Why Study a Masters (MS) in the USA? Top 7 Reasons

5 Reasons To Study In USA Year upon year, the number of graduate students from abroad who choose to study in the USA increases, it’s a great place to continue a course of education but also offers a range of exciting experiences. The United States is one of the most popular destination for international students, but with academic excellence as standard, US universities are also a great choice for home grown talent.

Here are five reasons to study a postgraduate program at a US university:

1. World-class universities

The USA is renowned for its world-class universities, consistently ranking among the best in the world. In fact, the QS World University Ranking 2023 reveals that six of the top ten universities globally are located in the United States. It’s common for at least 15 US universities to rank among the top 20 in any given year.

Because of the USA’s high quality of higher education, masters degrees obtained from US universities are widely recognised and respected by employers and educational institutions across the world. This recognition stems from the exceptional standard of teaching, extensive research opportunities, knowledge transfer and the universities' international outlook.

With so many universities across the US, there are a huge range of postgraduate-level courses to choose from, providing students with an abundance of options. Whether you have an interest in the sciences, business, arts or any other discipline, you'll find outstanding masters programs tailored to your specific field of study.

Graduate and professional schools within American universities put the emphasis on employability. They offer access to exceptional research programs and the most highly qualified professors in their respective fields. By focusing on practical skills and real-world applications, these institutions equip students with the knowledge and expertise sought after by employers, enhancing their career prospects.

QS World University Rankings 2023: Top global universities

Rank	University	Location	Overall Score
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Cambridge, United States	100
2	University of Cambridge	Cambridge, United Kingdom	98.8
3	Stanford University	Stanford, United States	98.5
4	University of Oxford	Oxford, United Kingdom	98.4
5	Harvard University	Cambridge, United States	97.6
6	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	Pasadena, United States	97
7	Imperial College London	London, United Kingdom	97
8	UCL	London, United Kingdom	95
9	ETH Zurich	Zürich, Switzerland	93.6
10	University of Chicago	Chicago, United States	93.2

Source: QS World University Rankings 2023: Top global universities

2. A vibrant student lifestyle

From financial incentives like bursaries and scholarships, to practical advice and student groups that let people connect with like-minded others, US universities can enrich the life of a postgraduate student throughout their course. An active vibrant campus life is the norm for postgraduate schools, most universities have an American football team for students to cheer on, but there are a variety of other sports on offer with excellent facilities.

Students with an interest in politics can carve out a niche for themselves in the student government of their college and budding journalists can contribute to the university magazine. The arts are also strongly represented, with performances staged regularly by student amateur dramatic societies and community groups.

3. Cultural diversity and experiential learning

Studying a masters in the USA provides a unique opportunity to immerse in a thriving, fascinating culture. Experiencing a vibrant and diverse community will leave an indelible mark on your personal and professional development. With its rich variety of ethnicities, languages and traditions, the USA offers an unparalleled environment for personal and intellectual growth.

Interacting with students from various backgrounds not only broadens your perspective, but also enhances your cross-cultural communication skills – a valuable asset in our interconnected world.

International students in the USA can travel to some of the world’s most stunning destinations; from the Grand Canyon, to Niagara Falls and cosmopolitan cities like Los Angeles and New York. As the country is so vast, spanning a total of six time zones, the diversity in geography and culture is huge.

International students in the US by country of origin

Here’s a breakdown of the number of international students studying in the United States in 2021/22:

Country of origin	Number of international students studying in the US
China	317,299
India	167,582
South Korea	39,491
Canada	25,143
Saudi Arabia	21,933
Vietnam	21,631
Taiwan	19,673
Brazil	14,000
Mexico	12,986
Nigeria	12,860
Japan	11,785
Nepal	11,172
Iran	9,614
Bangladesh	8,598
Turkey	8,109
United Kingdom	8,028
Indonesia	7,489
Pakistan	7,475
Colombia	7,107
Kuwait	6,846
Venezuela	6,122
Hong Kong	5,878
Spain	5,781
France	5,643
Germany	5,364

Source: Statista.com

Even students who were born in America can immerse themselves in new, exciting and unfamiliar surroundings, just by beginning a postgraduate program in a different state.

4. Career opportunities

Another reason to study a masters in the US is the wealth of career opportunities it provides. Completing an MS degree in the US opens doors to lucrative job prospects not only within the country, but also in global job markets.

Graduates are well positioned to secure high-paying positions, thanks to the renowned education system and industry connections that the US offers. Many universities dedicate a great deal of resources into helping students with their career choices and professional development. This can enable postgraduate students to define a personal vision for their future if they are unsure about which path to follow, and give them a better chance of long-term success.

Postgraduate students can attend workshops, events and one-to-one tutorials for advice on selecting the most fulfilling role in their chosen field. Furthermore, an education that takes place in an international setting is highly valued by employers, as it provides graduates with the edge when it comes to adaptability, independence and communication skills.

For those with a passion for entrepreneurship, the US provides an exceptional platform to nurture and showcase their innovative ideas, with a thriving ecosystem that supports and fosters entrepreneurial endeavours.

5. Choose from a wide range of masters courses

American universities provide a wide range of courses and masters programs suited to international students, providing a wealth of options to choose from. Whether you aspire to pursue an MBA, an MS in engineering, MS in data science, or another field, American universities offer a vast array of options to cater to your study interests and career goals.

Additionally, MS programs often have a multidisciplinary nature. This allows students to explore additional courses from other fields that complement their main area of study. For instance, an MS in medical science may explore interdisciplinary modules in healthcare management, public health, biomedical engineering and other subjects.

6. Support for international students

As a popular destination for international students, American universities are aware of the challenges faced, and the common questions that students have when considering an MS in the USA.

The USA is well-equipped to provide the necessary guidance, ensuring that students can navigate their educational journey smoothly without undue difficulty. Officials and staff in the USA's educational institutions are committed to addressing student queries and concerns, offering prompt and reliable solutions.

US universities understand the significance of providing the right support to international students and work diligently to ensure a positive and welcoming experience. There is also financial support available to those who are eligible, for example, American postgraduate scholarships.

7. The benefits of networking

Good networking at postgraduate level can set up relationships that provide support though each stage of a person’s career. Contacts are invaluable when students are seeking work having obtained their qualification, but also when they are employed and need to generate referrals or create interest in a new project. At an American university it’s easy to establish and maintain a network of other professional people by offering to volunteer with a relevant organisation, asking tutors for guidance, and participating in campus activities. Links with alumni and others can be made stronger through social media and business tools like LinkedIn. Many US universities have networks of past students (alumni) totalling 80,000 or more, spread over many countries, who are willing to play a mentoring role. Current students can connect with them on campus at events and conferences, or through charity days organised by the faculty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are lots of great reasons to study a masters degree in the USA. By choosing to study in the USA, you open doors to world-class education, renowned faculty, cutting-edge research facilities and a vibrant academic environment. The opportunities for personal growth, cross-cultural experiences and networking with diverse student communities are immense. Moreover, the USA's innovation-driven economy and its reputation as a global leader in various industries create a fertile ground for securing high-paying jobs and fostering entrepreneurial ventures.