MS in USA or Masters in the USA primarily includes STEM programs. The international student population planning for an MS popularly opts for courses like MS in Engineering, MS in Business and Management, MS in IT, and, MS in Computer Science. In 2022, USA saw an enrollment of over 3 lakh international students, including approx. 167,582 from India, in its STEM programs.

There are over 2 million MS programs in the USA to pick from, with approximately 800 specializations offering a variety of course possibilities. International students willing to apply for an MS in top universities in USA in 2022 need to complete 16 years of education. Additionally, you need to fulfill the English language proficiency criteria, have an average 3 to 4 years of bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with an average GPA score of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

Cost studying for a master's program in the US can cost anywhere from 13,000 to 100,000 USD a year, based on the choice of university and specialization. For an Indian student willing to study MS in USA, this cost ranges around 9.76-75.1 lakh INR.
Also Check: Cost of MS in USA for Indian Students.

Top Colleges for MS in USA for Indian Students

Mentioned below are the top ranked Universities in USA as per QS World Rankings 2023 along with the admission requirements:  

Colleges Minimum Required GPA Average Test Scores
MIT GPA: 3.7 GRE: GRE: Quant- 167 | Verbal- 162
Stanford University GPA: 3.5 GRE: 328
California Institute of Technology GPA: 3.5 GRE: 330
The University of Chicago GPA: 3.6 GRE: 300
Cornell University GPA: 3.5 GRE: Quant- 164 | Verbal- 160
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor GPA: 3.56 GRE: Quant- 165 | Verbal- 155
Johns Hopkins University GPA: 3.7 GRE: 313
UC Los Angeles GPA: 3.5 GRE: Quant- 169 | Verbal- 158
New York University GPA: 3.0 GRE: 310

Also Check: Cost of MS in USA for Indian Students

Eligibility For MS Programs In USA

To pursue a master's degree in the United States, Indian students must meet a number of requirements.

16 Years of Education

The majority of colleges in USA require 16 years of schooling as a prerequisite for admission to the MS programs. Only formal education from recognized schools and colleges is included in these 16 years. In the Indian education system, a student completes their 10+2, which is 13 years of formal education, and then moves on to graduate, which is a 3-year degree on average, for a total of 16 years.

Standardized Test Scores

Students interested in pursuing an MS in USA must submit standardized test scores, which vary based on the field of study. These test scores are solely required of applicants in order to understand their ability and grade them academically. Students who wish to pursue MS courses in USA must present one of the following test scores:

Test Name Conducting Authority Courses
GRE Education Testing Services (ETS) Engineering, Management, Social Sciences, Computer & Information Technology
GMAT Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Management
MCAT Pearson VUE Medical
LSAT Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Law

Note: Applicants applying for any MS course in the US university can request for a GRE/GMAT waiver. In turn, applicants must prove their skills in terms of analysis, applying reasoning skills, command over English, quantitative aptitude etc.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not your native language, you will be required to submit scores or proof of English language proficiency for pursuing higher education in USA. To get admission to US universities you are required to take certain tests as proof of language and academic assessments. You can submit scores of tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE for the same.

Name of institution TOEFL iBT Minimum Requirement
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 90
California Institute of Technology 100
Harvard University 100
Princeton University 100
Yale University 100
University of Chicago 100
University of Pennsylvania 100
Johns Hopkins University 100
University of California, Berkeley 80
Columbia University 100
University of California, Los Angeles 100
Duke University 90
Cornell University 100
University of Michigan 100
Carnegie Mellon University 102
Northwestern University 95
New York University 100

Also Check: TOEFL Scores For US Universities.

Work Experience

Many MS programs in USA, particularly those in health, education, and technology, require professional experience and internships. As a result, in addition to group discussions, thesis writing, and, of course, attending lectures, students may be expected to obtain actual work experience.

Work experience prepares an applicant to pursue MS in USA. Even if college grades of an applicant were low, their work experience may just provide the boost they need to advance in their profession.

Check: 10 Tips on Writing an Effective Resume

Note: With having 2 years of work experience, prospects of obtaining an education loan for MS in US are substantially higher because loan providers are certain that the applicant will be able to find work and so repay the loan.

Statement of Purpose

A Statement of Purpose for the US is a medium for conveying your goals and intentions to institutions. It is viewed as a more personalised means of linking applicants and universities. A statement of purpose is heavily weighted in the admission process at US colleges, particularly for MS programs in USA.

Following are some of the SOP guidelines for MS in USA that you should keep in mind:

  • Include accomplishments and details that are specifically relevant to the US program for which you are applying.
  • Refer to samples but do not copy them; US universities use plagiarism tools.
  • Information mentioned in the statement of purpose should be supported by LOR.
  • Goals should be tied to the subject's interest rather than earning money or gaining a position in a multinational corporation.
  • It should be crisp and straight to the point.
  • It should focus on showcasing your perspective instead of weaving a unique story.

Letters of Recommendations

A letter of recommendation for US universities is required for admission at all levels of study, from bachelor's to doctoral. Depending on the program, students are required to submit two to three academic LORs or professional LORs.

Every university has its own guidelines, here are some of the tips that students can refer to while submitting a LOR for the USA:

  • Professional LOR for USA universities should be from a supervisor or mentor unless otherwise specified by the university.
  • Information in the letter should verify the facts provided in SOP, Transcripts, and CV.
  • If more than one recommendation is required, try to get it from people associated with different aspects of your professional and academic experiences.
  • Instead of praises and fancy words, LORs should paint a clear picture of who you are, personally and professionally.
  • Skills and capabilities should be supported by examples such as a project handled by you, clubs you are associated with, etc.

Check: Sample of Professional LOR.

MS in USA Visa requirements

International students need a F-1 student visa to pursue MS in the USA. The student must have received an I-20 form from the university they have applied to. As per the application process of universities in the USA, a student needs to have the following basic documents to procure a US student visa.

  • Valid passport that has a validity of minimum 6 months after you stay in the country
  • Form DS-160
  • Application fee payment Receipt
  • Form I-20 if applying for a Student visa
  • Original Marks Sheet or Provisional certificates
  • Evidence of sufficient funds
  • Proof that the candidate will leave the country once the program is completed
  • A personal interview at the US embassy or consulate is also a major requirement of the process.

FAQs

Ques. Who is eligible for MS in USA?

Ans. For MS in USA, international applicants must hold a 16-years education qualification- 4-years bachelor's or equivalent in a relevant subject with at least 80% or more. Alongside this, you must clear English language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL and fulfill the minimum requirements for your university. You are also required to have GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT scores depending on which course you have opted for.

Ques. How much GPA is required for MS in US?

Ans. The minimum GPA required for MS in USA is 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. However, the average GPA requirement for top MS universities in USA is 3.6.

Ques. Which exam is required for MS in USA for Indian students?

Ans. One of the most important exams an international student needs to give is the English Proficiency Exam. Apart from this, students interested in pursuing an MS in USA must submit standardized test scores, which vary based on the field of study. The most common exams are:

  • GRE- For Engineering, Management, Social Sciences, Computer & Information Technology
  • GMAT- Management
  • MCAT- Medical
  • LSAT- Law

Ques. Is GRE mandatory for MS in USA?

Ans. GRE is not required for MS in USA. Some of the universities offering MS in USA without GRE are:

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Boston University
  • University of North Texas
  • Purdue University
  • Northeastern University

Ques. Is IELTS mandatory for MS in USA?

Ans. No, IELTS is not a mandatory requirement for MS in USA. Some of the top Universities in USA like California State University, University of Colorado etc. accept students without an IELTS score.