Best MS Courses in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Admission & Career Guide
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An MS in the USA is a big draw for Indian students, who comprise a substantial portion of international students at top US universities every year. MS or Master of Science is a postgraduate program that spans between one year and two years, depending on the program structure and students’ pace. International students highly covet an MS in the USA due to its elite programs at top universities, numerous specialisations, flexibility, ample job opportunities, and competitive salaries. This blog will discuss the best MS courses in the USA, focusing on application steps, costs, scholarships, fees, eligibility and job opportunities.
An MS in the USA for Indian students can be a game-changer career-wise. A degree from a prestigious US university like Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) or Georgia Tech can give you a career boost with a fantastic ROI. If you are planning to do an MS in the USA and are searching for the best MS Courses in the US, here’s what you should know.
Why do MS in the USA?
Doing an MS in the USA can transform your career if you are from the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) field. It offers numerous advantages for Indian students seeking improved career prospects and competitive salaries that may not be available in India, includingsome of the best MS courses in the USA.
Superior Programs
Universities in the USA are renowned for their superior educational facilities, thanks to the country’s legacy universities, such as MIT, Stanford, Georgia Tech, and Berkeley. These universities offer a variety of MS courses in STEM; many of them are interdisciplinary, allowing students to choose a course tailored to their specific interests and preferences.
Career Opportunities
After completing the course, students are eligible to work for up to three years through the Optional Practical Training program, providing them with international exposure and enhanced career opportunities.
Improved earnings
Students who earn an MS in the US are highly sought after by global companies and are offered competitive salaries. STEM graduates are often employed by some of the world’s largest companies, including Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, which offer salaries of upwards of $90,000 annually.
Personal growth
An MS in the USA also exposes students to a multicultural environment, which can broaden their horizons, foster personal growth, and refine their communication skills at a global level.
The US is a haven for MS programs that combine excellent courses, research opportunities, proven placement records and qualified faculty. Students who enrol in these top MS courses in the USA are often hired by leading companies worldwide and see a significant salary boost. Here are the best MS courses in the USA for Indian students.
Univeristy
QS World Ranking
Top MS Programs
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
1
Computer Science, Engineering
Stanford University
3
AI, Data Science Engineering
Harvard University
4
Biomedical Science, Data Sciences
California Institute of Technology (CalTech)
5
Physics and Engineering
University of California, Berkeley
6
Data Science, Computer Science
Princeton University
7
Mathematics, Natural Sciences
University of Chicago
8
Statistics, Data Science
University of Pennsylvania
9
Business Analytics, Engineering
Yale University
10
Natural Sciences, Public Health
Columbia University
11
Computer Science, Engineering
Carnegia Mellon University
15
Computer Science, Robotics, AI
Best MS Specialisations in the USA
The US is a great place to specialise in STEM and other allied fields, which not only offer good career prospects but also excellent earning potential. Here are some of the most popular MS specialisations in the US.
These specialisations are highly sought after by students due to the career options they provide after graduation.
Top 10 MS Specialisations in the US
1
Computer Science
2
Data Science and Big Data Analytics
3
Cybersecurity and Information Security
4
Electrical and Computer Engineering
5
Mechanical Engineering and Robotics
6
Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology
7
Business Analytics and Management Information Systems (MIS)
8
Finance and Financial Engineering
9
Public Health and Health Informatics
10
Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering
Best MS Specialisations in the USA
The US is a great place to specialise in STEM and other allied fields, which not only offer good career prospects but also excellent earning potential. Here are some of the most popular MS specialisations in the US.
These specialisations are highly sought after by students due to the career options they provide after graduation.
Business Analytics and Management Information Systems (MIS)
8
Finance and Financial Engineering
9
Public Health and Health Informatics
10
Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering
Admission Requirements for MS in the USA
To apply to top universities for an MS in the USA, students need a list of qualifications ranging from their standardised test scores to English proficiency tests to SOPs. Here is a complete list of admission requirements for an MS in the USA.
Academic Qualifications
You need proof of your four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a legitimate university. The degree should be relevant to the program you are applying to. The minimum GPA for most top colleges is 3.0 out of 4.0. These institutions prefer candidates with a strong academic background, scoring 70% or higher in the grading system.
Standardised Tests
For most MS courses in the USA, institutions require GRE scores of 320 or higher overall. The range for Quantitative Reasoning is somewhere between 155 and 170, and for Verbal Reasoning between 150 and 160. International students also have to have an iBT of 80+ in TOEFL, a band 6.5+ IELTS and 95+ for Duolingo.
Documents Checklist
Among the required documents, applicants should submit a valid passport, academic transcripts, a bachelor’s degree certificate, a CV, marksheets for classes 11 and 12, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, proof of funds, passport-sized photographs, a research proposal, a portfolio, and an application confirmation copy or receipt.
Proof of bachelor’s degree
Strong GPA (3.0)
Test scores of GRE (wherever applicable)
English proficiency test scores of TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo
Academic transcripts
Letters of Recommendation from 2-3 mentors or professors
Statements of Purpose that includes academic achievements, leadership and extracurricular experience
Porfolio of work (wherever applicable)
Valid passport and US student visa
CV or resume
Proof of funds
Passport sized photographs
Cost of Studying MS in the USA
The cost of living in USA for international students also varies on accommodation type and lifestyle. Student accommodation is a good choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. On average, the cost of living for MS in USA would range from $900 to $1500 per month.
For Indian students pursuing a master’s in the USA, tuition fees and living expenses must be considered when choosing from the best universities in the USA for MS or top universities in the USA for MS.
Application Timeline for Best MS courses in the US
The most popular application timeline for MS courses in the US is around fall called The Fall Intake. This intake is highly sought after due to the range of programs and scholarships that are available.
The most in-demand master’s degree in 2025 is Computer Science, given the strides that have been made in the field in recent years. Growing fascination with AI and developments in software development, cybersecurity and data science makes Computer Science one of the most popular degree in 2025 in the US.
Other subjects such as MBA (Master of Business Administration), MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), Master in Finance, etc. also have a lot of scope in 2025.
Is doing MS in the USA worth it in 2025?
Yes, doing MS in the USA is still worth it in 2025 thanks to top QS World Ranking institutions, superior academic programs, academic flexibility, work opportunities, advanced research exposure and competitive salaries.
Graduates in STEM also benefit from the Optional Practical Training program that lets them work for three years in the US. But students considering US as a MS destination should also be aware of the tuition costs, visa uncertainties and competitiveness in the job market in the country.
Which MS course is best in the USA?
Computer science, data science and big data analytics, and cybersecurity and information security are the three best courses in the USA for MS. These programs ensure job prospects and competitive salaries apart from collaborations, scholarships and research opportunities.
Which country is best for MS in 2025?
Considering the quality of programs, top ranking institutions, job prospects and career development, US is still considered the top country for MS in 2025. Apart from US, Canada, UK, Germany and Australia are also top choices for MS in 2025.
Which master’s degree is most in demand in the USA?
Apart from MS in Computer Science, MS in Nursing, Master of Public Health (MPH), MS in Psychology, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master’s in Finance are the most in-demand courses in the USA.
What is the cost of MS course in USA?
MS in USA in 2025/2026 will range from $20,000 to $60,000 a year in tuition fees according to the state and university. Apart from the tuition, living costs and travel can add an additional of $10,000 every year, brining the total cost to Rs 62 lakh to Rs 1 crore in INR.
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