Are you planning to pursue a master of science in USA? In reality, most universities, colleges, and graduate institutions worldwide confer the Master of Science (M. Sc. or MS degree) as a postgraduate academic degree.
So, the grade programs for Master of Science in USA, develop students’ theoretical skills interested in pursuing career opportunities in the sciences. The programs feature a range of classes that will prepare students for careers in medicine, biology, chemistry, and other fields of science.
The programs are most often two-year, though some schools offer four-year degree programs lasting up to five years. Furthermore, some of the world’s most prestigious universities and institutions are located in the United States.
Hence, you are a domestic or an international student, MS in the USA in any subject of your choice would be the best decision.
The best schools for Master of Science in USA
- Princeton University,
- Harvard University,
- Columbia University,
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
- Yale University,
- Stanford University,
- The University of Chicago,
- The University of Pennsylvania,
- California Institute of Technology, also
- Johns Hopkins University.
Top 9 specializations for MS in the US
- MS in Engineering,
- Business Administration,
- Management,
- MS in computer science,
- Information technology,
- MS in Medicine & Life sciences,
- Mathematics.
- Masters in Pharmacy,
- Masters in Wireless Communication.
Eligibility: MS in the US for international students?
Masters in Science degree programs are offered in the USA. International students apply for admission. Besides, eligibility requirements for admittance may vary by school. Generally, the minimum GPA requirement for international students is 3.0.
Furthermore, international students with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university can apply to the M. Sc. in the US. However, they need to show background and preparation for graduate study in science. So, typical criteria include:
- All universities will require confirmation of language skills, usually as a language certificate such as the C1 Advanced, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Cambridge Credential.
- The student should have a Bachelor’s of Science (B. Sc.) or a Master’s of Arts degree.
- Must also have completed a 4-5-year or a 3-year bachelor’s degree with a 1-year preparation course.
- For some specializations, a portfolio may be required. Your portfolio will show your practical experience in your chosen subject.
- You must be eligible for US immigration.
Aptitude Tests
In the United States, undergraduate students (and some graduate students) must take standardized tests to gain admission to many colleges. However, it depends upon the choice of course. These tests evaluate a candidate’s academic ability to succeed in a graduate program.
The standardized test score that is considered for admission is (1) GRE, (2) MCAT, (3) TOEFL, (4) IELTS, (5) SATs, and GMAT. The applicants may have to take tests during the pre-admission visit, known as Test Counseling. Consequently, GRE scores are required for admission in the USA for a Master of Science in Engineering.
Credential Evaluation for Admission
The educational background required for a US education is typically a Bachelor’s degree, but specific undergraduate programs may require a higher degree, such as a Master’s or Doctoral degree. Applicants are often required to submit transcripts of their academic records, evaluated by a third party.
The transcripts are then translated and evaluated by trained professionals. So, the applicants must upload their high school mark sheets and university degrees at the chosen agency’s official website. Some of the evaluation agencies are:
- American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO),
- WES: World Education Services,
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE),
- NACES: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
Application procedure for master of science in USA
You will go to the university’s website, choose the program you want to apply to, and submit your application documents on their application platform before the deadline. Some academic programs have a rolling admissions process.
Most degree programs have two admission sessions, one in the winter/spring and one in the summer. You should wait for your file to be examined after you upload all application materials and pay the application fee (if there is one). If your file shows you meet the admissions criteria, you will be invited to a Zoom/Skype or face-to-face interview.
Supporting Documents
- Application form,
- Graduation certificate OR diploma (of all previous studies),
- The complete transcript of recent academic records
- Motivation letter/statement of purpose
- Curriculum Vitae (CV),
- Two recommendation letters,
- Portfolio/video presentation to prove language skills,
- A copy of your driver’s license or passport.
(Note: enrolment requirement and documents may vary for US citizens and international applicants.)
What is a GRE/GMAT for Admissions in the USA?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are standardized tests many colleges and universities require for graduate-level degree programs.
The formats of these tests vary significantly. For example, students preparing to take these tests can purchase sample copies of actual previous exams from their respective organizations. In addition, sample questions are available on each organization’s website.
While each exam involves its own unique set of required subjects, both require that students read multiple texts quickly and accurately analyze data based on those readings.
GMAT offers five different versions of its standardized test; GRE currently offers two versions of its test—the standard version and an advanced version that differs only slightly from its traditional counterpart.
Above all, each school has its specific requirements. Students need to research which schools will offer them admission based on their history with standardized testing.
What is GRE/GMAT Waiver?
A GRE or GMAT waiver allows students to apply without taking these tests. A test like this can be beneficial if students lack test-taking skills, struggle with standardized testing, or do not have the time to take a rigorous test before applying.
One downside, however, is that these waivers may cost colleges more money and give them less insight into their applicant’s abilities and knowledge. There are several ways that schools may work around these issues.
What is the GRE fee?
Academic Testing Service (ETS) administers the GRE in the United States. There is a $205 fee for taking the GRE outside India and China. Additional costs include a $150 subject test fee and a $50 rescheduling fee. Moreover, the partial refundable amount could be $97.50.
In addition, the general test fee for Indian students is $213, for Chinese applicant’s expense is $231, and the rescheduling fee is $50.
The GRE test is offered online in five sections: Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing, and three Integrated Reasoning sections.
Is GRE compulsory for MS in the USA?
Yes, GRE is the mandatory exam for admission to all the Master of Science (MS) programs in the US. The GRE is a computer-based test that evaluates your quantitative and verbal abilities.
The total GRE score is used to determine your eligibility for admission. The minimum GRE score requirement varies from school to school, but a good GRE score is 160 to 170.
Is IELTS accepted in the USA?
IELTS is accepted by most universities, government agencies, and employers in the United States. Many universities, for example, will require you to submit your IELTS score instead of the usual transcript.
It is beneficial for proving English if you’re from a non-native English-speaking country because the speaking test is based on your speech rather than the Queen’s English.
Schools offering GRE/GMAT Waiver
- George Washington University,
- Carnegie Mellon University, MIT,
- Northeastern University,
- The University of South Carolina,
- The University of Colorado Boulder,
- Ohio State University,
- Arizona State University,
- Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and
- Montana State University.
Generally, if you have a high GPA (around 3.5 or higher), then you may get into that school without submitting GRE or GMAT scores at all. The University of Chicago, Temple University, and NYU are among some of those that offer waivers based on GPA alone.
Sometimes, private universities can offer their version of a waiver, providing students receive exceptionally high scores on either exam.
For example, Northeastern University’s College of Business gives releases for students who have scored at least 160 on each section of the GMAT or 600 on each section of the GRE.
US students visa
Students with an F-1 visa may continue their education in the United States if they are currently enrolled in a college or university. The F-1 student visa is usually offered to non-immigrants who will pursue higher studies or research in the United States.
Also, the applicant must have received the-20 form from the university they have been admitted to the school. This academic visa allows the students to stay in the United States for up to four years to complete their studies.
Can a spouse of an F1 visa holder work in the USA?
Generally, spouses of F1 visa holders can work in the United States if they have a green card. Your spouse can work while waiting for the green card to be approved.
The student needs to have a valid F1 visa, which requires a US citizen or eligible foreign national to petition and file the necessary paperwork. Most importantly, a spouse needs to be with the primary beneficiary of their F1 visa, which is their family.
Aside from that, partners and children of F1 visa holders can work in the United States with work visas because they are eligible for H1 or L1 visas, which allow them to work in the United States.
The main difference is that the H1 visa category is for spouses of F1 visa holders, while L1 is for spouses and children of F1 visa holders.
Also Read: Affordable Universities in USA
12 Famous disciplines for MS in the USA
A master’s degree in science is the next logical step in your education. Those studies teach students the theoretical and practical aspects of a particular science, allowing them to pursue careers in research or industry. Consequently, many programs are available to aspirants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- Data science,
- Software engineering,
- Astrophysics,
- Zoology,
- Bioinformatics,
- Biochemistry,
- Business,
- Technology,
- Chemistry,
- Computer,
- Earth and Marine Sciences,
- Mathematics.
Which is the cheapest master’s degree major in the United States?
The cheapest MS major in the United States is Engineering Management, earned entirely online for $8,000. Similarly, tuition fee for social work degree programs is also low. Furthermore, Biology is inexpensive among undergraduate majors, with an average graduate school cost of $20,826 per year.
The low-priced master’s degree in the United States can obtain in online colleges. Distance education is also known as online education. Ivy League universities and the University of Phoenix are among the top online colleges.
Their prices are among the best in the world. On the other hand, otherwise, you earn your degree on campus at Ivy League universities, which are pretty affordable.
Can you get a master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree?
You may be eligible to sometimes apply for a Master’s degree without a Bachelor’s degree. However, this is usually only an option if you have relevant professional experience. Some MBA programs, for example, accept applicants without a bachelor’s degree if they have a lot of work experience. Similarly, if you have a relevant professional or artistic portfolio, you may be eligible to apply for several master’s programs.
What is a Master of Science in the USA?
Typically, a Master’s of Science degree is offered in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with the specific subject matter depending on the program. Most importantly, the MS degrees can be research-based or professional and may focus on a single interdisciplinary issue.
They are often the second milestone in a sequence of advanced studies, such as a bachelor’s degree or a doctoral degree. Some MS programs are stand-alone, providing career advancement opportunities and improving professional skills without the commitment of a doctoral program.
Which is the best for master of science in USA ?
The MBA (Master of Business Administration) is one of the most popular master’s programs, which provides students with skills in management and leadership. Similarly, MS in Nursing in the USA could be the best choice for many people. Some other best options are:
- Master of Journalism,
- MS in education,
- Biomedical Engineering,
- Computer Science,
- MS in Communication,
- Masters in Health,
- Marketing, and
- Social Sciences.
Which are the top universities in the USA for ms in computer science?
The best universities for master of science in USA (computers degrees) include the following institutions:
| University of Maryland-College Park | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities |
| University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
| Purdue University | Syracuse University |
| Yale University | University of Wisconsin-Madison |
| Columbia University | Princeton University |
| New York University | University of California-Berkeley |
What is a Master of Science in USA?
MS, or the Master of Science, is an advanced degree typically offered in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with the specific subject matter depending on the program. In the United States, MS degrees can be either research-based or professional and may focus on a single subject or be interdisciplinary.
They are often the second milestone in a sequence of advanced studies, such as a bachelor’s degree or a doctoral degree. Some master of science in USA are designed to be stand-alone, providing career advancement opportunities and improving professional skills without the commitment of a doctoral program.
Online Master of Science in USA
Online programs for master of science in USA help students gain the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a career in science. The Internet is a great way to expand your proficiency without moving to a new city.
They may offer a variety of specializations, such as biology, chemistry, or geology. Some online courses require a background in a particular field as a prerequisite for admission.
The world is rapidly digitizing, and education is no exception. Due to its flexibility and the wide range of programs available, online education has become an increasingly popular way to earn a science degree. Above all, you can make a high-quality education without having to leave the comfort of your home or schedule your life around a traditional school.
What are the costs for an online degree?
Online Master’s degree programs allow students to earn a degree from an accredited university. In addition, the cost of online master of science in USA is highly variable, with some programs being cheaper than others.
Thus, it is generally advised that you should budget at least $600 to $800 per credit hour for total tuition (with an upper limit around $20K) if pursuing an online master’s degree from a private, non-profit institution.
Most universities will charge additional fees for course materials and proctored exams. However, these additional fees will vary depending on your chosen institution and program.
Advantages and disadvantages of online master programs
A master’s degree online is an excellent choice if you live too far from campus to take classes there but want to earn a degree from a reputable university. Consequently, online learning for master of science in USA has some advantages and disadvantages.
Pros (Advantages)
In reality, online degree programs can often be completed faster. That offers fewer lectures and no need to commute to campus every day. Similarly, students get enough time to focus on their studies and more time with family and friends.
You can complete classwork at your own pace. And everything is conducted digitally; email communications and digital course materials eliminate any issues that may arise from being out of touch for any period.
An online program gives working professionals who want to advance their education but cannot leave their jobs because of financial constraints.
You may also receive more personalized attention than you would if you were taking online classes; during in-person lectures or workshops.
Cons (Disadvantages)
In reality, students taking online courses often feel disconnected from their teachers and classmates. Additionally, it can be hard to get course credit transferred from other universities into an online program.
All your professors and course materials will be online. So, you won’t have access to in-person office hours or academic resources like study groups and libraries that most on-campus colleges offer.
Moreover, earning a master’s degree through distance education may not allow you to make as many friends as attending on-campus classes would.
Finally, some companies and employers are reluctant to hire a person with having online Master of Science degree. And they prefer regular graduates for the jobs.
How to choose an accredited university?
If you choose an online university to pursue master of science in USA, look for one that has earned accreditation from at least one recognized agency. There are over 160 schools you can choose anyone. Hence, a few great options for accredited science degrees include:
- Johns Hopkins University,
- The University of Arizona,
- Drexel University,
- The University of Washington,
- Arizona State University,
- California State University,
- College of Charleston,
- City University New York,
- North Carolina State,
- Northwestern,
- West Virginia University, also
- Oregon Health and Science University.
FAQs
The I-20 is the signed form that a student must bring to the US embassy or consulate to complete the visa application process. I-20s are documents sent to students by universities that confirm their enrollment. The Registrar usually signs them for Enrollment Management or the Vice President.
If a student wants to obtain an F-1 visa, they must get an I-20 form from a school that sponsors international students.
Before traveling to the US to apply for a visa, students must submit their I-20s (and any other required documents) to the US embassy or consulate.
Yes, the GRE is online. So, students can register for the exam at ETS GRE and choose to take it on a computer, handheld device, or in-person with a proctor.
Students typically take it in their final year of undergraduate study or earn a master’s degree. The computerized GRE is offered in two formats: the Standardized General Test (SAT) and the Subject Test.
Yes, you can bring your spouse to the United States as a student with an F1 visa. Your spouse will be allowed to study in the United States under the same terms as an international student. Your spouse will also be eligible for the same federal student aid and loan programs as any other student. You will be able to file the I-130 visa petition for your spouse on your behalf, and then you can attend the visa interview together.
Conclusion
In reality, earning a master of science in USA is challenging. If you can dedicate yourself to studies, you can quickly graduate. Thus, programs like these are suitable to students who want to expand their knowledge of the sciences.
Most of these programs require students to complete a set of core courses in their central area of study. So, students can often choose courses in other departments to broaden their education. As a result, international students should know which program they are going to enroll to plan accordingly.
Universities, community colleges, and teaching hospitals offer various master’s courses. Moreover, degree programs for MS in the USA are available in many locations throughout the country, and students worldwide may apply.