Highlights:
- The best specialization topics of MS in Software Engineering include Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Web Frameworks, etc.
- Application fees of top universities for MS in Software Engineering is between the range of USD 85 (INR 7098.09) -USD 155 (INR 12943.58).
- The cost of living in the USA is 234.2% higher than in India, and the average annual cost of living is around USD 68,168 (56.74 lakhs INR).
- Many top universities in USA for MS in software engineering are among Duolingo accepted universities in USA.
- After completion of MS in Software Engineering students can apply for temporary work visas like H1-B visa, as job roles provided for this course are among specialty occupations.
Masters in Software Engineering in USA is a popular course among international students offered at top universities like the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), Carnegie Mellon University, etc. Students studying MS in Software Engineering can choose among these specializations as noted below:
- Programming
- Engineering principles
- Software architecture and design.
- Web frameworks
- Cloud computing
- Databases
- Mobile applications
The average annual tuition fee range for MS in Software Engineering in USA is USD 12,264 to USD 63,798 (10 lakhs to 53 lakhs INR). Remember that you can earn an average annual salary of about USD 55,974 to USD 93,362 (46 lakhs to 77 lakhs INR) after getting a degree in Software Engineering MS in USA. ROI is really high for students who study at top engineering colleges in the USA like UCB, Arizona State University, and University of California, Irvine, These universities provide an ROI in the range of 104-108%. One can notice that the salary range is high in comparison to the tuition fee range of the universities shown in the graph.
There are several job roles like Game Developer, Software Quality Engineer, etc also available in jobs after MS in USA. Top companies offering high-paying jobs to students who have an MS in software engineering in USA are:
- Accenture
- Tata Consultancy Services
- Capgemini
- Amazon
- IBM
- Cognizant Technology Solutions
- HCLTech
Table of Content
Best Universities for Masters in Software Engineering in USA
Master of Software Engineering in USA is a popular course among international students because this course provides students the chance to get jobs in several big organizations and MNCs.This table provides information about the best universities for MSc software engineering USA, listing their program offerings, application deadlines, and total annual tuition fees.
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | University | Program Name | Program Duration | Application Deadline 2024 | Total Annual Tuition Fee (USD) | Total Annual Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #10 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Master of Molecular Science and Software Engineering | 9 months- Full time 2 years- Part time |
Fall admission Deadline: February 1, 2024 | 15,260 | 12 lakhs |
| #52 | Carnegie Mellon University | M.S. in Software Engineering | 1 year- Full time | Fall admission: December 15, 2023 Spring admission: August 31, 2024 |
54,700 | 45 lakhs |
| #67 | University of Texas at Austin | M.S. in Software Engineering | 1.5 - 2 years- Full Time | Fall admission: July 1, 2024 Spring admission: November 1, 2023 |
34,000 | 28 lakhs |
| #63 | University of Washington | M.S Computer Science and Software Engineering | 1.5-2 years- Full time 3-4 years- Part time |
April 1, 2024 | 27,150 | 22 lakhs |
| #93 | Boston University | Master of Science in Software Development | 1-2 years | Fall admission: February 15, 2024 Spring admission: August 1, 2024 |
63,798 | 53 lakhs |
| #179 | Arizona State University | M.S Software Engineering | 1.5 - 2 years-Full Time | Fall admission: January 15, 2024 Spring admission: September 15, 2024 |
12,376 | 10 lakhs |
| #268 | University of California, Irvine | M.S Software Engineering | 1-2 years | December 15, 2023 | 12,264 | 10 lakhs |
| #375 | Northeastern University | Master of Science in Software Engineering Systems | 1-2 years | Fall admission: June 1, 2024 Spring admission: September 15, 2024 |
55,680 | 46 lakhs |
M.Sc. in Software Engineering in USA Specializations
A Master in Software Engineering in USA is a graduate program where you learn how to create computer programs and software. Best universities for MS in software engineering in USA offer students the chance to choose among the best specialization topics. Listed below are some of the popular specializations in M.Sc. in Software Engineering in USA.
- Software Project Management
- Software Architecture and Design
- Software Testing and Debugging
- Parallel Computing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud computing
- Mobile Software Development
- Computer Graphics
- Physical Database Design & Optimization
- Compiler Principles and Techniques
MS in Software Engineering in USA Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria of the MS in Software Engineering in USA include a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related field. Among other eligibility criteria for MSc Software Engineering in USA, students have to show a GPA of over 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, and also submit SOPs, and LORs. While specific programs may have unique prerequisites, certain common requirements stand out:
- A bachelor's degree
- Academic Transcripts
- English Proficiency requirement -IELTS: 6.5 to 7.0|TOEFL-iBT: 79 to 90|Duolingo English Test (DET): 105 to 120
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Passport
- 2-3 Letter of Recommendation
- Application fee receipt
- USA student visa Application Form
- Research essay
- Minimum GPA- 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale
- GRE- Optional and not required
- Financial Statement
MS in Software Engineering in USA Score Requirements
To enroll for MS in Software Engineering in the USA, English language proficiency (ELP) scores must be submitted to the universities. Students on a few occasions also need to submit their GRE score certificates. Many top universities in USA for MS in software engineering are among Duolingo accepted universities in USA. Below is a table showcasing university-specific admission requirements.
| University | English Language Proficiency Requirement | Minimum GPA | Minimum Entry Requirements | GRE Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | IELTS-at least 7 on a 9-point scale|TOEFL iBT- 90 | Grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale | Must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited US school or the equivalent from another country. | Not required |
| Carnegie Mellon University | IELTS-7|TOEFL iBT- 84|Duolingo English Test-105 | 3.0 | An undergraduate degree in a relevant field. | Optional |
| University of Texas at Austin | IELTS-6.5 overall|TOEFL iBT- 79 | 3.0 | A bachelor of Science in Software Engineering; Electronic and Computer Engineering; Computer Science; or related degree. | Not required |
| University of Washington | IELTS-7.0|TOEFL iBT- 92|Duolingo English Test-120 or higher | 3.0 | A bachelor’s degree in computer science or other closely related field. | Optional |
| Arizona State University | IELTS- 7.0 |TOEFL iBT- 90 | Grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale | A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to enrollment. | GRE Score*: 146 verbal, 155 quantitative, and 3.0 analytical writing |
| Boston University | IELTS- 6.5 |TOEFL iBT- 84|Duolingo English Test-115 | 3.4 | A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to enrollment. | Not required |
| Northeastern University | TOEFLiBT: 79 overall|IELTS: 6.5 overall| Duolingo: 105 | 3 GPA is required | An applicant is required to hold (or be pursuing) an undergraduate engineering or technology degree in a closely related field. | Optional |
| University of California, Irvine | TOEFLiBT: 80|IELTS: 7.0 | 3.0 | Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized academic institution | Not Required |
Masters in Software Engineering in USA Document Requirements
Listed below are all the essential documents that students have to submit while enrolling at the best universities for Masters in Software Engineering in USA. Along with document requirements, students can also find their application fee details in the table below:
| University | Documents Required | Application Fee (USD) | Application Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Resume or CV|Unofficial transcripts|Statement of Purpose|Personal History Statement|Two letters of recommendation|Proof of English language proficiency | USD 155 | INR 12943.58 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | SOP|LOR|Resume|Transcripts | USD 100 | INR 8350.69 |
| University of Texas at Austin | Official transcripts|Current Resume|Statement of Purpose|3 professional letters of recommendation | USD 90 | INR 7515.58 |
| University of Washington | Unofficial transcripts|Personal statement|Current resume|2-3 letters of recommendation|Research essay | USD 85 | INR 7098.09 |
| Arizona State University | Statement of purpose|Official transcripts|Application fee: USD 115|Personal statement|Proof of English language proficiency | USD 115 | INR 9603.30 |
| Boston University | Transcripts|Personal statement|Current resume|2 letters of recommendation|English proficiency exam | USD 85 | INR 7098.09 |
| Northeastern University | Two Letters of Recommendation|Transcripts|Statement of Purpose|Resume | USD 100 | INR 8350.69 |
| University of California, Irvine | English Language Proficiency|Letters of Recommendation|Transcripts | USD 155 | INR 12943.58 |
Masters in Software Engineering in USA Cost of Attendance
MSc in Software Engineering in USA is an expensive course, and the tuition fee range is quite high for international applicants. Moreover, international students need to prove they have enough money to pay for tuition, fees, books, and living costs for the entire time they're in university. The overall cost of studying in the USA includes both tuition fees and the expenses associated with living in the country. Here are the estimated figures for the annual cost of living in USA.
Cost of Living in the USA
Living costs in the United States are, on average, 234.2% higher than in India. The average annual cost of living in the USA is USD 68,168 (56.74 lakhs INR) in the USA. Here's an infographic representation that breaks down different expense categories and their monthly costs, offering guidance on managing your expenses effectively.
Masters in Software Engineering in USA Scholarships
The following table outlines the available scholarships in the USA for international students and their respective eligibility criteria and award values.
| Scholarships | Offered by | Eligibility criteria | Award Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| New American University Scholarship - International Academic Award | Arizona State University | Must have a high GPA and competitive test scores to qualify. • Students eligible for this award must be on F-1 visas. | Amount: Varies |
| Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (ISP) | Trust | Excellent academic records. Demonstrated genuine financial need as a last resort. Admission to a reputable postgraduate institution. Strong professional, extracurricular, and leadership background. | 50% grant and 50% loan for Master's students covering tuition and living expenses. |
| P.E.O International Peace Scholarship | PEO International | Need Based|Financial assistance to women | USD 12,500 |
| Inlaks Scholarship | Trust | Merit-based | USD 100,000 |
Masters in Software Engineering in USA Job Outcomes
Once you finish your MSc in Software Engineering, there are high-paying jobs in the USA for international students. Some of these well-paying positions can be found at companies are tabulated below. These firms offer excellent career prospects after Masters in Software Engineering US.
| Job Title | Top Recruiters | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Salary Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | Accenture | Tata Consultancy Services | Capgemini | Amazon | Cognizant Technology Solutions | IBM | Cisco Systems | Oracle|Dell | HCLTech | 93,362 | 77 lakhs |
| Cyber Security Analyst | KPMG|EY|Deloitte|PwC | 81,336 | 67 lakhs |
| Game Developer | Ingenuity Gaming|Google|Scientific Games | 87,273 | 72 lakhs |
| Information systems manager | Indian Oil|Honeywell | 90,204 | 75 lakhs |
| Applications Developer | DXC Technology|Accenture|Tata Consultancy Services|Oracle | 76,830 | 64 lakhs |
| Web Developer | Tech Mahindra|Accenture|Tata Consultancy Services|Capgemini|Amazon|Cognizant Technology Solutions | 64,631 | 53 lakhs |
| Web Designer | Freelancer|Google|TCS|Amazon|Cognizant | 55,974 | 46 lakhs |
Masters in Software Engineering in USA Job Roles
Software engineers make all sorts of things like computer games, apps, and systems that control different machines. After completion of your study in the USA, you have the option to choose among several job roles like Programmer, Mobile developer, etc. Some common job titles for software engineers include:
- Applications Architect
- Applications Developer
- Computer Applications Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Mobile Developer
- Program Manager
- Programmer
- Project Leader
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Software Quality Engineer
- Systems Analyst
- Systems Developer
Work Permit Visa in the USA
Students after completion of MS in software engineering in USA might want to apply for a work permit visa to seek jobs. If the employment is for a fixed period, the applicant can apply for a temporary employment visa. There are several temporary worker visa categories. Below are the types of visas students can apply for:
| Visa Category | General Description |
|---|---|
| H-1B | For applicants working in a specialty occupation. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience in the specialty occupation. Includes fashion models, physicians, and DOD project participants. |
| H-3: Trainee or Special Education visitor | For applicants receiving training, other than graduate medical or academic training, in any field that is not available in their home country. |
| O: Individual with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement | For applicants with an extraordinary ability or achievement in the field of science, art, education, business, or athletics. Also applicants who are internationally recognized in the motion picture and television fields. This category includes persons assisting the above individual. |
Masters in Software Engineering in USA v/s Masters in Software Engineering in Canada
Here's a brief comparison between pursuing a Masters in Software Engineering in Canada and USA. This comparison will focus on course duration, average tuition fees, cost of living, and the salaries earned by graduates.
| Parameter | Masters in Software Engineering in USA | Masters in Software Engineering in Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1-2 Years (Full time) | 1-2 years (Full time) |
| Degree Requirement | A bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution or a recognized academic institution, often in a relevant field like engineering, technology, or a closely related discipline. | 4 year Bachelor’s Degree |
| English Language Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 to 7.0|TOEFL-iBT: 79 to 90|Duolingo English Test (DET): 105 to 120 | IELTS - 6.5 | TOEFL iBT - 75-85 |
| Total Annual Tuition Fees Range | USD 12,264 to USD 63,798 (10.19 lakhs to 53.03 lakhs INR) | 11,000 - 30,000 CAD (6 - 18 lakhs INR) |
| Average Annual Graduate Salary | USD 54,990 to USD 120,000 (45.74 lakhs to 99.81 lakhs INR) | 95,000 CAD (57.59 lakhs INR) |
| Cost of Living (per year) | USD 68,168 (56.74 lakhs INR) | CAD 63,738 (39 lakhs INR) |
Studying for an MSc in Software Engineering in the USA offers a plethora of opportunities for international students. This course makes students industry-ready and the curriculum is practical-based. The diverse selection of universities, coupled with competitive salaries and scholarships, makes it an attractive destination for those aspiring to excel in the field of software engineering. The ROI of this course is also high, and there are various top recruiters offering jobs to students who have a graduate degree in software engineering.
FAQs
Ques: What is the eligibility criteria for admission to a Masters in Software Engineering program in the USA?
Ans: To secure admission to a Masters in Software Engineering program in USA, applicants need a bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields and meet English proficiency requirements, with IELTS scores of 6.5 to 7.0 or TOEFL-iBT scores of 79 to 90. Other than that students need a GPA over 3.0 in a 4.0 sale to be considered for admission. Some universities might ask for a GRE/GMAT score submission along with the other documents mentioned above.
Ques: Are GRE scores required for admission to the Masters in Software Engineering in USA?
Ans: Many universities have made GRE scores optional, not mandatory, for admission, offering greater flexibility to applicants. However, submitting a GRE score certificate as an additional document might help during the admission process.
Ques: What are the top universities in the USA for a Masters in Software Engineering?
Ans: Some top universities include the University of California, Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Washington, among others. These universities provide students with the best MS in Software Engineering courses and specializations.
Ques: How long does it take to complete a Masters in Software Engineering in USA?
Ans: The program duration ranges from 1 to 2 years when pursued full-time. Certain universities also offer a part-time course duration option. However, students usually complete the program within 2 years.
Ques: What is the average annual tuition fee for the Masters in Software Engineering in USA?
Ans: The total annual tuition fee range for the Masters in Software Engineering in USA is from USD 12,264 to USD 63,798 (10.19 lakhs to 53.03 lakhs INR). The course fee range varies among universities, but students can also opt for scholarship programs. Scholarships help students cope with the expensive tuition fee range in USA.
Ques: What is the cost of living in the USA for international students pursuing a Masters in Software Engineering?
Ans: The average annual cost of living is around USD 68,168 (56.74 lakhs INR), which includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and other expenses. Students before coming to the USA must create a clear budget. As a student, there won’t be many employment options. The USA is one of the most expensive countries for international students. Students can fo various part-time jobs or paid internships to help with their living expenses.
Ques: What are the expected salaries for software engineers with a Masters degree in the USA?
Ans: Salaries for software engineers can range from USD 54,990 to USD 120,000 (45.74 lakhs to 99.81 lakhs INR) annually, depending on factors like experience, location, and the employer. Software engineers are paid handsomely in USA, and there is no dearth of job opportunities for them. Top recruiters like Amazon, IBM, etc have several job roles for software engineers.
Ques: Are there scholarships available for international students pursuing a Masters in Software Engineering in USA?
Ans: Yes, there are various scholarships available, including the New American University Scholarship, the Aga Khan Foundation's International Scholarship Programme, and others. Scholarships help students manage the expensive tuition fees charged by the universities.
Ques: How do I secure a student visa to study in the USA for a Masters in Software Engineering?
Ans: You need to apply for a student visa (usually F-1) through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which requires a valid Form I-20, proof of financial support, and meeting other visa requirements.
Ques: What are the job prospects for software engineering graduates in the USA?
Ans: The field of software engineering is expected to grow, and graduates can find opportunities in various sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more, with top employers such as Accenture, Amazon, and IBM.
Ques: Which degree is best for a software engineer in the USA?
Ans: As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers commonly prefer a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer and information technology, mathematics, engineering, or a related discipline. So if you are interested in pursuing a career in software engineering then study a related course like MS or BS in Software Engineering.
Ques: Is a master's in software engineering worth it?
Ans: Yes, a master's in software engineering is worth the try as several jobs are available to students who have this degree. A master’s in software engineering can help students qualify for higher-paying and higher-level roles. Holding a masters degree also gives students an added advantage in a competitive job market, propelling them up the career ladder.
Ques: Is the USA expensive for Masters?
Ans: Yes, the USA is expensive for higher education for both domestic and international students. Remember that an average Master's degree in the United States costs between USD 20,000 and USD 35,000 (INR 16 lakhs- INR 29 lakhs). This range is based on the variety of universities offering the degree and the cost of the specific program being pursued.
1723012108.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=40&w=40&mode=stretch)
1720763824.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=175&w=350&mode=stretch)
_in_usa1721024701.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=175&w=350&mode=stretch)
Comments