Table of Contents
- Study levels
- Popular fields of study
- Admission requirements
- Recommended undergraduate courses in the USA
- Recommended postgraduate courses
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
The USA, with its prestigious universities and high-quality education, attracts international students from all over the world. With more than 4,000 accredited institutions offering a wide range of internationally recognised degrees, studying in the USA significantly enhances your global exposure and career prospects.
You can access several in-demand courses that are spread across popular disciplines valued by industries worldwide. In addition, the flexible and interdisciplinary nature of the courses, combined with personalised teaching methods, ensures that you maximise your student outcome and reach your full potential.
Here are some key insights into the advantages of the USA.
Moving to a new country is a big change in many ways: geographically, culturally, and psychologically. So, if you're concerned about the best courses in the USA, it’s likely that you'll have concerns about various other aspects as well. No worries. Our experts have sorted it out for you in the table below. Click on the topics you’re interested in and get the much-needed information you’re looking for.
Choosing a course for your higher studies is a significant decision which should be made after careful consideration. The course you choose should fully align with your aptitudes and career goals. Keep reading for a better understanding of the best courses in the USA so that you can make an informed decision.
Study levels
An understanding of study levels in the USA will help you choose an academic path that meets your diverse career goals. The USA’s education system provides a wide range of courses spread across 5 study levels – foundation, vocational, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral. These courses offer a flexible curriculum, personalised academic paths, and excellent career pathways.
Here are more details about the various study levels in the USA.
| Study level | Description | Eligibility | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Pre-university preparation courses that equip you with academic skills to succeed in undergraduate studies. | Completed 12 years of primary and secondary education. | 6 months to 1 year |
| Vocational | Skill-based training programmes that focus on technical skills for specific trades or industries. | Minimum 18 years of age, recognised secondary education. | Maximum of 2 years |
| Undergraduate | Bachelor's degree programmes providing broad academic knowledge in fields such as arts, sciences, engineering, business, and more. | Secondary education or its equivalent, English language proficiency. | 3 to 4 years |
| Postgraduate | Master's degree programmes aimed at widening the learning in a specific field of study. | Bachelor’s degree, minimum GPA score, English language proficiency. | 1 to 2 years |
| Doctoral | Advanced research degrees, such as PhDs that require original research. | A 4-year bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, minimum GPA, English language proficiency. | 3 to 4 years |
Popular fields of study
Educational institutions in the USA offer several in-demand fields of study to international students. Some of the popular disciplines include Business & Management, Computer Science & IT, Engineering & Technology, Healthcare, Psychology, and Accounting. These disciplines are aligned to meet the emerging and diverse needs of the industry, to maximise your career prospects.
Take a look at the popular fields of study in the USA.
Business & Management is a popular field of study with specialisations such as finance, marketing, and human resources. The field offers diverse career opportunities, including roles like business analyst, marketing manager, financial advisor, and operations manager.
Computer Science & IT is a rapidly growing field with numerous in-demand specialisations, including software development, data science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. You can pursue exciting roles such as software engineer, systems analyst, data scientist, and IT consultant that provide excellent career growth and competitive salaries.
Engineering & Technology is an ever-evolving field with high growth potential. It offers several specialisations such as mechanical, electrical, civil, and aerospace engineering. You can pursue roles such as design engineer, project manager, and quality control engineer, with excellent growth prospects.
Admission requirements
The common admission process in universities in the USA involves applying through the university’s website before the admission deadlines. You can complete and submit the application along with the required documents. Review the eligibility criteria and ensure that you meet them.
Take a look at the documents required for admissions.
Language proficiency is an essential requirement for admission to universities in the USA. You must demonstrate your English language capabilities through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo. The minimum scores vary based on the institution. However, the typical IELTS band requirement ranges between 6 and 7, while for TOEFL it is between 70 and 100. Certain universities also accept tests such as Cambridge English Qualifications or even proof of attending high school in English medium.
Many academic programmes require additional test scores, such as GMAT (Graduate Management Test), GRE (Graduate Record Examination), SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), or LSAT (Law School Admission Test). GMAT scores are specifically required while seeking admission to management courses, while GRE is for admission to most other graduate programmes. The SAT is primarily for undergraduate programmes. Based on the discipline you choose, there may be other tests, such as the LSAT for law and the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) for medicine.
The USA generally has three intake seasons: Fall (September–December), Spring (January–April), and Summer (May–August). You must check university-specific deadlines and prepare your application well in advance. Follow university guidelines to submit your application.
Recommended undergraduate courses in the USA
The USA offers international students a wide range of undergraduate programmes across diverse disciplines that combine rigorous academics with practical exposure. Popular disciplines include Management, Engineering, Accounting, Law, and many more evolving fields that promise excellent career prospects.
| Courses | Tuition fee | Career roles |
|---|---|---|
| BA Business | USD 37,000 | Business Analyst, Marketing Executive, HR Executive |
| BA Business Management | USD 25,000 | |
| BS Computer Science | USD 22,000 | Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, AI Specialist |
| BS Computer Science-Major | USD 37,000 | |
| BS Mechanical Engineering | USD 21,000 | Design Engineer, Quality Control Engineer, Systems Engineer |
| BS Electrical Engineering | USD 45,000 | |
| BS Community Health Education | USD 23,000 | Nurse, Public Health Specialist, Pharmacist |
| Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences | USD 40,000 | |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting | USD 22,000 | Auditor, Financial Analyst, Tax Consultant, Internal Auditor |
| BS Finance | USD 31,000 | |
| BA Paralegal Studies | USD 23,000 | Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Compliance Officer |
| BS Criminal Justice | USD 22,000 |
Recommended postgraduate courses
The USA offers international students a wide range of postgraduate courses that are suited to their diverse aptitudes and career goals. These courses provide you with specialised knowledge in your chosen subject area and also ensure that you develop the necessary practical skills that prepare you for a successful career. The courses are spread across in-demand disciplines, including Accounting, Finance, Business & Management, Computer Science, Engineering, and more.
Here are the popular postgraduate programmes that you should consider.
| Courses | Tuition fee (approx) | Career roles |
|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Engineering | USD 24,000 | Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, Network Architect |
| MBA General Business | USD 17,000 | Business Manager, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager |
| MS Supply Chain Management | USD 44,000 | Supply Chain Analyst, Logistics Manager, Operations Manager |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | USD 12,000 | Mechanical Engineer, Project Manager, Research and Development Engineer |
| MSA Accounting | USD 20,000 | Financial Auditor, Tax Consultant, Corporate Accountant, Financial Analyst |
| MA Law and Governance | USD 20,000 | Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Policy Analyst |
Final thoughts
The USA is among the most sought-after study destinations in the world and offers several advantages to international students. With its world-class universities, advanced facilities, and diverse academic programmes, the country provides an ideal platform to maximise your overall growth.
The universities offer courses across all study levels and ensure a comprehensive curriculum with excellent practical exposure. You can find courses in fields like Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, and Healthcare that equip you with specialised knowledge and enhance your career prospects significantly.
If you're seriously considering the USA for your higher studies, we have a good number of partner universities where you can apply.
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Frequently asked questions
Which courses are in demand in the USA?
Courses in disciplines including Computer Science, Engineering, Business Management, and Finance provide excellent career prospects. These courses offer good career advancement potential along with competitive salaries.
What are the most popular courses to study in the USA?
The most popular courses to study in the USA include both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Business, Engineering, Finance, Law, and more. Courses in these disciplines are highly preferred by international students due to their high career potential.
What language proficiency tests are required for admission?
The USA requires you to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language. You can use various test scores as proof of language proficiency, like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo.