Why Study Masters in USA?

Famous for its higher education, a lot of international students often get stuck on the question - why USA for masters? There are various reasons to choose the USA for masters, even if it is for its quality education, globally recognised and accredited degrees or lucrative job opportunities, all these are available only in the USA.

Why MS in USA? This is a very open-ended question, and the more people in question, the higher the number of reasons for opting for a master's in the US. MS in USA is a popular choice of graduate courses. International students flock to study in USA only to pursue an MS here. But why is MS in USA so popular? This article will throw light on the top 10 reasons to study master's in the US as an international student. 

Top 10 Reasons to Study Masters in USA

Since millions of international students apply to US universities for a masters level course, it is not because of one reason, but a culmination of many reasons. So if someone asks why they want to pursue a masters in the USA, then applicants can state some of the following given reasons. Let us look at the 10 reasons why the USA is best for masters:

Reason 1: Choose the Top Universities in USA for Masters

Tier one US universities have consistently ranked and made a mark for offering some of the renowned master's courses to international applicants. Some of the globally ranked and recognized universities in the US which offer masters include Ivy League schools along with a few others which are as follows: 

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• Harvard University
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• University of Chicago
• Princeton University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Yale University
• Cornell University
• Columbia University

These are just a couple of top-ranked US universities offering master's in the USA and there are other options also based on the choice of master's course in the USA.

Reason 2: Different Types of Masters in USA are Offered

There is not just one type of master's in the USA, there is a wide range of courses that fall in the category of master's but may be denoted with a different acronym. The different types of masters in the USA include - MS, MSN, M.Eng, ME and MBA. 

Thus, each of these degree types has a different specialization or major in which the applicants wish to complete their education and pursue jobs accordingly. Thus, there is just a different way of calling out and differentiating between degree types, hence it's commonly referred to as masters in the USA. 

MS is also used to denote a couple of humanities courses along with science courses in the USA. While a few MS courses like MS in Engineering or Engineering Management including ME and M.Eng are purely for engineering and technology-related courses. MBA in the USA is also a very different course in comparison to MS, ME and M.Eng in the USA, but is a master's level course only. 

Reason 3: Internationally Recognised Masters from USA

All US universities are recognised and accredited to offer masters to international students. Thus, US universities are accredited by the following agencies, which help international students get their degrees evaluated for foreign jobs easily:

• Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc.
• Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
• Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
• American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation

Thus, based on the subject of courses offered in Masters in the USA, accreditations are given to the universities offering these courses. 

Also, check out:

Reason 4: Varied Specializations in Master’s in USA

For one set of broad courses at the masters level in the USA, there is a variety of specializations offered within that course offering. Check out some of the specializations available for international students enrolled across different masters courses in the USA in the table below: 

While there may be other ways of denoting the masters courses in the USA, applicants should make their choices wisely.

Reason 5: Academic Flexibility in USA for Masters

A lot of master's courses in the USA are not just offered in the full-time mode, there are other modes of pursuing this course in the USA. The various modes under which masters courses can be opted are as follows:

• Full-time: A master's degree which is longer than six months and can be offered in a hybrid mode or in a full-time classroom setting mode in the US. 
• Part-time: A part-time master’s can last for three or four years, thus, they might be offered offline or online or even in the hybrid mode in the USA.
• Online: These are purely online mode classes that are offered through different US universities or colleges. 

Applicants may not always find a part-time masters in a particular course of specialisation or even an online course, but there are options available across US institutions to pursue a masters in part-time or online mode. 

A lot of MBA programs in the USA are offered in the accelerated mode, which means instead of two years, it is one year long, thus, the option is provided at the universities where it is offered. 

Reason 6: Plethora of Scholarships for Masters in USA for International Students

There are a variety of scholarships available in the USA for international students. Some of the common scholarships which can be availed for those pursuing a masters in the USA as international students are as follows:

Find out more about the scholarships for Masters in USA that are available for international students. 

Reason 7: Top Paying Jobs after Masters in USA

There is a significant opportunity in the market for applicants holding a master's degree in the USA. These are mostly high-paid jobs in the USA which are available to those who graduate with a master's degree in USA and they are as follows:

• Program Manager: USD 144,830
• Petroleum Engineer: USD 137,720
• Network Architect: USD 126,830
• Chemical Consultant: USD 108,540
• Financial Analyst: USD 108,360
• Business Development Manager: USD 80,000
• Statistical Analyst: USD 103,930
• Electrical Design Engineer: USD 100,830
• Research Assistant: USD 92,860
• Manufacturing Engineer: USD 90,160

Based on the applicant’s master's degree in the USA, he/she can get a good and well-paid job. In most cases, those with a master's in business administration and STEM-related courses are usually very highly paid in the USA. Check: Popular Job Sectors in USA

Reason 8: Research Opportunities with Masters in USA

Students pursuing a master's in the USA can opt for RA (research assistantship) or TA (teaching assistantship). These are basically research opportunities offered to those who are enrolled in master’s courses in the USA which require research by the end of the course. The RA’s and TA’s are usually paid a stipend based on their type of work. This is just to help students gain more experience in teaching and research-related activities. 

According to October 2024 data, Research Assistants in the USA earned an average annual salary of around USD 64,514. Whereas, the Teaching Assistants in the USA earned around USD 35,240 a year on average. 

Read more about: Types of Assistantships for Graduate Students

Reason 9: STEM OPT is Available only in the USA for Masters Grads

STEM OPT or those who hold a bachelor’s degree in STEM-related courses can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) which is basically for F-1 visa holders to complete their practical training after completing their bachelor’s degree. This is available only in the USA for international students who graduate with a STEM education at the bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level only.

STEM OPT extension basically helps students complete their degrees in the USA with the help of an employer who can guarantee them 20 hours a week. Applicants don't need to have the same employer till the end of their tenure of STEM OPT as a post-study work visa in the USA. 

Reason 10: Opportunity to Work with Top Employers after Masters in USA

Home to numerous MNCs, applicants with a master's degree are sure to get good opportunities to work with some of the top employers. Some of these employers who are well-known and have hired applicants in the past are as follows:

These are top-rated employers in the USA and students who aim for these employers in order to gain experience either through internships or full-time work options. Thus, those interested in working abroad should have a few options in hand. Also, those who get a job can look at getting a permanent residency card in USA.

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