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Looking to pursue your MS abroad? Universities in USA for MS offer diverse programs designed to give you hands-on experience and exposure to the latest technologies and innovations. From universities known for pioneering research to those offering strong links with tech companies and startups, studying in the USA opens doors to unique career opportunities. The average duration of MS in USA is 1.5 – 2 years with average fees being around USD 25,000 – USD 35,000 per year. If you are planning to pursue your masters in USA, you are at the right place. In this blog, you will find the complete list of the best universities in USA for MS for international students.
This Blog Includes:
- 20+ Top Universities in USA for MS
- Top Public Universities in USA for MS
- Top 10 Universities in USA for MS in Data Science, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Top 10 Universities in USA for MS in Civil Engineering
- Top Universities in USA in Electrical Engineering
- Universities in USA for MS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Top Universities in USA for MS in Business Analytics
- Popular MS Courses in the USA
- Eligibility for MS in USA for Indian Students
- Scholarships for MS in USA
- FAQs
| Particulars | Details |
| Total colleges and universities in USA for MS | 580+ |
| Average duration of MS in USA | 1.5 years to 2 years |
| Average cost of MS in USA | USD 25,000 – USD 35,000 (per year) |
| Top MS in USA Specializations | Computer Science Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Embedded Systems, Wireless Communications, Power Engineering |
| General eligibility for MS in USA | Bachelor’s degree in the same filedEnglish Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, DET)GRE/GMAT scoresWork Experience |
20+ Top Universities in USA for MS
The USA boasts universities that are at the forefront of innovation and research, making them ideal for students pursuing an MS. These schools provide specialized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and invaluable networking opportunities to help you excel in your field. Here is a list of the best universities in USA for MS for international students.
| University | Location |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Stanford University | Stanford, California |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, California |
| University of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois |
| Princeton University | Princeton, New Jersey |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, New York |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut |
| Columbia University | New York City, New York |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Duke University | Durham, North Carolina |
| University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, California |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California |
| Carnegie Mellon University | |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | |
| University of Washington | |
| New York University | |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | |
| Arizona State University |
Harvard University
A university known throughout the world for its academic excellence and a part of the Ivy League colleges, Harvard has created a space for itself with impeccable teaching standards and courses that set them apart. Ranked 3rd in the world, the acceptance rate for graduate programs can be as low as 4.6% which can be intimidating, but never count yourself out. Some distinguished MS courses at Harvard are MS in Anthropology, Archaeology, Software Engineering among a host of other courses.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
A member of the Ivy League and ranked first in the world in the QS 2021 rankings, MIT is a noted name when it comes to providing knowledge in the field of Science and Technology. Apart from the conventional bachelor and master’s level courses, the institute is especially revered for its Master of Science courses like MS in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Planetary Science and Geology, Geochemistry, and Geobiology, etc. A gigantic number of inventors of the world are alumni of this university and its students have been awarded some of the most esteemed accolades of the world like Nobel Prize, National Medal of Science, National Medal of Technology amongst others.
Yale University
Another addition to the list of best universities for MS in USA in the coveted Yale University. Ranked 17th in the QS 2021 Global Rankings, it offers an array of masters-level courses across Engineering, Technology, Public Health, and Materials Science domains. Apart from MS in Public Health, the university is also revered for its MS in Immunobiology, MS Mathematics, MS Molecular Biophysics, MS Geology and Geophysics, MS in Forestry & Environmental Studies, etc.
Stanford University
Located in the vibrant city of California, Stanford University established in the year 1885, has created a niche of its own for its students. Ranked 2nd in 2021 QS rankings, this university ranks high on every other list of best universities in USA for MS. It provides unrivaled MS courses like that in Aeronautics, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, etc. A feature special to Stanford University is interdisciplinary learning which provides scope to the students to discover their unsurpassed potential in many fields.
California Institute of Technology
Positioned 4th in the QS Global Rankings, the California Institute of Technology, or what is popularly known as ‘Caltech’, is a renowned name when it comes to pursuing MS in the USA. Generally, the MS courses at Caltech are offered to those who intend to complete their PhD in the chosen discipline. However, this requirement can vary from one course to another. MS in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, etc are some of the options you can consider pursuing in one of the best universities for MS in USA!
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Founded in the year 1885, the diverse culture and the wide-ranging courses offered by the Georgia Institue of Technology makes it stand out amongst the other universities in USA for MS. The students also get an on-campus accommodation in their undergraduate program. Known for its courses in the field of Management and Engineering, the institute offers a broad category of MS programs like International Logistics, Analytics (Online), Environmental Engineering, Music Technology that can be pursued by both online and offline mediums.
The University of Chicago
Ranked highly in the list of top universities in the world, The University of Chicago is a renowned name when it comes to pursuing postgraduation courses, specifically in the field of Science and Technology. It also offers numerous fellowships/scholarships to international students across various disciplines like the Laura Bassi Scholarship. Ranging from Astrophysics and Management to Genetics and Public Policy, here are some of the popular MS courses it has on offer:
- MS Analytics
- MS Computer Science
- MS Financial Mathematics
- MS in Molecular Engineering
- MS Threat & Response Management
Duke University
Another noted mention in our list of best universities in USA for MS is Duke University. Placed 42nd in QS 2021 and 20th in the Times Higher Rankings, the academic institution is known for its Master of Science programs especially in the domain of Engineering. With the options to tweak the course as per your likings, MS Biomedical Engineering, MS Electrical and Computer Engineering, MS Mechanical and Material Science Engineering are some of the most sought after programs.
Top Public Universities in USA for MS
Public universities in USA are very popular among international students. Here is a list of top public universities in USA:
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, San Diego
- University of Washington – Seattle
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Purdue University
- University of Maryland, College Park
Top 10 Universities in USA for MS in Data Science, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Pursuing a master’s in Data Science, Computer Science, or Artificial Intelligence in the USA opens up exciting career opportunities in tech, research, and innovation. These programs focus on developing advanced skills in data analysis, programming, machine learning, and problem-solving. Here is a list of universities in USA for masters:
- Stanford University
- Columbia University
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- New York University
- University of Southern California
- Indiana University Bloomington
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Boston University
- University of Washington
Top 10 Universities in USA for MS in Civil Engineering
A master’s in Civil Engineering from a top university in the USA prepares you for a successful career in construction, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. These programs cover essential topics like structural engineering, materials science, transportation, and urban planning. The USA university list for masters in civil engineering includes:
| University | Location |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Boston (Massachusetts) |
| University of California, Berkely | San Francisco |
| Stanford University | San Francisco |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Champaign and Urbana |
Top Universities in USA in Electrical Engineering
A master’s in Electrical Engineering from a leading university in the USA equips students with advanced skills in areas like electronics, telecommunications, power systems, and circuit design. Here are the top universities for electrical engineering in USA:
| University | Location |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Boston (Massachusetts) |
| Stanford University | San Francisco |
| University of California, Berkeley | San Francisco |
| Harvard University | Boston Massachusetts |
| California Institute of Technology | Los Angeles |
Universities in USA for MS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Pursuing an MS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the USA offers students the chance to work on exciting projects related to robotics, aerospace design, thermodynamics, and materials science. Here are the top universities for mechanical, aeronautical, and manufacturing engineering in USA:
| University | Location |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Boston (Massachusetts) |
| Stanford University | San Francisco |
| Harvard University | Boston Massachusetts |
| University of California, Berkeley | San Francisco |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor |
Top Universities in USA for MS in Business Analytics
A wide range of programs, comprehensive curriculum, extensive research opportunities as well as certified faculty, universities in the USA offers many perks, especially for international students. However, you must thoroughly research before choosing the right institution to start your career in the growing field of Business Analytics. Here are some of the top universities offering MS in Business Analytics in USA:
| University | Location in the USA |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge |
| University of California Los Angeles | Los Angeles |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Austin |
| University of Southern California | California |
| University of Washington | Seattle |
| Warwick University | Coventry |
| Purdue University | West Lafayette |
| Arizona State University | Tempe |
| University of Notre Dame | Chicago |
| University of California, Davis | San Francisco |
Popular MS Courses in the USA
As one of the most popular study destinations, the USA offers multifarious MS courses. These courses familiarize you with the essential details of your opted specializations through theoretical subjects and hands-on practice. Furthermore, MS courses in the USA are taught on a unit basis, each unit analyzing the skills of an individual and enhancing them on a subject basis. So, before we delve deep into the best universities in USA for MS, let us take a quick look at some of the popular MS courses in the USA:
- MS in Computer Science
- MS in Petroleum Engineering
- MS in Statistics
- MS in Information Systems
- MS in Game Design and Development
- MS in Life Sciences
- MS in Wireless Communications
- MS in Embedded Systems
Eligibility for MS in USA for Indian Students
Every university has a different set of standard entry requirements to be fulfilled by every applicant. The following points shed more light on the requirements:
- Undergraduate Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, desirably, in the closely related discipline. However, students who feel that a particular course and university best fits their profile, even if they hail from a different educational background, are also encouraged to apply
- Work Experience, if applicable: Many courses require or ask for applicants to possess a few years of working experience in a relevant area or discipline
- English Language Proficiency: Tests of IELTS and TOEFL are important prerequisites for international applicants. While an overall score of 7.0-7.5 on the IELTS and 90-100 on the TOEFL is recommended, many universities set their own minimum standards
- Standardised Tests: Scores of GRE or GMAT may also be a compulsory requirement depending on the course and university
- Other Requirements: Apart from the above, there can be quite a few specific instructions to applicants in terms of subjects studies, internships, language proficiency, etc
Scholarships for MS in USA
Scholarships for MS in the USA are a great way to reduce the financial burden of your studies. Many universities and external organizations offer merit-based, need-based, and program-specific scholarships to international students, helping them achieve their academic goals. Here are some of the best scholarships for international students to study in USA:
| Scholarships for MS in USA | Eligible Courses | Value |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Graduate and postgraduate studies | $20,000–$50,000 |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Master’s or Doctorate degree | J-1 visa sponsorship Health benefit |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships | A joint degree or multiple degrees | Full scholarships Visa Travel Living allowance |
| Fullbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | A Master’s degree (in specific subjects) | J-1 visa sponsorship Round-trip economy class air travel Tuition and fee funding Living and related costs |
| The Global Study Awards | Any undergraduate or postgraduate award | £10,000 |
FAQs
The best universities for MS in the USA depend on your field of study. Top choices include Stanford University, MIT, Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, and University of Pennsylvania.
The cost of studying MS in the USA varies widely, typically ranging from USD 20,000 to USD 50,000 per year for tuition. Additional expenses like living costs, books, and insurance can add USD 10,000 to USD 20,000. It’s essential to explore scholarships and financial aid options to manage costs.
Eligibility for MS in the USA typically includes a relevant bachelor’s degree, a competitive GRE score (if required), English proficiency test scores like TOEFL/IELTS, and strong academic performance. Some universities also require letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume showcasing relevant experience.
A 7.5 CGPA is generally considered decent for MS in the USA, especially if you’re applying to top-tier schools. However, universities also consider other factors like your GRE scores, research experience, internships, and recommendation letters.
Whether MS is better in India or the USA depends on your career goals. The USA offers cutting-edge research opportunities, global exposure, and a wider range of specialized programs. In contrast, India can offer quality education at a lower cost but may lack the same industry connections as U.S. institutions.
Cities like San Francisco (Silicon Valley), Boston, and New York are popular for MS students due to their proximity to leading universities and tech companies. Cities such as Austin and Seattle also offer growing tech hubs, while Boston and Chicago provide strong research and industry connections across various fields.
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