Masters degree in US Universities takes 2 years to complete depending on your degree plan. Here is an overview of 3 different Degree path that available
- Thesis Option
- Non-Thesis – Course Work Only ( or Structured Option)
- Non-Thesis – Project Option
Before you read about Masters Degree course path, here is an in-depth overview about Study in USA – Timeline.
Most Universities offer Thesis and Course Work only plan. Project option is offered only in few universities.
Masters Degree Plan
Masters Degree – Thesis Option
- Students usually start working on Thesis after 1st year.
- Professor will assign a research problem
- Takes 2 or more semesters to solve the research problem.
- Defend thesis in front of a panel and you graduate.
Non-Thesis – Course Only
- Complete required number of courses ( or credits)
- Complete all the required courses with GPA above 3.0
- Optional : 1 or 2 semesters of internship
Non-thesis – Project
- Some Universities have an option to complete a project.
- Project runs for 1 semester or so.
- You have to meet the GPA requirements.
- Optional : 1 or 2 semesters of internship
Internship
- Some schools require 3 months of Internship in addition to above 3 degree plan.
- When Internship is optional, you can work as an intern for 1 or 2 semesters.
Best Option?
- Depends on your interests and plans.
- Thesis – If you plan to do PhD later or inclined to do research.
- Non-Thesis – If you just need to improve your skills and find a job after M.S.
- Internship – If you are in Thesis or Non-thesis, try to do at least 1 semester internship.
- Internship increases your chances to get job.
- Internship is a MUST for students without work experience.
Financial Aid
Chances of getting Financial Aid is high when you are in Thesis or Project track.
Also, RA would be available from other departments within the university.
Now, you have learned about Masters Degree course path. Now, look at Doctorate Degree Timeline.
I’m a three year undergraduate from an Indian university.i heard that some of U.S universities offers MS with three indian degree too.can you post the list of such universities????.But i want to pursue my MS that leads to PhD in Astronomy at Harvard university.it willl be appreciated if you furnish the course details also.
can u describe me about financial aid?
hi, am doing my UG in KSR college of tec,1st year and my aim is to do MS in abroad,plz suggest me a way ,wat to do after my UG studies and my family is a middle rated family…..so please say to study in abroad how much money i should have in my pocket,..
Really informative one. Thank you very much for your attempt
Hi,
My gre score is 298 V-150,Q-148 AWA-3
Toefl :-80
Currently working in Tata Consultancy Services as a ASE.
My GPA is:-3.5
Aggreagte:-67%
Plzz suggest me some good universities for MS in Computer Science.
Hi Chinmayee,
I have a similar profile like yours, Let me know were are you located at TCS.
May be we could get in touch and discuss things.
Thanks
Vaibhav
Someone please help me out. I am a Nigerian but is it compulsory I write GRE or any other US-based exams before I can get to secure a place for my masters programme in any US university?
have a GPA of 8.82/10 till the sixth semester of my electrical engineering from a decently good college in Karnataka, India. I am looking forward for a decent score in the GRE and the TOEFL as well.
I have been an active quizzer and debater, won a few prizes in intercollegiate quizzing and debating. I have also done a few projects on high voltage engineering, that have won prizes and my final year project is on the way. I have 89% in my 10th and 92% in PreUniversity Course.
I have also presented one paper based on my High voltage project and it had won prizes at 2 competitions. Besides this, I often spared time for volunteering activities as well. I have undergone training in 2 major companies (BSNL and MRPL) after my second year and also a minor Internship in the Gulf after my first year.
I wish to pursue an MS in Electrical Engineering (Dynamics and Control) from a reputed US university soon after my graduation and later continue my career in research.. Given my profile, please suggest me which universities to apply to so that I stand a good chance of being accepted, so that I do not have to undergo the dejection of not being accepted by the ones i apply to.
harvad
Hey m planning to take a gre in august and i would like to apply in prior to the universities and so please let me know how to score around 310 in new pattern n on what areas should i concentrate more?
Dear brothers,
I am a mechanical engineer(2011 passout) from INDIA.I have graduated from a Anna university affiliated engineering college.Now,I am working as a Mechanical Design Engineer(R&D) in INDIA’s 3rd largest windturbine manufacturing company.I am an aspirant to come to US.I got 1160(Quants-780 & English-380) in GRE and 6.5 in IELTS.I am having aggregate of 72% ,But i had a backlog in Heat and Mass Transfer.I am working in Design using Pro-E.And I want to improve my knowledge in CAD & CAE.Please suggest some universities which suits my profile.
Hey…HSB… Please help…i have done petroleum engineering in 2010 with a relevant work ex of 8 months…tryin to break into US universities…My profile is as follows for fall 2012 for Non-thesis MS
GPA 3.2-3.3/4
GRE 308 ( Q= 156, V= 152)
IELTS 7.5
Uni applied : USC, University of Houston ( I have a penchant for this particular uni as it is situated in houston)
Can you help me finding out which of the above universities i have a chance in. It has been months since i applied in dem widout getting any replies. Please help
go for georgiatech university,atlanta
I completed my b.tech in electrical engineering with 68%aggregate from a top college of uttar pradesh. Also I’ve studied in a convent ICSE school.My 10 score is 86.8% and my 12 score is 82%.
I’m yet to take GRE.
Currently I’m working as a systems engineer in infosys.
I wish to pursue my MS in computer science or in electrical engineering(power system or energy) from a reputed US university.
Please suggest me some good universities to which i should apply based on my academic performance and also which have an excellent placement track.
Also is it a must give gre subject test if I wish to change my stream from electrical to computers.
Im looking for 4 top universities that offers Masters in pharmacy in the USA for international students.
Im looking for 4 top universities that offers Masters in pharmacy?
I suggest Michigan State University or University of Michigan