GRADUATE PROGRAM

A graduate student in the US is someone who has earned a 4 year bachelor’s degree and is pursuing additional education in a specific field. Most U.S. colleges and universities offer programs leading to a graduate degree in a wide range of fields. The two main graduate degrees in the US are the MS - Master’s degree and Ph.D. - Doctoral degree.

MS in US takes one/two years to complete depending on the program structure. There are three possible degree paths available based on the program offered by the university. Here is the breakdown for you:

MS – Thesis Option

  1. Professor will assign a research problem and the student starts working on thesis after 1st year.
  2. 2 or more semesters to finish the research. Complete all the required courses with GPA above 3.0
  3. Defend thesis in front of a committee and you graduate.
  4. Optional: 1 or 2 semesters of internship (CPT)

MS – Non Thesis (Course Only)

  1. Does the regular course work and complete required number of courses ( or credits)
  2. Complete all the required courses with GPA above 3.0
  3. Optional: 1 or 2 semesters of internship (CPT)

MS Non Thesis (Project)

  1. Does the regular course work and complete required number of courses ( or credits)
  2. Complete all the required courses with GPA above 3.0
  3. Some Universities have an option to complete a project, which runs for 1 semester.
  4. Optional : 1 or 2 semesters of internship (CPT)
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Sources of University Funding for Graduate Programs

Fellowships and Tuition Scholarships

Based on the student’s overall merit or academic strength, the university’s graduate school awards them. In general, the graduate school selects the fellowship or tuition scholarship recipients, but sometimes the candidates are asked to submit a separate application.

Merit-based financial aid takes into consideration past academic achievements, Scores on standardized admissions tests, Employment history and the student’s leadership potential and other personal characteristics.

Research Assistantships (RA)

Professors get funds from outside agencies to conduct research, who later select graduate students to assist them. Usually students apply their assistantship work toward their thesis research. Funding can be either partial or full tuition waiver along with a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses.

Teaching Assistantships (TA)

Individual departments require Teaching Assistants to teach labs for undergraduate students, and professors who teach those classes select graduate students to assist them in teaching, running labs and grading assignments. Funding can be either partial or full tuition waiver along with a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses. English fluency is mandatory for teaching assistantship.

Administrative Assistantships

Departments sometimes offer administrative assistantships that provide partial funding.

Student Assistantships

Under current U.S. immigration regulations international students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week on campus.

Internships

Internships are off-campus jobs that provide practical experience in the field of study. They are common in professional fields and require work authorization. When Internship is optional, you can work as an intern for 1 or 2 semesters (Not more than 12 months – More later). Internship increases your chances to get job and is a MUST for students without work experience.