Graduate Programme
After you have earned your Bachelors Degree and you set about earning additional education in a specific field, it is called as a Graduate Programme. There are subjects aplenty to pursue your higher education in the US. The two main routes of doing so are the MS - Master’s degree and Ph.D. - Doctoral degree.
The MS programme generally take a year or two to complete and can be done in either of the three ways.
MS – Thesis OptionA Professor will assign a research problem. The student begins work on the thesis after the first year and completes in two or more semesters. The degree is earned upon a GPA of 3.0 and by defending the thesis before a committee.
Optional: 1 or 2 semesters of internship (CPT)
MS – Non Thesis (Course Only)
Under this system a student can do the regular course work and complete a required number of courses (or credits) with a GPA of 3.0 or above.
Optional: 1 or 2 semesters of internship (CPT)
MS Non Thesis (Project)
This system allows for a regular course work with a GPA of 3.0 and above. Additionally, the student has to complete an assigned project within one semester.
Optional : 1 or 2 semesters of internship (CPT)
Sources of University Funding for Graduate Programs
Fellowships and Tuition Scholarships
Based on the merit system, the university can award a fellowship or a tuition scholarship. Tis system 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 who are externally funded for their research often hire graduate students as assistants. This type of funding can be partial or a full tuition waiver and include a monthly stipend for living expenses.
Teaching Assistantships (TA)
Certain departments require teaching assistants to teach undergraduate students. Professors in these departments select graduate students to assist them and English is mandatory for this post. This type of funding can be partial or a full tuition waiver and include a monthly stipend for living expenses.
Administrative Assistantships
Departments sometimes offer administrative assistantships that provide partial funding. Student Assistantships
Under current U.S. immigration regulations international students can work for up to 20 hours per week on campus.
Internships
These are off campus positions enabling students to gain practical experience in their subject. This requires work authorization. An internship increases the chances of a job opportunity and is a requirement for students without work experience.