Top Courses for International Students to Study in the USA

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Subhashri Roy
Updated on Apr 03, 2023 11:12 PM IST

Looking forward to studying in the USA? Check out the most popular courses in the USA offered by top-ranked universities. Also, have a look at the admission requirements for Bachelors, Masters and Diploma courses in a variety of areas.

Top Courses in USA for International Students

Top Courses in USA for International Students: The United States is often regarded as the mecca of opportunities for international students, and it continues to be the world leader in providing quality education. It is an ideal location for students who want to study abroad for a variety of reasons, including a flexible and diverse education system, the availability of hundreds of courses, work prospects, and so on. It is home to some of the most prominent QS-ranked universities in the world, including well-known Ivy league colleges whose only mission is to deliver world-class education to students from all over the world.

The US is a perfect place to study some of the most trending courses or degree programmes in every possible field of study such as Science, Medicine, Information Technology, Business & Management, Commerce, Humanities, Arts, etc. 

You name it and the US universities will be delivering all the top courses that an international student aspires to study abroad. In this article, we will be diving into some of the most popular and top courses to study in USA for international students along with their leading providing universities. 

Studying the top courses in the USA opens the doors to numerous opportunities. Connect with our study abroad experts to get admission to top courses in US.

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Why Study in USA as an International Student? 

Before we unveil the top courses in USA for international students to study at some of the leading and renowned universities, let us quickly know why you must study in the USA when there are many alternatives available too:

The Country is Renowned for its Academic Brilliance

American universities have held the top spot among the world's best universities for many years. These universities have gained acclaim for upholding the highest academic standards and excellent education by outperforming universities from the UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. The greatest intellectual talent flocks to US colleges as a result of this academic brilliance. The students who want to study the top courses in USA in the best universities in the world also fly to this country to fulfil their dreams!

The Diversity of Students is Unbeatable 

Students from many different cultures, ethnicity, religion, gender, and nations study together under one roof in the United States which hence promote equality and togetherness among young aspirants at a very young age. On an average day, one may find students on the college campus from at least 10 to 15 various nationalities. Indian students might consider studying in the USA if they wish to interact with individuals from other cultures and create new acquaintances.

One-Stop Destination for Studying Top Courses for International Students 

Universities in the United States provide a wide range of high-quality programmes and courses in addition to housing a diverse population of fellow students. The US universities provide nearly all of the different types of top courses in USA for international students in a wide range of different disciplines of study, whether it is at the undergraduate level, master's level, or doctorate level.

Home to Many Diverse Universities

The diversity offered by US universities is something to be noted. There is another degree of diversity that students experience during their education, in addition to the diversity of students and the large selection of top courses in USA for international students. The first two years of the bachelor's degree can be finished by students in a community college. They can transfer their credentials to a university after the two years are up. A community college education has the advantages of reduced tuition fees, more independent learning, etc. Students also have the option of enrolling in four-year QS-ranked universities as well. 

Unmatched Scope for Research

American colleges publish the most research papers each year when measured in terms of how many students they have. The excellent academic standards of American universities are not the only reason for this high number. Undoubtedly, high-quality education is a major factor, but the country also heavily invests in several research initiatives in higher education. Indian students have unrivalled research opportunities because of funding. Better time, space, infrastructure, and technology, in addition to financial support, greatly expand the potential for ground-breaking research.

A Plethora of Opportunities after College

No one can disagree that the opportunity for international students to get into high-paying professions after completing top courses in USA is unmatched. After completing their education, a huge percentage of talented/skilled candidates opt to remain in this country in order to be better rewarded. Students who have studied in the USA, on the other hand, have an advantage in obtaining work-related skills in American colleges and gaining access to unique career prospects. There are two reasons why students who attend the best institutions in the USA improve in their careers. The first reason is that the courses are skill-oriented. In addition, top-tier colleges and universities in the United States provide optional practical training. The second is the extensive network that one develops while in college, which offers up several employment prospects.

Want to Know the Right Course for You to Study in US?

Even though thousands of courses are available in the USA universities, some courses are extremely popular amongst international students mainly because they provide better employment guarantees and job opportunities for students. The best MS courses in the USA are in high demand among international students. The top courses to study in the USA are:

Engineering in USA

Engineering is one of the best courses in USA after 12th and in the past few years, most international students opt for a variety of engineering programs as they provide employment guarantees for the students. The US engineering programmes are some of the more sought-after courses by engineering aspirants from around the world. It is a part of the STEM courses in USA.

Popular Engineering Specialisations in the US

Here's a rundown of the top engineering specialisations offered in the US:

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

Automobile Engineering

Aviation Engineering

Communication Engineering

Computer Science & Engineering

Construction Engineering

Drilling Engineering

Entertainment Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Instrumentation & Control Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Metallurgical Engineering

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering

Software Engineering

Sound Engineering

Water Resources Engineering

Eligibility to Study Engineering in the USA

  • To pursue an engineering degree from the USA, the applicant must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Maths in intermediate and must secure a good overall percentage.

  • International applicants would require an English language test certification to study in the USA like IELTS or TOEFL.

  • Subject test certification is also required in most USA-based universities like SAT/ACT at the undergraduate level and GRE exam at the master's level.

  • Universities in the USA have high standards thus applicants must make sure that their application is impressive.

  • Various scholarship programs are provided by the university and private organizations to help students complete their degrees comfortably.

Top Engineering Colleges in USA for International Students 

Now that we know that engineering is among the top courses in USA for international students to study, here are some of the best US universities to study Engineering courses as per the latest QS WUR 2023:

Top Engineering Universities in USA 

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

1

Stanford University

2

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

5

Harvard University

8

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

10

Georgia Institute of Technology

12

Carnegie Mellon University

15

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

17

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

19

University of Texas at Austin

23

Business Administration in USA

International students prefer doing a bachelor's in business administration as well as a master's in business administration as the degree holds up a lot of value in the USA and even in their home country. It is easier for students to get jobs after completing a degree in business administration. The fees of US universities are comparatively higher than other foreign universities but the exposure provided to the student is much more diverse in terms of training, internships and workshops. Various multinational companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google and Facebook have their headquarters in the USA, giving students a great opportunity to start their careers with these companies after studying professional courses in the USA. Students can also go back to their own country after completing their degree and get a good job, USA degrees have a high value in all parts of the world.

Popular Specialisations in Business Administration in the US

Apart from the most preferred MBA degree, students may also opt for other popular specializations in business administration in the US:

International Business

Strategy

Business Management

Automotive Business

E-Business & E-Commerce

General Management

Consulting

Finance Leadership

Entrepreneurship

Marketing

IT or Technology Management

Healthcare Management

Eligibility to Study Business Administration in the USA

  • To study business administration in the USA, applicants must make sure that their application is impressive as the course is high on demand and a large number of students plan on pursuing it.

  • MBA applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a good GPA and a work experience of 2-3 years.

  • The tuition fee of B-schools is usually high which automatically increases the cost of living of the student. Students can apply for student loans to get financial help, and business students can get a loan easily.

  • IELTS or TOEFL language certification is required to study in US universities, students must make sure that they apply for these examinations on time.

  • Universities also for subject test certifications such as GMAT exam (masters level) and SAT/ACT (bachelors level), students must check the official website of the university that they plan on joining.

Top MBA Colleges in USA for International Students 

As MBA is among the top courses in USA for international students to study, here is a list of the top MBA colleges in the country as per the latest QS WUR 2023:

Top MBA Universities in USA 

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Stanford Graduate School of Business

1

Harvard Business School

2

Penn (Wharton)

3

MIT (Sloan)

6

Columbia Business School

8

UC Berkeley (Haas)

11

Northwestern (Kellogg)

14

UCLA (Anderson)

15

Yale School of Management

18

NYU (Stern)

19

MBBS in USA

MBBS is another popular choice for international students who plan on studying abroad. Thousands of Indian students move to foreign lands to pursue MBBS and the USA tops their list. Education standards for medicinal courses are high in the USA and students have to work really hard to get admission to a US-based medical school. MBBS degrees awarded by the USA universities are approved by the Medical Council of India, thus they hold valid in India and students can come back to India and work here as well. The curriculum of MBBS is a combination of theoretical and practical courses, students have to invest a lot of their time in their studies to complete the MBS degree.

Eligibility to Study MBBS in the USA

  • The applicant must pass the intermediate from a recognized board with an overall percentage of 55% or more.

  • The applicant must be a science student and must have studied - Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12th.

  • The age of the student should be more than 17 years.

  • The tuition fee for MBBS degree programs can be high as the course involves Lab experiments and practicals but it also has a lot of value all over the world. Students can apply for a student loan to complete their education comfortably.

Top MBBS Colleges in USA for International Students 

MBBS is truly one of the most sought-after degree programmes for medical aspirants to study in the USA. Check out the list of some of the top-ranked MBBS colleges to pursue this top course in the USA: 

Top Engineering Universities in USA 

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Harvard University

1

Stanford University

3

Johns Hopkins University

4

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

9

University of California, San Francisco

10

Yale University

11

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

12

Columbia University

14

University of Pennsylvania

16

Duke University

17

Need Help With Your MBBS Application to Study Abroad?

Liberal Arts in USA

The universities in the USA have various Liberal Arts courses available for international students at all levels according to their area of interest and career goals. Liberal arts courses are considered one of the best courses in USA after 12th that opens up vast career possibilities for students. Usually, Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees are awarded to students pursuing courses in these fields.

Popular Liberal Arts Courses in the US

Some of the popular Liberal Arts courses are offered to international students by US universities are as follows:

Psychology

Economics

International Relations

Sociology

American History & Literature

Political Science

Education

Museum Studies

Art History

Fine Art

Theatre

Speech

The bachelor's degrees are four years long and require the selection of a major and minor. It can also be converted into honours if the student completes a fixed number of credits in their major. The education system is flexible in the USA, which lets students choose from a wide range of major and minor options. For instance, a major in History can be done with a minor in Journalism or media.

The master's degrees are more specific and concentrate on one subject only. The duration of a master's degree can vary from one year to two years depending upon the curriculum of the course. Students are motivated to do field and project work to get a better understanding of the field along with plenty of research opportunities.

Apart from bachelor's and master's degrees in the field of Liberal Arts, universities also offer a PG diploma, certificate, and online courses to students. Dual degrees are also very popular in the USA, the student gets to design their own degrees.

Eligibility to Study Liberal Arts in the USA

  • Must start preparing their application at least one year before the admission deadline as a collection of documents is time-consuming.

  • As most US universities are among the top educational institutions in the world, students must make sure that they have a strong application.

  • Make sure you choose and study the right subjects in your intermediate/bachelor's and try to perform as well as you can.

  • Select the university and program you want to pursue and prepare your documents accordingly as different universities may require different documents. Some universities require subject and language test certification, make sure you take those exams on time.

Top Liberal Arts Colleges in USA for International Students 

The table highlighted below will unveil the top 10 best US universities to study Liberal Arts in the country as per the latest QS WUR Rankings 2023:

Top Engineering Universities in USA 

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Arts and Humanities

Harvard University

1

Stanford University

4

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

5

Yale University

6

Columbia University

=7

New York University (NYU)

=7

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

9

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

12

Princeton University

13

University of Chicago

14

Applied Sciences in USA

Applied Science is a discipline that helps students to use the existing knowledge of science to fashion new things. These courses are a combination of various practical experiments along with theoretical texts to help students innovate and learn. Applied science courses are becoming more popular these days because of the great scope of skill development and innovation in the existing fields of science. At the bachelor's level, the degree of Bachelor of Applied science is awarded to students which can be four to six years long in duration. Whereas at the master's level, a degree in Masters of Applied Science is one to two years long. Some of the popular specializations are:

Popular Specialisations in Applied Sciences in the US

Some of the best MS courses in USA in Applied Sciences are:

Communication

Biochemical Engineering

Computer Science

Astrophysics

Forensics

Criminology

Information Management

Applied Physics

Criminal Justice

Social Science

Mathematics

Applied Geomatics

Eligibility to Study Applied Science in the USA

  • Applicants must study physics, chemistry, and physics to pursue an applied science course from the USA.

  • The applicant should score a good percentage as these courses are very popular and thousands of students all over the world apply in the USA universities so the competition is quite high.

  • Language test certification is mandatory to pursue courses from US-based universities, students must check the list of required documents on the official website of the university.

  • Plan your applicant at least one year prior to the application deadline as the process of document collection is time-consuming.

  • SAT/ACT scores might be considered by the top universities.

Top Applied Sciences Colleges in USA for International Students 

Refer to the table highlighted below will unveil the top 10 best US universities to study applied and natural science top courses for international students in the country as per the latest QS WUR Rankings 2023:

Top Engineering Universities in USA 

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Natural Science

Harvard University

1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

2

Stanford University

4

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

6

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

7

Princeton University

10

University of Chicago 

12

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

=14

Yale University

=20

Cornell University

24

To learn more about the top courses to study in the US, you can browse through the different universities and courses on our website. You can also write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com for study abroad admission-related queries.

Wish to Apply to US Universities?

FAQs

Which course is best to study in USA?

Engineering is the best course study in USA. Engineering in USA is preferred by international students as there is a boom in the engineering sector. There are diverse engineering specialisations to choose from and they guarantee a high-salaried job after graduation. The education in the country uses the latest technologies and the faculties are the best in their fields.

Which course is trending now in the USA for international students?

The top trending courses in the USA for international students are data science, big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud computing and full- stack development. These trending courses prepare students for the evolving needs of the modern job industry which is fully based on technology and create vast opportunities for employment.

Which course has more job opportunities in the USA?

Computer science course has more job opportunities in the USA when compared to other courses. Careers in computer science are lucrative, in-demand and guaranteed options for college graduates. Computer science students can get jobs as software developers, software architects, web developers, database administrators, program managers and systems analysts.

Which engineering course is best in USA?

Engineering courses which are best in the USA are mechanical engineering, solar engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics engineering and biochemical engineering. These are the fastest-growing engineering streams and the cutting-edge technologies used to teach these courses at US universities, make it a worthwhile experience.

Can I go to the USA after 12th to study the top courses?

Yes, if you are willing to pursue a bachelor's degree in top courses in the USA, you can go to the USA after 12th. There are ample course options in every discipline and you can choose what you desire to study. You will be taught by the best in the field and get international exposure, thereby, ensuring a successful career.

What is a liberal arts degree in USA?

A liberal arts degree in the USA is an interdisciplinary programme involving humanities and social, natural and formal sciences. It is an umbrella term that covers humanities subjects such as literature, art, linguistics, languages, music, theatre and speech, social science subjects such as history, law, sociology and politics, and natural science subjects namely astronomy, biology and earth sciences and formal science subjects such as logic and statistics.

Can I directly study MBBS after 12th in USA?

No, you cannot directly study MBBS after 12th in USA. A pre-medical programme needs to be done after 12th which leads to a bachelor of science programme. Once this programme completes, students can sit for the MCAT exam to study medicine at the top medical colleges in USA. Admission to MBBS will solely depend on the MCAT marks obtained by the applicant.

Which branches of applied sciences are in demand in USA?

The branches of applied sciences that are in demand in USA are forensics, applied mathematics, criminal justice, nanotechnology and geological engineering. Applied science is an academic discipline that applies scientific knowledge to develop practical applications as in the case of technology and invention. Science is used to develop information and then it is converted to practical knowledge.

Is MBA in USA hard?

MBA in USA is not as tough as it seems to be. An MBA degree in the USA helps to develop advanced management skills. The courses are designed in a way that helps develop the business skills required for the successful running of an enterprise. They help to build an extensive network with diversified career objectives.

Which are the top courses for masters in USA?

The top courses for masters in USA are the STEM courses along with humanities and business-based courses. Students can apply for masters after completing their bachelor’s degree. The master's courses in USA bridge the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge with a focus on the real world. Most US colleges are globally-recognised and provide the best start to a student’s career.

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