Top 10 MS specializations from USA

The top MS Specialisations in the USA are based on popular choice. The USA is the most prominent destination for international students studying abroad. The United States houses the world’s top-ranked universities that offer the best master’s programs in many specialisations. Universities in the USA follow an open education system that allows you to apply for any major or specialisation, even if you are from a different background. Admission to MS courses in USA is not based on your major or specialisation in a bachelor’s.

MS courses in USA have a separate curriculum based on the subject and admissions are based on academic excellence and standard exam scores like GRE and TOEFL or IELTS. There are so many universities where you can study MS programs in USA that are offered across popular specialisations. They offer the best education with scholarships to students based on their academic merits. Here we have mentioned below some of the popular MS Specialisations in the USA for international students.

Top 10 MS Specializations from USA

The following are the most popularly opted and the best MS specialisations in the USA by international students:

1. MS in Computer Science
2. MS in Petroleum Engineering
3. MS in Embedded Systems
4. MS in Wireless Communications
5. MS in Power Engineering
6. MS in Management Information Systems
7. MS in Game Design and Game Development
8. MS in Data Science
9. MS in Business Analytics

   10. MS in Very-large-scale integration (VLSI)

Apart from the above-given MS specialisations in USA, there are a couple more which can be considered for MS courses:

MS in Computer Science

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Robotics are the major topics of MS in Computer Science. A Master’s in CS from a US university provides opportunities to work with global giants like Facebook, Google, Amazon, Accenture, Wipro, Tesla, etc. Top US universities offering MS in Computer Science are as follows:

• Columbia University
• Yale University
• Johns Hopkins University
• Princeton University
• New York University

MS in Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum Engineering involves the technology of economically developing and producing underground reservoirs of oil, gas, steam, etc. This technology relies on the basic concepts of physics, chemistry, mathematics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and economics. The petroleum industry is one of the largest and most prominent in the United States today. MS in Petroleum Engineering offers lucrative placement opportunities to students. Top US universities offering MS in Petroleum Engineering are as follows:

• University of Houston
• Texas Tech University
• University of North Dakota
• University of Tulsa
• University of Kansas

MS in Embedded Systems

MS in Embedded Systems course gives students knowledge about embedded hardware. Embedded systems are computer systems with a trustworthy operation within a larger mechanical or electrical system. B.Tech / BE in ECE, EEE, and Computer Science students can opt for this major.  MS in Embedded Systems helps you strike a balance between hardware and software knowledge. The top US universities offering MS in Embedded Systems are as follows:

• University of California, Berkeley
• University of California, San Diego
• Carnegie Mellon University
• University of California, Irvine
• San Francisco State University

MS in Wireless Communications

MS and Ph.D. programs in Wireless communication deal with the physical and lower layers of wireless communication. These courses provide in-depth system knowledge, which in turn requires insights into the various components of a wireless system. Companies such as Sony, Ericsson, Huawei, etc. require students who have graduated in the field of wireless communications. To name a few US universities offering this MS specialisation are as follows:

• University of Southern California
• University of Maryland
• Northeastern University
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Lund University

MS in Power Engineering

Power and Energy Systems is an electrical engineering area that revolves around designing and building modern power systems and deals with rotating machinery, transmission and distribution systems, surge phenomena, system protection, and dynamics, combined with other, more specialized topics. Some of the US universities known for offering this specialisation are as follows:

• Clarkson University
• University of Wisconsin - Madison
• University of Houston
• University of Colorado - Boulder
• Illinois Institute of Technology

MS in Management Information Systems

MS in Management Information Systems (MS in MIS) contains business and IT courses in its curriculum. It deals with applying Information Systems to the Organization. MIS Prepares the future IT managers, Business Analysts, Systems Analysts, and Programmers in Healthcare, Insurance, Banking and marketing, and other major domains. In addition, MIS also complements MBA. Hence, students can opt for MBA after pursuing MS in Management Information Systems. It will provide a massive boost to their careers. Some of the US universities offering an MS in Management & Information Systems are as follows:

• Florida State University
• University of Maryland - College Park
• Syracuse University
• Oklahoma State University (Spears School of Business)
• University at Buffalo – SUNY (School of Management)

MS in Game Design and Game Development

MS in Game Development program requires students with a strong foundation in computer science, an engineering-oriented game development core, and a concentration in the key research directions in game development. A long-term goal of this M.S. degree is to establish research and development directions that create a science of games. The following are some of the US universities offering this MS specialisation:

• Rochester Institute of Technology
• Duke University
• University of Southern California
• Bradley University
• Northeastern University

MS in Data Science

A Master of Science (MS) in Data Science equips students with advanced skills in analyzing large datasets to extract valuable insights and make data-driven decisions. It combines statistical analysis, machine learning techniques, and programming to handle complex data challenges across various industries. Graduates are proficient in data visualisation, predictive modelling, and implementing data strategies to solve real-world problems effectively. The program typically covers topics like data mining, big data analytics, and database management, preparing professionals for roles such as data scientist, data analyst, or business intelligence manager in today's data-centric world. Some of the leading US universities offering MS in Data Science are as follows:

• Harvard University
• Cornell University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Washington
• University of California, San Diego

MS in Business Analytics

A Master of Science (MS) in Business Analytics equips students with advanced skills in data analysis and interpretation, crucial for making informed business decisions. This program integrates statistical methods, data mining, and predictive modelling to extract insights from complex data sets. Graduates possess expertise in using analytical tools and techniques to solve real-world business problems, enhancing operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. The curriculum often includes hands-on projects and industry partnerships to provide practical experience in applying analytics to diverse sectors, preparing graduates for roles such as data scientist, business analyst, or analytics manager in various organisations. Check out the US universities offering this specialisation:

MS in Very-large-scale integration (VLSI)

Large-scale integration is the process of integrating hundreds of thousands of components on a single silicon chip. Master of Science in VLSI is the most demanding major offered by US Schools. Students from Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE) and Electronics & Communications Engineering (ECE) from India can easily apply for this master’s program. Check out the US universities offering this specialisation:

• University of Southern California
• New York University
• Purdue University
• Michigan State University
• Michigan Technological University

Top Reasons to Study MS Course in the USA

Why the USA for masters is famous for Indian students to study abroad? This question is common among students when choosing destinations abroad for higher studies. The USA is one of the most preferred abroad countries not only for Indian students but also for foreign students to pursue an MS course. It follows an amazing education system, world-ranked universities, better career opportunities, scholarships for students, and much more for students who came to study here.

1. Home of Top Universities: The USA holds the highest number of world-ranked universities under the top 100 universities in the world. These universities are not only known for their vast campuses but also provide opportunities across all disciplines.

2. Top Specializations: Universities in the United States offer MS degrees in major fields, which are further divided into over 700 specializations.

3. Better Job Opportunities: An MS degree from US University signals that you are a worthy candidate. MS graduates get the highest salary after their degree and can earn an average salary of $79k per year.

Check: Reasons to Choose USA for Study

Top Universities to Study MS Courses in USA

The following universities have been acclaimed for offering the best MS courses in USA which include Ivy League universities, tier-1 universities and 2 and 3-tier universities as well:

1. MIT
2. Stanford University
3. Harvard University
4. California Institute of Technology
5. University of Chicago

Other top US universities offer various MS courses that are equally reputed. Students must check the university they are applying to for the availability of the desired specialisation in the USA.  

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• Life in a US campus: What is it like to do an MS or D.?

Admission Requirements for MS in USA

In order to get admission to MS courses in USA, applicants will have to first fulfil the basic eligibility criteria. Once they meet the basic admission criteria, they can apply for admission with the following documents:

• Transcripts
• GPA of bachelor's degree
• GRE / GMAT scores
• IELTS / TOEFL scores 
• Statement of purpose (SoP)
• Letters of recommendation (LORs)
• Resume
• Financial documents
• Valid passport 

This was all about MS specialisations in the USA, there may be many other specialisations which could be considered by applicants. Thus, it is always advisable that applicants check the specialization availability before applying to the US university.

Do you have more doubts related to which MS specialisation to choose in USA and at which university? Get in touch with our counsellors at - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply by signing up for resolution to all your queries.