Why Study Masters in USA?
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Famous for its higher education, a lot of international students often get stuck on the question - why USA for masters? There are various reasons to choose the USA for masters, even if it is for its quality education, globally recognised and accredited degrees or lucrative job opportunities, all these are available only in the USA.
Why MS in USA? This is a very open-ended question and more the people in question, the higher the number of reasons for opting for a master's in the US. This article will throw light on the top 10 reasons to study master's in the US as an international student.
Top 10 Reasons to Study Masters in USA
Since millions of international students apply to US universities for a masters level course, it is not because of one reason, but a culmination of many reasons. So if someone asks why they want to pursue a masters in the USA, then applicants can state some of the following given reasons. Let us look at the 10 reasons why the USA is best for masters:
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Reason 1: Choose the Top Universities in USA for Masters
Tier one US universities have consistently ranked and made a mark for offering some of the renowned master's courses to international applicants. Some of the globally ranked and recognized universities in the US which offer masters include Ivy League schools along with a few others which are as follows:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- University of Chicago
- Princeton University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Columbia University
These are just a couple of top-ranked US universities offering master's in the USA and there are other options also based on the choice of master's course in the USA.
Also, check out:
| Top 100 US Universities for MS | Top MBA Colleges in USA |
| Top MS in Computer Science Universities in USA | Top MEng Colleges in USA |
Reason 2: Different Types of Masters in USA are Offered
There is not just one type of master's in the USA, there is a wide range of courses that fall in the category of master's but may be denoted with a different acronym. The different types of masters in the USA include - MS, MSN, M.Eng, ME and MBA.
Thus, each of these degree types has a different specialization or major in which the applicants wish to complete their education and pursue jobs accordingly. Thus, there is just a different way of calling out and differentiating between degree types, hence it's commonly referred to as masters in the USA.
MS is also used to denote a couple of humanities courses along with science courses in the USA. While a few MS courses like MS in Engineering or Engineering Management including ME and M.Eng are purely for engineering and technology-related courses. MBA in the USA is also a very different course in comparison to MS, ME and M.Eng in the USA, but is a master's level course only.
Reason 3: Internationally Recognised Masters from USA
All US universities are recognised and accredited to offer masters to international students. Thus, US universities are accredited by the following agencies, which help international students get their degrees evaluated for foreign jobs easily:
- Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc.
- Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
- Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
- American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation
Thus, based on the subject of courses offered in Masters in the USA, accreditations are given to the universities offering these courses.
Reason 4: Varied Specializations in Master’s in USA
For one set of broad courses at the masters level in the USA, there is a variety of specializations offered within that course offering. Check out some of the specializations available for international students enrolled across different masters courses in the USA in the table below:
| Types of Masters in the USA |
Masters Courses in the USA |
Specializations Available in the US |
|---|---|---|
| MS (masters) |
Data Science |
|
| Computer Science |
|
|
| Psychology |
|
|
| Engineering |
|
|
| MSN |
Nursing |
|
| ME |
Engineering |
|
| MEng |
|
|
| MBA |
Business Administration |
|
While there may be other ways of denoting the masters courses in the USA, applicants should make their choices wisely.
Reason 5: Academic Flexibility in USA for Masters
A lot of master's courses in the USA are not just offered in the full-time mode, there are other modes of pursuing this course in the USA. The various modes under which masters courses can be opted are as follows:
- Full-time: A master's degree which is longer than six months and can be offered in a hybrid mode or in a full-time classroom setting mode in the US.
- Part-time: A part-time master’s can last for three or four years, thus, they might be offered offline or online or even in the hybrid mode in the USA.
- Online: These are purely online mode classes that are offered through different US universities or colleges.
Applicants may not always find a part-time masters in a particular course of specialisation or even an online course, but there are options available across US institutions to pursue a masters in part-time or online mode.
A lot of MBA programs in the USA are offered in the accelerated mode, which means instead of two years, it is one year long, thus, the option is provided at the universities where it is offered.
Reason 6: Plethora of Scholarships for Masters in USA for International Students
There are a variety of scholarships available in the USA for international students. Some of the common scholarships which can be availed for those pursuing a masters in the USA as international students are as follows:
| Top Scholarships for Masters in USA |
Scholarship Amount |
Type of Scholarship Offered |
|---|---|---|
| INR 8,00,000 |
Merit-based |
|
| INR 20,00,000 and interest-free loan |
||
| INR 82,460 |
||
| INR 82,940 |
||
| INR 16,58,800 |
Need & merit-based |
|
| INR 82,940 |
||
| Full tuition fee waiver |
Need-based |
|
| INR 16,32,600 |
Find out more about the scholarships for Masters in USA that are available for international students.
Reason 7: Top Paying Jobs after Masters in USA
There is a huge opening in the market for applicants who hold a master's degree in the USA. These are mostly high-paid jobs in the USA which are available to those who graduate with a master's degree in USA and they are as follows:
- Program Manager: USD 144,830
- Petroleum Engineer: USD 137,720
- Network Architect: USD 126,830
- Chemical Consultant: USD 108,540
- Financial Analyst: USD 108,360
- Business Development Manager: USD 80,000
- Statistical Analyst: USD 103,930
- Electrical Design Engineer: USD 100,830
- Research Assistant: USD 92,860
- Manufacturing Engineer: USD 90,160
Based on the applicant’s master's degree in the USA, he/she can get a good and well-paid job. In most cases, those with a master's in business administration and STEM-related courses are usually very highly paid in the USA. Check: Popular Job Sectors in USA
Reason 8: Research Opportunities with Masters in USA
Students pursuing a master's in the USA can opt for RA (research assistantship) or TA (teaching assistantship). These are basically research opportunities offered to those who are enrolled in master’s courses in the USA which require research by the end of the course. The RA’s and TA’s are usually paid a stipend based on their type of work. This is just to help students gain more experience in teaching and research-related activities.
As per October 2023 data, Research Assistants in the USA earned around USD 46,315 annually on average. Whereas, the Teaching Assistants in the USA earned around USD 45,092 a year on average.
Read more about: Types of Assistantships for Graduate Students
Reason 9: STEM OPT is Available only in the USA for Masters Grads
STEM OPT or those who hold a bachelor’s degree in STEM-related courses can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) which is basically for F-1 visa holders to complete their practical training after completing their bachelor’s degree. This is available only in the USA for international students who graduate with a STEM education at the bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level only.
STEM OPT extension basically helps students complete their degrees in the USA with the help of an employer who can guarantee them 20 hours a week. Applicants don't need to have the same employer till the end of their tenure of STEM OPT as a post-study work visa in the USA.
Reason 10: Opportunity to Work with Top Employers after Masters in USA
Home to numerous MNCs, applicants with a master's degree are sure to get good opportunities to work with some of the top employers. Some of these employers who are well-known and have hired applicants in the past are as follows:
| Top Employers after Masters in USA |
||
|---|---|---|
| Amazon |
IBM |
Microsoft |
| Walmart |
Bank of America |
Wells Fargo |
| Apple |
Lockheed Martin |
AT&T |
| Accenture |
JPMorgan Chase & Co |
FedEx Corporation |
| Fidelity Investment |
Kroger |
American Express |
These are top-rated employers in the USA and students who aim for these employers in order to gain experience either through internships or full-time work options. Thus, those who are interested in working abroad should have a couple of options in hand.
Looking for admissions in the USA? Sign up for free counselling at Shiksha Abroad Counselling. Otherwise, shoot in your queries in the comment box below for a prompt resolution.
Top Reasons to Study Masters in USA FAQs
Q. Why do you choose the USA for your master's?
A. Applicants can choose USA for their master's courses because:
- The US universities are globally renowned for its degrees.
- Some of the highest paying jobs are offered after studying masters from USA.
- STEM designated courses are available and STEM OPT extension advantage is available.
- Applicants can get internship or full time employment opportunity to work with MNCs or popular employers.
Q. Why masters in USA is better than India?
A. The following table suggests the difference between USA and India for pursuing a masters:
| Feature | USA | India |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Reputation | Top-ranked universities, globally recognized degrees |
Strong academic institutions, regional recognition
|
| Program Diversity | Wide range of specialized programs |
Diverse program offerings, often industry-specific
|
| Research Opportunities | Strong research culture, cutting-edge facilities |
Growing research opportunities, especially in STEM fields
|
| Career Prospects | Higher earning potential, diverse job market, strong alumni networks |
Good career prospects, especially in domestic market
|
| Cultural Experience | Immersive cultural experience, global perspective |
Exposure to diverse cultures within India
|
| Cost | High tuition fees and living expenses |
Lower cost of education and living
|
While USA is still a preferred destination for study, India is equally a good choice. While the USA offers many advantages, the best choice depends on individual goals, financial constraints, and preferred lifestyle.
Q. Which course is best to study in USA for masters?
A. There are multiple courses that are good for studying masters in USA some of them include - Business and Management, Engineering, Law, Medical, Social Sciences and other fields of study.
Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: Is Texas A&M Commerce a good university?
Texas A&M Commerce is regarded as one of the top public universities across the United States. Moreover, the Texas A&M Commerce ranking 2024 under the category of Best Colleges is National Universities is #369. Also, the acceptance rate of this university is 42%. Additionally, the university offers the best academic programs, expert faculty, job & placement, and more. Besides, Texas A&M University-Commerce also offers over 130 academic degrees for its students.
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: How long does it take to get admission to Iowa State?
After submitting the application the Iowa State admission committee will review the application for admission on the basis of documents that applicants provide. A decision may require several weeks as it depends on the time of year the applicant submits the application (Applications submitted right before the deadline require a much longer processing time due to the volume of applications received then.). Applicants will receive an admission offer letter and the I-20 Form if admitted.
Q: Is the University of South Dakota hard to get into?
With a 99% acceptance rate, the University of South Dakota is easy to get into. The university follows an easy approach during admission. The university takes a simple admissions procedure. The high acceptance percentage does not mean that the university admits every applicant; rather, it suggests permissive admittance as compared to another university.
Students must prove themselves by scoring excellent academic scores, English proficiency requirements, and standardized test scores. Also, the university prioritizes factors, such as rigor of secondary school record, class rank, academic GPA, standardized test scores, application essays, recommendations, and more.
Q: What GPA do you need to get into Iowa State?
International students who wish to study at Iowa State must have at least GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission. International transfer applicants must have a minimum equivalent GPA of C+ on a scale of A to F or 2.25 on a 4.0 scale for all transferable courses.
Q: Is it hard to get into the UTSA in San Antonio Texas?
According to various sources, University of Texas San Antonio has an overall acceptance rate of around 87% which makes it somewhat selective for international student admissions. Some of the general requirements to be considered for admission are given as follows:
- SAT/ACT scores
- Overall Student's GPA
- Letters of Recommendation
- High School Class Rank
- Additional Academic Records
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