MS in USA without GRE: top universities and admission tips

Updated on Aug 30, 2024
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MS in USA without GRE: top universities and admission tips

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The keen pursuit of Master’s programmes motivates one to pursue a Masters of Science (MS) in a particular field of study. Most of the universities in the USA usually, as part of the application for the MS degree program, require applicants to attach GRE scores.

Is GRE required for MS in USA?

Most of the top universities require GRE from almost all applicants. But, some of the universities in USA do not require GRE for MS admissions, in order to help those candidates who do not qualify the exam or score well in the exam.

This is true that almost all Universities require that students writing their MS in USA should possess a GPA on the various portions of the GRE in addition to an MS degree. In this article, we will list some of the top universities that offer MS in USA without GRE requirements, and provide some tips for students who are interested in applying to these programs.

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Best universities offering MS in USA without GRE

There are some schools in the USA that do not make it compulsory to sit for the GRE, since there are other ways to measure a student’s potential for success in the given program, and hence offer MS degrees. Here are the top universities offering MS in USA without GRE:

1. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

Admissions to UC Berkeley’s School of Information, which has a Masters of Information Management System, do not require GRE scores. The program is offered both online and on-campus because it aims at equipping students with the technical and analytical skills in relation to big data. .

Also read: Masters in the USA

2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

There are no GRE scores needed for admissions to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Department of Computer Science offers MS in USA. The program is designed for students with a strong background in computer science and hence offers events in the field such as artificial intelligence, computer vision and computer security.

3. Northeastern University

The Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University has an MS in Computer Science with no requirement to submit any GRE scores. The program contains many tracks: artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, software engineering and is delivered either on campus or by distance learning.

4. University of Southern California (USC)

Viterbi School of Engineering at USC has some MS programs for which it is not mandatory to submit GRE scores including the MS in Computer Science and the MS in Electrical Engineering. Don? These programs are aimed at engineering oriented students and offers program including but not limited to courses in Machine Learning and cybersecurity.

5. University of Arizona

The Computer Science Department at the University of Arizona provides an MS in Computer Science which has no GRE admission requirement. The program is suited for students with a decent knowledge and experience in computer science and includes subjects like data mining and machine learning and artificial intelligence.

In addition, check out what the other divisions offer which admit MS on the basis of examinations.

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6. University of Michigan

The School of Information at the University of Michigan offers an MS in Information program which does not necessitate the GRE for admission. These are apt for students who wish to gain expertise in user experience, data management, and information management. Students are also allowed to pursue courses on related fields like user experience design or information processing.

7. George Mason University

The Master programs offered at the George Mason University Volgenau School of Engineering, do not require any GRE scores for admission, one of which is the MS in Data Analytics Engineering and MS in Information Security and Assurance. These programs are for students with a heavy technological science and provide depth in areas such as big data, information security and artificial intelligence.

8. University of California, San Diego

At the University of California, San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering provides an MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering program which does not require GRE scores. The candidates targeting this program should have aspirations to acquire advanced competencies in any of the disciplines of digital signal processing, communication systems and computer architecture.

Also read: Top institutions for MS in computer science in the USA

9. Oregon State University

At Oregon State University, a student can enroll for an MS in Business Analytics without submitting GRE scores. The College of Business at Osu offers an MS in Business Analytics, which focuses on bringing out students with expertise in data analysis, statistics and predictive analysis. There is also an option for the students to focus on healthcare analytics or sports analytics.

10. University of Colorado Boulder

One of the graduate programs offered by the University of Colorado Boulder is the MS in Electrical Engineering, and this program does not require students to submit GRE scores. The program is intended for those students who wish to develop deeper knowledge in the fields of electromagnetics, power systems, and nanoelectronics.

Tips for Admission to MS in USA without GRE

There are several strategies that you may adopt to succeed in the admission into an MS in USA without any of the GRE requirements.

1. Emphasize on your academic quality

As you will not be providing the GRE measurers’ scores, grading of your course work will obviously assume a higher gravity in this scenario. Ensure that you possess a rich academic record and secure high grades during your entire undergraduate course. Further, some of these universities may have in their scope other academic activities such as carrying out research, publishing, or receiving awards.

Most of the academic programs especially the MS are targeted to a certain group or level in terms of technical or professional exposure. In relation to this, if you possess any relevant experience, be sure to include it in your application. The experience can be internships, work or other professional engagements related to the field.

3. Write an exquisite statement of purpose

Your personal statement is such an effective platform for you to include your determination, purposes and over all, what makes you stand out among other candidates. Rather it is a personal statement encompassing many intricate ideas and information, that is unique to the candidate and the particular program targeted. You are also allowed to include pertinent details and accomplishment that are not present in the transcripts.

4. Obtain strong letters of recommendation

These should not be taken lightly since as we have already mentioned they are a critical component of the application and can help in painting a picture on your academic prowess as well as your personality traits. Instead, concentrate on those who have a clear understanding of your strengths and prospects and are willing to promote you. Remind forenotifiers on how recommenders load letters of these very demanding types.

5. Research the program and the university

Every MS program as well as the university has a different set of expectations as well as a particular climate. It is important to note that each program has its peculiarities and thus all programs should be thoroughly researched. You should also get to know the wider institution in terms of its libraries and other facilities and how these will help you in pursuing your course.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why do some universities waive the GRE requirement for MS admissions?

Some of the universities will make it optional or waive GRE to encourage broader students in terms of demographics and disciplines. The GRE can be costly and not necessarily a true measure of how well a student will perform in graduate school.

2. Why MS in USA without GRE requirements is more competitive for Indian students?

No, MS in USA without GRE requirements is not less competitive. In these cases, these programs may put more weight on other application requirements such as GPA, letters of recommendations, and work experience in order to ascertain a student’s likelihood of success.

3. What are the alternative methods available for international students who wish to apply to MS in USA without taking GRE?

Yes, international students can apply to MS in USA without the GRE requirement. However, they might have to submit other documents such as the ability to communicate in English, in order to fulfill the admission procedure.

Master of Science (MS) is one of the most sought-after postgraduate degrees for students looking to pursue a career in a specific field. Many universities in the USA require prospective students to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as part of their application process for an MS program.

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