Top 7 In-Demand Courses to Pursue in the USA for International Students

When students consider pursuing higher education abroad like studying in the USA, or any other country, they often begin by exploring the most popular courses available in their desired country. The process helps them gain insight into emerging trends and assess the value of their chosen field among others.

After conducting a thorough examination of universities and their extensive range of offerings, it becomes evident that the United States offers a comprehensive selection of courses. However, similar to any other country, certain courses in the USA stand out in terms of popularity. Stay tuned as we narrow down the top courses to study in the USA that are particularly appealing to international students from this vast array of options.

What Contributes to the Popularity of a Course?

The popularity of a course is not solely determined by its current market demand, although that does play a role. There are other factors that make certain fields of study more popular than others in specific destinations. Some of these factors include:

1. Job Prospects: Students are inclined to choose courses that offer better employment opportunities and are in high demand in the job market.

2. Acquiring Skill-Set: Certain courses offered by US universities have unique structures that provide students with new skill sets or enhance existing ones. This equips them with an added advantage when competing for specific jobs.

3. Country-Specialization: The popularity of courses in a country is not solely based on a specific formula. However, the quality of education in those courses is typically exceptional, attracting a significant number of students.

These factors collectively contribute to the popularity of courses, allowing students to make informed decisions about their academic pursuits and ultimately study in the USA.

Choosing a study abroad program as an international student

Finding a suitable program to enroll in the USA is not as difficult as you might think. It requires a little time and knowing where to look. We recognise the challenges you may face as an international student when deciding on a major and a university.

It is important to prioritise factors such as cost, location, desired coursework, and other preferences. Make sure to create a list of relevant programs available in the university of your choice that match your needs. You may have to go through each and every university that matches the type of course you are looking for and check the features of the study programs they offer. You are also free to reach out to our education counsellors to help you narrow down your options and select the course best suited for you.

Here are some of the top universities based on the in-demand courses you can pursue in the US:

 

Popular Course	University
Business Management	Harvard University, Allston University of California, Berkeley (UCB) Stanford University University of Pennsylvania Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Duke University, Durham University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Mathematics & Computer Science	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of California, Berkeley (UCB) Stanford University Harvard University Carnegie Mellon University Princeton University University of Washington The University of Manchester University of Southern California, LA
Social Sciences	Institute of Technology Stanford University      Harvard University       University of California Princeton University    University of Michigan-Ann Arbor           Yale University   University of Florida  The University of Chicago          University of Pennsylvania
Engineering	Harvard University Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of California, Berkeley (UCB) Stanford University California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Arizona State University Ohio State University, Columbus
Physical & Life Sciences	Harvard University Stanford University Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of California California Institute of Technology Columbia University The University of Chicago Yale University Oregon State University Princeton University
Medicine	Johns Hopkins University Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Harvard University University of California Stanford University University of Alabama University of Wisconsin
Finance	Harvard University University of Pennsylvania Stanford University Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of California The University of Chicago George Mason University University of Akron

 

In-Demand Courses To Pursue in the USA

• Business Management

Ranked as the top course for international students studying in the USA, business management attracts more than 20% of international students. The United States offers compelling reasons for choosing business management programs in its universities, primarily due to the promising career prospects and high salaries associated with this field. 

The country boasts a significant number of universities listed in prestigious business school rankings by the Financial Times and The Economist. Renowned institutions such as Harvard, Wharton, and Columbia evoke excitement among students aspiring to become business leaders. 

Additionally, as the world’s largest economy, the USA provides abundant job opportunities, making an MBA degree from a top-tier American university highly sought after, both domestically and globally.

• Mathematics and Computer Science

Following closely behind business and engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science are highly favoured by international students. Indian students particularly consider Mathematics and Computer Science a  top course to pursue in the USA due to their potential for securing high-paying jobs. 

Mathematics and Computer Science, part of the STEM category, attract 30% of international students in the USA, establishing them as sought-after courses with promising job prospects. Leading universities like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard excel in these fields, offering abundant research opportunities to students within the country.

• Social Sciences

Social Sciences, including disciplines like Economics, rank among the top courses for international students studying in the USA, with the potential for high-paying jobs. Social sciences and humanities encompass a wide range of subjects such as anthropology, journalism, international relations, and economics, among others.

According to Kent D Thomas, Assistant Vice President of International Programs at Missouri State University, USA, students often choose social sciences due to the vast research opportunities available in the country. Additionally, unlike many other countries, job prospects in these sectors are readily available in the USA, offering some of the highest-paying jobs.

• Engineering

Engineering is a prominent field within the STEM subjects and ranks among the top courses for international students studying in the USA, offering some of the highest-paying jobs. In terms of student enrolment, engineering is second only to business. Similar to business schools, the USA excels in engineering education, with numerous universities appearing in the top 10 rankings by QS. 

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is particularly renowned as the most sought-after engineering college globally, consistently ranking at the top. Additionally, the Master of Science (MS) degree, which emphasizes research, is highly sought after among international students and is among the best courses to pursue in the USA. Notably, engineering, particularly specializations like civil and mechanical engineering, also offers some of the highest salaries in the USA and worldwide.

• Physical and Life Sciences

Physical and Life Sciences encompass a range of disciplines, with Biology and Medicine being particularly popular among international students studying in the USA. These fields have consistently attracted a significant number of students, with an increasing trend of individuals transitioning from traditional fields to pursuing combined courses in these areas. 

Shirish Dhar, for instance, shares his aspiration to become a healthcare business analyst in the USA, aiming to connect healthcare and technology. For him, this path represents the best course of study in the country.

The USA offers exceptional educational opportunities in the fields of Biology and Medicine, with renowned universities and research institutions providing cutting-edge programs and resources. Students have access to advanced laboratories, state-of-the-art equipment, and expert faculty members, facilitating their academic and professional growth. 

Pursuing studies in Biology and Medicine opens up various career pathways, ranging from healthcare professionals to researchers, medical scientists, or even roles at the intersection of healthcare and technology. The field offers opportunities to contribute to the betterment of human health and well-being, whether through direct patient care, developing new therapies and treatments, or leveraging technology for healthcare solutions.

• Medicine

Medicine is considered one of the top courses to study in the USA. Although the entry requirements and process for medical schools in the USA can be challenging, the rewards are equally remarkable. Graduates in the field of medicine are highly sought-after worldwide, offering abundant career opportunities.

Pursuing a medical degree, particularly the MD program, is a coveted choice for international students seeking postgraduate courses in the USA. Students studying medicine in the USA benefit from excellent access to cutting-edge technology, exceptional quality of education, and extensive research prospects. The medical programs in the country provide comprehensive training, equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the healthcare field.

Furthermore, the USA is renowned for its advanced healthcare system and ground-breaking medical research. Studying medicine in the USA opens doors to diverse medical specialities and subspecialties, enabling students to specialize in their areas of interest. The exposure to innovative healthcare practices and the opportunity to collaborate with renowned medical professionals and researchers further enhance the learning experience.

Obtaining a medical degree in the USA not only offers a pathway to a rewarding career but also enables students to contribute to the advancement of medical science and patient care on a global scale. The combination of rigorous academic training, hands-on clinical experience, and access to state-of-the-art facilities sets the stage for a successful and impactful medical career.

• Finance

Finance is undoubtedly one of the best postgraduate courses to pursue in the USA. Numerous universities in the country offer a STEM-designated MS in Finance program, providing students with excellent career prospects in areas such as corporate finance, investment banking, and investment management.

International students are particularly drawn to this course in the USA due to its unique STEM designation, which enhances the value and versatility of their degree. Moreover, studying finance in cities like New York offers unparalleled exposure to the global financial hub. New York is home to prestigious institutions and serves as the base for the world’s leading stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq.

By choosing to study MS in Finance in the USA, students gain valuable insights and practical experience in the heart of the financial industry.

They have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, access cutting-edge resources, and establish connections with key players in the field. This comprehensive exposure provides a solid foundation for a successful career in finance, making it a highly favoured choice among international students.

The diverse range of in-demand courses ensures that students can pursue their passions and achieve their professional goals in various fields. Whether it’s business, engineering, social sciences, or the sciences, studying in the USA opens doors to a world of opportunities. The popularity of these courses is influenced by various factors such as job prospects, the acquisition of valuable skill sets, and the reputation of the country’s education system in specific fields. Ultimately, the USA remains a top destination for international students seeking quality education and promising career prospects.