In the academic year 2022-23, over 2.6 lakhs Indian students traveled to the United States for higher education. The figure is staggering.
Most of them traveled to the US for an MS or Master of Science degree.
In this article we discuss various aspects of getting an MS degree from a reputed US university.
What is a MS degree?
The Master of Science (MS) is a 2-year graduate degree designed to advance student’s knowledge of science-related fields. It’s typically focused on subjects such as administration, business, mathematics, medicine and natural sciences.
For decades, students from all over India have been aspiring to get an MS in USA. For good reasons too. Here’s why getting a master’s degree in the USA is a wise move:
Why study MS in the USA?
1. MS programs in USA are globally acclaimed and highly ranked
STEM courses in USA are globally recognized and renowned for their academic brilliance. Eight of the top ten universities in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings of 2022 belong to USA.
The following Universities have the highest ranked STEM courses in USA:
- Columbia Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Yale University
- The University of Chicago
When it comes to the most popular Master’s courses in USA, courses in Business are the clear winner. According to Statista, the number of Master’s degrees earned in USA in the academic year 2019/20 was 197,422. Here are the ten most in demand Master’s degrees in USA:
- Business
- Education
- Health
- Computer and information sciences
- Public Administration and social services
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Social sciences and history
- Biological and biomedical sciences
- Visual and performing arts
Universities in USA are at the forefront of research and innovation. Their master’s programs are designed to advance the students’ knowledge in a practical manner. A study in USA equips you with job-oriented skills necessary for building a career in the world’s most sought industries.
One of the best ways to find the ideal, most promising MS program in USA is SelectRight. Overseas education consultants will always recommend programs from universities they do business with. Their recommendations may not be the ideal fit for you.
SelectRight, on the other hand, gives you the best, unbiased recommendations based solely on your financial situation and academic goals.
2. MS programs in USA offer greater academic flexibility than other countries
When you study in USA, you have the luxury of selecting a major before the second year of education starts. This gives you the time and freedom to explore different subjects and your areas of interest.
Master’s programs in USA also allow you to study special courses that prepare you for your chosen career field. You can take specialized courses such as Master of Science in Supply Chain Management and Master of Science in Nonprofit Management. This gives you more in-depth knowledge of your preferred industry compared to a standard management degree.
3. MS programs in USA offer excellent support for international students
One of the biggest reasons we recommend MS in USA for Indian students is the support and facilities available. Educational institutions in USA lay great emphasis on helping foreign students adjust to a new culture and environment.
Most American institutes have webinars, orientation programs and training designed for this very purpose. Students from non-English speaking countries can enroll in special language workshops designed for their specific needs.
4. MS programs in USA help in an individual’s overall growth
Universities in USA promote cultural exchange among students from different backgrounds. They also have close-knit student communities where everyone is encouraged to participate in varied events. This creates memorable life experiences and offers real world learning opportunities.
The vibrant college life helps students explore new interests, make new connections and grow into well-rounded individuals.
5. MS programs in USA allow students to earn while they study
One of the biggest benefits of doing MS in USA is that students can support themselves through their own earnings. Indian students pursuing Master’s in USA are awarded a F1 visa. This allows them to work for up to 20 hours a week on-campus during a semester.
During their holidays, the students can work even longer—for up to 40 hours (about 1 and a half days) a week.
Typical students’ jobs include work at the campus cafeteria, library etc. Note that as a student, you aren’t allowed to work off-campus without the US Immigration Services’ permission.
6. MS programs in USA promise diverse, high-paying job opportunities
A Master’s degree from USA leads to diverse, lucrative careers in major industries around the globe. The practical, job-oriented curriculum helps the students land responsible jobs in their niche industries.
Most universities offering MS in USA for Indian students have experiential training and internship programs for the students. These programs help the students get acquainted with the actual job environments. This makes them better equipped for transitioning from a student’s life to that of a full-time professional.
Another benefit of these internship programs is that employers favor students that have hands-on experience in their respective field.
7. MS programs in USA promise a high ROI
Studying in USA isn’t cheap. A large number of Indian students take study loans for pursuing overseas education. A master’s degree in USA offers better Return on Investment (ROI)—your study loan—than MS from most other countries.
According to payscale.com, the average base salaries for most professionals are higher in USA compared to other popular study destinations such as UK and Canada. Let’s compare the base salary of a business manager in these 3 countries:
| Country | Average base salary | Salary in INR |
| USA | $63,764 per year | Rs 4876383.78 |
| UK | £36159 per year | Rs 3550478.18 |
| Canada | C$67,659 per year | Rs 4070619.16 |
A higher base salary means students can pay off their study loans in a shorter time span. It often also translates into greater job security and opportunities for the students.
According to Statista, the following are the top 3 MS programs based on their respective mid-career median salaries:
- Finance
- Biomedical engineering
- Computer Science
The mid-career median pay for a Master’s in Finance is $125,208 or Rs 95, 75,344.40 per year. The salary for biomedical professionals is $117,243 or Rs 89, 66,217.05 per year. Students pursuing Masters in Computer Science in USA can look forward to a mid-career median pay of $115,730 or Rs 88, 50,509.62 per year.
You can simplify your search for the most promising MS programs in USA by using SelectRight. SelectRight draws from approximately 6 million data points from across 10,000 plus MBA, CS, and STEM programs. You get unbiased recommendations that match your exact academic goals, all in a manner of minutes.
Career opportunities after an MS degree in the USA
Pursuing a Master’s (MS) degree in the United States opens up a plethora of career opportunities.
- Data Scientist
- Software Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
In addition there are an enormous number of job openings for cybersecurity, operations research and various other fields.
What are the requirements for doing MS in USA?
Students who’re interested in pursuing a Master’s program from USA require a bachelor’s degree. The bachelor’s degree can have different subject areas than the MS program they’re interested in. This means that students can both further their education in previously studied subjects and switch to new subjects.
Here are the eligibility criteria for MS in USA:
- 3-4 years’ of bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Students require an average GPA (grade point average) score of 3.0 (a percentage of 65-70 percent and above)
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score of 290 or more
- IELTS minimum requirement—6.5 or more
- 2-3 letters of recommendations (the exact number depends upon the university)
- A Statement of Purpose (SOP)
In addition to these requirements, proof of social or leadership roles undertaken by the student can also support his/her application. Published research papers, internships and research projects can also strengthen a student’s chances of acceptance.
Top MS courses in the USA for Indian students
Pursuing a MS degree in the United States is an excellent choice. Here are some of the top MS courses that you might consider. We’ll also mention the most acclaimed universities in the USA that offer MS programs.
Note: Remember, these are among the most coveted universities in the USA, so expect a lot of competition. Also, you’d find several USA universities that are ranked in the top 100 in the world, and which also offer MS courses. So you have enough opportunities to apply to a good institute.
These are the top MS courses in the USA for international students:
- MS in Computer Science
This field covers algorithms, artificial intelligence, data science, and software engineering. Universities like Stanford University, MIT, and Harvard University offer outstanding programs in computer science.
- MS in Data Science
With the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making, data science programs are in demand. These programs focus on statistical analysis, machine learning, and big data. University of Michigan and Columbia University are among the best MS colleges in the USA for Indian students to pursue a degree in data science.
- MS in Engineering
Various engineering specializations are available in USA. These include civil, aerospace, automotive, mechanical, etc. Engineering programs at Stanford University, MIT and Caltech are very popular.
- MS in Business Analytics
This MS degree combines business intelligence with data analytics. The course equips students with the skills to analyze business data for making informed decisions. Among the top US universities, Cornell University and Princeton University offer strong business analytics programs.
Top universities in the USA for MS for Indian students
US universities are famous for their top-notch academics, and vast range of programs. You will find strong academic programs, research opportunities, and powerful alumni networks at most reputed universities.
These are some of the best MS colleges in the USA for Indian students.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Renowned for all types of engineering domains and computer science.
- Stanford University: Strong in computer science, and electrical engineering.
- Harvard University: Offers best MS programs in various disciplines, including emerging fields such as biomedical engineering.
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Focuses on science and aerospace engineering research.
- University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): Offers outstanding programs in Artificial Intelligence.
- Columbia University: Well-regarded for MS programs in Physics, Astrophysics, Mathematics, and Applied Physics.
- Carnegie Mellon University: Offers some of the best MS degrees in computer science and semiconductor engineering.
- Cornell University: Known for rigorous MS programs and research opportunities in Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics and Engineering Physics.
How to choose the right university and MS course?
Confusions about which are the best MS colleges in the USA for Indian students are understandable. The number of options is huge, the financial stakes are high, and information isn’t freely available.
In such a scenario, how does an Indian student choose a university for MS in the USA?
To simplify this search, we have created SelectRight.
Discovering the perfect Master’s program abroad just got easier. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our AI-enabled platform matches you with suitable programs by analyzing 40,000+ programs across 4,000+ universities.
- Shortlist high-RoI courses and then compare the till you find your best university.
- Connect with student mentors for genuine advice on student life and career prospects.
All this, and a lot more, is available for students, for free. Join 60,000+ students who found their dream university with SelectRight. See how.
USA Scholarships for Indian Students
The cost of MS in the USA for Indian students can exceed ₹50 lakhs ($60,000). This only includes the tuition fees. So, the total cost of funding your foreign education can skyrocket once all expenses add up.
Naturally, scholarships are the most coveted go-to mechanism for students who wish to reduce their financial burdens.
Thankfully, there are numerous scholarships for MS in the USA for Indian students.
These include:
- Fulbright Scholarship: Prestigious program that offers full support to Indian students including fees for MS in the USA for Indian students.
- Inlaks Scholarship: Covers cost of studying MS in the USA for Indian students including tuition, living expenses, and travel.
- JN Tata Endowment: Provides financial aid for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad across various fields.
- Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarships: Awarded to brilliant Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies in the US.
Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive. The key is to know how to search for scholarships, apply well in time, and keep track of the applications. Remember, you can club together more than one scholarship to reduce your financial burden even more.
Note: While there are plenty of scholarships for MS in the USA for Indian students, the competition is intense. So, you will most likely need an education loan for MS in the USA.
How can you reduce your interest expense and get a loan whose terms are a perfect fit for what you want?
That’s where FundRight comes in. With FundRight, you can apply for educational loans seamlessly.
Financing an MS degree in the USA with FundRight?
Every year, thousands of students apply for an educational loan to finance MS education in the USA.
However, it’s exhausting to visit numerous branches and repeatedly submit documents.
To simplify the loan search process, we’ve built FundRight.
How to sign up? It’s easy.
- Visit FundRight
- Create your profile
- Get your loan offers within 2 days
- Receive guidance from our experts
- Get loan approval in 10 days
FAQs
What’s the difference between an MS and an MBA?
An MS degree focuses on specialized technical or scientific fields. But an MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree is about business management and leadership.
Is an MS worth the investment?
Absolutely! A MS in the USA for Indian students can power your career by providing specialized knowledge, research opportunities, and networking. You can be a research scientist or engineer at top companies from Apple to Boeing.
Overall, the experience of Indian students in the USA for MS is overwhelmingly positive due to renowned faculty, and ample career opportunities.
How long does an MS take?
The duration varies. Most MS programs span 1 to 2 years. But if you’re doing research or a thesis, it would be almost 24 months from start to finish.
What’s the Deal with Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Options?
The thesis path leads to original research. This type of MS in the USA for Indian students is a must for those who have decided to be scientists and have published works. The non-thesis route is more coursework-focused. For example a MS in Civil Engineering.
Can I Work While Pursuing an MS?
Yes, you can work and study. Many students work part-time or as research assistants. F-1 visa allows you to do on campus work.
