Top 5 Postgraduate (PG) Courses in USA 2024: List, Duration, Fees

USA is the most popular study-abroad destination for Indian students. As per the latest statistics, the number of Indian students enrolled in USA increasing day by day. Media reports claim that in just one year there is a 35% increase in Indian students selecting USA as their study-abroad destination 2024.

This Story also Contains

1. Top 5 Postgraduate Courses in USA
2. Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Courses in USA
3. Document Required for Postgraduate Courses in USA
4. Best Masters Courses in USA: Admission Deadlines
5. Cost of MS in USA for Indian Students
6. Scholarships to Study Postgraduate Courses in USA
7. Jobs after Master’s in USA

Currently, there are over 250,000 students from India at US universities. Studying master's degree in USA is among the latest trends among international students due to its high academic standards, modern facilities, and the opportunity to gain practical experience.

USA offers master’s degrees for international students in top specialisations in sciences, engineering, and medicine. The duration of PG in USA is around 1-2 years. A few popular PG courses in USA include MS in Finance, MS in Data Sciences, MS in Computer Science, MS in Marketing, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Medicine and Sciences, and others.

Many top universities in USA offer master’s degree programmes for international students. The application process and eligibility criteria for various courses in USA after graduation vary depending on the university. However, students must have a bachelor’s degree and GRE or GMAT test certificates to apply for different PG courses in the USA. Read the complete article to learn more about PG courses in USA for international students and more.

Top 5 Postgraduate Courses in USA

USA offers multiple Postgraduate courses in USA for international students. The list of the best PG diploma courses in USA for Indian students is as follows:

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

2. Master of Science in Computer Science

3. Master of Science in Data Science

4. Master of Science in Engineering

5. Master of Public Health (MPH)

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA in USA is a dream for many international students. The duration of MBA in USA is around 2 years. Many top USA universities also offer online MBA courses for international students to reduce their academic workload. A few top specialisation for MBA in USA include finance, marketing, operations, and human resources. The average MBA fees in USA for international students is approximately USD 60,000 to USD 100,000 per academic year.

Universities Offering MBA in USA

• Harvard University

• Stanford University

• Columbia University

• University of Chicago Booth School of Business

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2. Master of Science in Computer Science

Master of Science in Computer Science is a popular postgraduate course in USA. The duration of a Master of Science in Computer Science in USA is around 1-2 years. IT mainly focuses on the development of software, systems, networks, and data science. Many universities also offer internships and research projects for PG students. The average MS in Computer Science fees in USA for international students is around USD 30,000 to USD 80,000 per year.

Universities Offering Master of Science in Computer Science in USA

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Stanford University

• Carnegie Mellon University

• University of California, Berkeley

• Harvard University

3. Master of Science in Data Science

Data Science courses in USA offer a high demand for skilled professionals in the country. The duration of a Master of Science in Data Science in USA is approximately 2 years for international students. Top specialisations in Data Science include data mining, statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualisation. The average MS in Data Science fees in USA is around USD 21,000 and USD 75,000 per year.

Universities Offering Master of Science in Data Science in USA

• Columbia University

• Harvard University

• New York University

• University of Michigan

• Cornell University

4. Master of Science in Engineering

The United States offers numerous advanced courses in various engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering. The duration of a Master of Science in Engineering in USA is between 1-2 years. The average MS in Engineering fees in USA range between USD 30,000 and USD 120,000 per year for Indian students.

Universities Offering Master of Science in Engineering in USA

• University of Michigan

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• The University of Texas at Austin

• Northeastern University

• Stanford University

5. Master of Public Health (MPH)

A Master of Public Health (MPH) in USA offers students to work in various public health settings. The duration of a Master of Public Health (MPH) in USA is around 2 years. Top specialisations in this field include biostatistics, health policy management, global health, and social and behavioral sciences. The average fees for Master of Public Health (MPH) in USA for Indian students is USD 65,000 to USD 85,000 per year.

Universities Offering Master of Public Health (MPH) in USA

• Columbia University

• University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

• Johns Hopkins University

• Cornell University

Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Courses in USA

The general eligibility criteria for an MS in USA are listed below:

• Students must complete their bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field.

• The minimum GPA requirement for a PG course in USA is approximately 3.0.

• Students should have relevant work experience.

• Qualification for the GRE or GMAT is compulsory.

• Candidates must qualify for English language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo.

Document Required for Postgraduate Courses in USA

Here is the list of general documents, required for submitting an application to the USA universities for a master's.

• Recommendation letters ( minimum 2-3 lectures)

• GRE/TOEFL/GMAT/IELTS score proofs besides reporting the test scores officially.

• Academic transcripts for the qualifications listed in the application form.

• SOP

• Work experience certificates, if applicable

• Photocopies of passport

• Certificates for extra-curricular activities are mentioned in the application form.

• WES Evaluation documents, if required by the university.

Best Masters Courses in USA: Admission Deadlines

Here are a few application deadlines for the PG courses in top universities in the USA. The application deadlines can vary slightly depending on the type of specialisation.

Application Deadlines of Top USA Universities for the Fall 2025

Cost of MS in USA for Indian Students

The cost of PG programmes in USA varies depending on the type of university, their ranking, location, type of programmes chosen, and other factors. An MS in USA is comparatively cheaper in public universities than in private colleges. The average MS in USA fees ranges between USD 30,000- USD 120,000 for Indian students.

Additionally, the cost of PG courses in USA might be affected by the average cost of living in the city. The average cost of living in US is Rs. 167000 per month for Indian students which is approximately 234.2% higher than in India.

Cheapest Universities to Study Postgraduate Courses in USA

Scholarships to Study Postgraduate Courses in USA

International students can apply for scholarships in USA which can significantly reduce the cost of your MS course. There are both merit-based and need-based scholarships available for Indian students. Here are some of the scholarships you can apply for if you are planning to do your MS in USA.

• Inlaks scholarships

• University of New Haven Scholarship

• Full bright Scholarships

• AAUW International Fellowships

Students can also apply for part-time work opportunities in USA to sustain their educational constraints. Meanwhile, the Indian government offers multiple educational loans for study abroad candidates.

Also Read: Scholarships to study abroad for Indian students

Jobs after Master’s in USA

An MS in USA offers various career prospects for international students. A master’s degree from a top US university is globally recognised and reports high employability across the world. The average salary for a postgraduate in USA is around USD 50,000 to USD 120,000 per year.

Here’s a detailed list of job opportunities available after completing a master’s in USA:

• Data Scientist

• Artificial Intelligence Engineer

• Financial Analyst

• Nurse Practitioner

• Research Scientist

• College Professor

Also Read: Work after study in USA