There are various universities in the US for master’s programs that you can enroll in. Oftentimes, master’s programs in these universities are a perfect two-year graduate study program with both theoretical and practical aspects. Therefore, if you have a relevant bachelor’s degree and aspire to delve deep into the subject, you should consider a master’s program in the US.
The top universities in the US for master programs offer high-quality education among other benefits for domestic and international students. Additionally, you can earn a master’s degree in various disciplines such as chemistry, business administration, engineering, accounting, statistics, data sciences, and lots more.
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Though, choosing your preferred study program will depend on whether your choice of school offers the program. We recommend that you delve more into the several universities in the US for master programs, to determine your ideal choice. You can also pursue an entirely course-based or research-based program or a mixture of both.
In this article, we will discuss extensively the various universities in the US for master’s programs. So, let’s get started!
Why Study Master Programs In The US
When thinking of pursuing a master’s degree, the US is one of the top choices for most international students around the world. With its well-known universities, diverse academic programs, and extensive research opportunities, the United States offers an excellent environment for higher education.
Now, let’s explore some of the reasons why studying master’s programs in the US can be rewarding and transformative. Ranging from world-class faculty to advanced facilities, we’ll take you through the advantages of selecting universities in the US for master’s programs. Read on!
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1. Wider Choice Of Specializations: Universities in the US offer master’s degrees in major fields which are further classified into over 700 specializations.
2. Experiential Learning: The program structure offers sufficient industry experience such as internships. As well as projects that allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
3. Home To Top Universities: As per THE rankings for 2024, universities in the US are well-recognized in the entire subject ranking for education with over 25 universities in the top 100.
4. Renowned Faculties: Master programs in the US are globally recognized for having employed renowned faculties and resources in the world.
Top Universities In The US For Master Programs
Are you interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the US? If so, read on! The United States is a top destination for international students, offering numerous opportunities and academic excellence. With world-famous universities and diverse programs, the US provides a stimulating environment for advanced studies and research.
1. California State University, Long Beach
California State University is one of the largest universities in the US and it consists of 23 institutes. The courses offered by this prestigious university include business, arts, engineering, education, natural sciences, liberal arts, health and human services. In addition, the tuition fee for its standard graduate programs is around $8,000 per year.
Meanwhile, this is the cost for an average enrolment of 9 units/credits per semester.
California State University also assists graduate students by offering financial aid based on their academic merit. Some of the best Master’s courses at this university include Aerospace Engineering, Anthropology, Biochemistry, and Finance.
2. Alcorn State University, Mississippi
Alcorn State University is one of the cheapest universities in the US and is a public institution established in 1871. It offers 13 Master’s programs, which include courses in history, business administration, biology, and computer and information science. And also biotechnology, applied science and technology, and liberal arts.
Furthermore, foreign students attending its graduate school pay roughly $7,000 as tuition fees per year. You must check out the different course structures and fees before filling in the application. Alcorn State University also offers scholarships and financial aid to academically talented, but low-income students seeking admission in STEM graduate programs. Additionally, students will need to meet certain specific criteria to qualify for these scholarships.
3. Minot State University (North Dakota)
Minot State University is a government-funded, public institution established in 1913. This university offers several graduate programs like Master of Education, Master of Science in Disability Human Services, and Master of Science in Information Systems. As well as a Master of Science in Management, among other subjects.
Furthermore, the tuition fee for graduate degree courses is around $8,600 per year on average. Some of its best-known graduate programs include Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts, and Master of Science. As of 2021, students from across 30 different countries attend this university.
4. Dakota State University
Established in the year 1881, Dakota State University is a public university in South Dakota, US. This great university offers graduate programs such as teaching, business, technology, math, and science. Also, the average tuition fee at this university is nearly $465 per credit.
You can delve more into the comprehensive tuition fee guide to know more. Additionally, the university extends graduate assistantships, whereby students can earn some income and also reduce educational expenses. Furthermore, international students who have an F-1 visa and a Social Security Number in the US can easily apply for the assistantship.
5. University Of The People
This is a tuition-free, non-profit, and fully virtual university that was created in 2009. This implies that students do not need to pay any tuition fee to study. However, students will need to pay minimal fees for course assessment, which amounts to $200 for graduate programs. Some of the popular courses offered at this university include Computer Science, Health Science, Business Administration, and Education.
Duration Of Master Program Courses In The US
To study a master’s program in a university in the US often ranges between one and a half to two years. However, Computer Sciences and Engineering Master’s programs might take up to three to five years to complete. If a student opts for Medicine, these degrees are designed for up to 6 years, depending on the specialization chosen.
Eligibility Requirements For Master Programs In The US
You do not need a specific Bachelor of Science degree to apply for a master’s program in the US. However, it’s compulsory to complete an undergraduate degree in the relevant subject of the master’s field you choose. If you want to study for a master’s degree in the US, there are some primary requirements you must fulfill. Scroll down!
- Obtain 3 to 4 years of bachelor’s degree in the relevant field and also with an average GPA of 3.0 or 65 – 70% and above.
- Demonstrate your English-language Proficiency test such as IELTS.
- GRE score that is 290 or above.
- Write your statement of purpose.
- Two to three recommendation letters.
Additional aspects that can add weight to your application are listed below.
- Research/internship projects.
- Any published research papers.
- Proof of any social or leadership activities.
Cost Of Studying a Master’s Degree in The US
The tuition fee for a master’s degree in the US is usually based on the credit hours of the course and also the type of university. Whether it’s a public or private university. Meanwhile, the minimum credit hours of an MS program is 30 hours.
Therefore, the average cost of a master’s in the US is between $35,000 and $110,000. However, it might vary from institution to institution and on the specialization opted.
Cost Of Living In The US
The cost of living in the US will depend on the city and region you choose to live in. Generally, living in major cities and urban areas means that you’ll pay a higher cost of living compared to smaller towns. Expenses like accommodation, transportation, food, healthcare, and entertainment contribute so much to the overall cost of living.
Furthermore, the cost of renting or buying a house usually forms a significant portion of the budget, followed by healthcare and transportation. You must consider these factors and plan your finances accordingly while in the US. Below, we have highlighted some typical expenses and cost ranges in the US. Read on!
Accommodation
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment in the city center) may cost $1,800 to $3,500 per month.
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment outside the city center) may cost you $1,500 to $2,500 per month.
- Homeownership (monthly mortgage) may vary according to your location and property.
Transportation
- Public transportation (monthly pass) may cost $60 to $160.
- Gasoline (per gallon) may also cost $2.70 to $4.50.
- Car insurance (per month) can be between $110 to $200.
Food
- Groceries (per month) can be as low as $200 to $400.
- Eating out (inexpensive restaurant) may cost you $15 to $30 per meal.
- Eating out (mid-range restaurant): $25 to $60 per meal.
Healthcare
- Health insurance (monthly premium): varies according to the coverage and provider.
- A doctor’s visit (basic consultation) may cost between $100 to $250.
- Prescription medication often varies based on specific medication.
Entertainment
- Movie ticket: $10 to $20.
- Fitness club membership: $40 to $120 per month.
- Concert or event tickets vary widely.
Scholarship For Master Programs In The US
Applying for scholarships is an excellent method to pay for your studies in the US. That is even in addition to taking student loans or working part-time there. International students can choose from various scholarships to pursue masters in the United States. Below are some of the few known scholarship examples:
- Fulbright foreign student program.
- Fulbright- Nehru’s master’s fellowships.
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships.
- University scholarships.
- AAUW international fellowship.