Masters Degree in USA | Top Courses and Universities

Thinking of studying abroad in the United States for your master’s degree? Then, you’re sure thinking right. The United States of America still retains its position as one of the greatest intellectual countries to study at. With her high-class educational wing, many candidates all over the world desire to be found in the four walls of any university in America.

The United States of America often referred to as “the USA”, “the U.S.”, “the United States”, “the United States of America”, “the States”, or simply “America,” is a large country in North America.  With a population of more than 340 million people, it is the third most populous country in the world. The national capital is Washington, D.C., and the most populous city is New York City.

The U.S., over the past few years, has dominated the globe in being the most popular university destination for students from all over the world. Somehow, even with the growth of other English-taught options in other countries, numerous students still choose to study in the U.S.A.

The USA education system is one that offers a well-rounded approach to education that you cannot find as easily elsewhere. Her higher education prepares students for life after college so they can choose to either stay in the USA or return to their native country after completing.

International students can choose from a wide range of courses and career paths to enhance their learning and provide opportunities to advance their careers upon return to their native country.

Master’s Degree in the USA

Higher Education Institutions in the U.S. offer master’s degrees of all varieties, including MA, MSc, MBA, LL.M, and more. Master’s degrees are studied at specialized graduation, or ‘grad’ schools in the US, unlike in other places where they are usually studied at universities alongside bachelor’s degrees. In the US, master’s degrees are usually a professional requirement for a career in business, engineering, or in the health sciences.

Generally, most master’s courses in the USA take two years to complete when studying on a full-time basis. If a student only completes some of the courses, then some institutions allow students to graduate with a lesser qualification.

Admission Requirements

• Acceptable past academic record: This will go a long way to accelerating your entry. Entry to an institution will usually require that applicant to hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent academic qualification. However, some master’s degrees will accept applicants with alternative qualifications and experience.
• A good CV: Work experience is an advantage to studying because it helps you understand basic concepts better than someone who has not gotten any practical knowledge.
• Language Proficiency: If English is not for your first language, most grad schools require that you complete a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test to prove your English proficiency.

Tuition Fee

Tuition fees in the US are often higher than in Europe. The average tuition fee for an international student for master’s degrees is around $20,000 a year at public universities and $28,000 to $40,000 a year at private universities.

There are also plenty of scholarships available to international students; these include merit-based scholarships for students that are outstanding academically. Scholarships typically have a very early application deadline so competition is very high; therefore it is essential to apply in plenty of time.

Application Process

Applying for a master’s degree or ‘graduate’ degree in the US involves applying to the grad school directly. It is a matter of checking the grad school’s website for the application procedure or contacting the grad school directly.

Before leaving to study in the US to study, a non-immigrant visa is required. The F-1 visa is the most common visa for students; it entitles the holder to study at any accredited university or grad school in the US.

Applying for a student visa is fairly straightforward. An application form can be downloaded from the US embassy website. An acceptance letter, proof of academic qualifications, and financial standing are also required. It may also be necessary to attend an interview at a nearby US embassy. Proof of having study-abroad travel and health insurance is another requirement.

Popular Masters Courses in the USA for International Students

American universities dominate many subject areas, especially those in technology and engineering. The MBA is always a hugely popular choice among master’s students, as are the medical professions, as the USA leads the world in medical research. Computer Science is another popular subject area as is the law, however, a study of the law at masters level in the USA would most likely lead to a career based in the USA. Many international students concentrate on business management and medical professions as these courses offer a wide range of skills that give students an extra edge when they return home.

Top Universities in the USA

The top ten universities in the U.S. are:

Princeton University

The ivy-covered campus of Princeton University, a private institution, is located in the quiet town of Princeton, New Jersey. Princeton was the first university to offer a “no loan” policy to financially needy students, giving grants instead of loans to accepted students who need help paying tuition.

• Tuition and Fees: $53,890
• Enrollment: 5,422

Harvard University

Harvard University is a private institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. This Ivy League school is the oldest higher education institution in the country and has the largest endowment of any school in the world.

• Tuition and Fees: $54,002
• Enrollment: 6,755

Columbia University

Columbia University has three undergraduate schools: Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and the School of General Studies. This Ivy League, the private school guarantees students housing for all four years on campus in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood in New York City.

• Tuition and Fees: $64,380
• Enrollment: 6,245

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Though the Massachusetts Institute of Technology may be best known for its math, science, and engineering education, this private research university also offers architecture, humanities, management, and social science programs. The school is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just across the Charles River from downtown Boston.

• Tuition and Fees: $53,818
• Enrollment: 4,530

Yale University

Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, offers a small college life with the resources of a major research institution. Yale students are divided into 14 residential colleges that foster a supportive environment for living, learning and socializing.

• Tuition and Fees: $57,700
• Enrollment: 6,092

Stanford University

The sunny campus of Stanford University is located in California’s Bay Area, about 30 miles from San Francisco. The private institution stresses a multidisciplinary combination of teaching, learning, and research, and students have many opportunities to get involved in research projects.

• Tuition and Fees: $56,169
• Enrollment: 6,996

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago, situated in Chicago’s Hyde Park community, offers a rich campus life in a big-city setting. Since 1987, the private institution has hosted the University of Chicago Scavenger Hunt, a four-day event that is regarded as the largest scavenger hunt in the world.

• Tuition and Fees: $59,298
• Enrollment: 6,734

University of Pennsylvania

Founded by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is a private institution in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students can study in one of four schools that grant undergraduate degrees: Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Wharton.

• Tuition and Fees: $60,042
• Enrollment: 10,019

California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology focuses on science and engineering education and has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1. This private institution in Pasadena, California, is actively involved in research projects with grants from NASA, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• Tuition and Fees: $56,862
• Enrollment: 938

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a private institution in Baltimore that offers a wide array of academic programs in the arts, humanities, social and natural sciences, and engineering disciplines. The Hopkins Blue Jays men’s lacrosse team is consistently dominant in the NCAA Division I; other sports teams at Hopkins compete at the Division III level.

• Tuition and Fees: $57,010
• Enrollment: 6,256