study-in-USA