Shahid Mustaq Murshed Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science (MS) are the two most popular options for higher education in the US among Indian students. According to the latest survey by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), applications to graduate business schools increased by 12% in 2024. The QS Global MBA ranking 2025 also indicates that American business schools continue to top the preference list among international students. India is the top country sending international students to the United States, with about 3.30 lakh graduate students.
The decision to choose between an MBA or MS in the USA depends on factors like career goals, professional background, and the desired skill set. However, there are some subtle differences that you should consider before selecting one.
Also read: Best Courses to Study in USA
- MBA vs MS in USA: Key Differences
- MBA vs MS in USA: Curricular Differences
- MBA vs MS in USA: Eligibility Criteria and Work Experience
- MBA vs MS in USA: The Target Audience
- MBA vs MS in USA: Job Opportunities and Average Salary
- MBA vs MS in USA: Top Universities and Tuition Fees
- Factors to Consider While Choosing an MBA or MS in USA
- FAQs
Key Differences Between MBA vs MS in USA
An MBA is a graduate business degree that covers a wide range of business topics such as finance, marketing, and management. It focuses on applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations through case studies, undertaking projects, and internship opportunities in USA.
While, an MS degree focuses on a specific field of study, such as engineering, computer science, or biology, and is more research-oriented. It helps you to gain more knowledge on the subject and create future research opportunities.
| Parameters | MBA in USA | MS in USA |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years. 1 year for an accelerated MBA |
2 years |
| Focus | Broad management and leadership skills | Specialized knowledge in a specific field |
| Popular specializations | Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Human Resource Management | Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Biotechnology |
| Eligibility | Bachelor degree | 3-5 years of work experience | GMAT scores | Bachelor degree | No minimum work experience | GRE score (optional) |
| Career | Managerial and leadership roles | Specialized technical or research roles |
| Average cost | 60,000-120,000 USD | 20,000-60,000 USD |
| Average Salary | 98,000 USD (PayScale) | 88,000 USD (PayScale) |
| Top Recruiters | Bank of America Corp, J.P. Morgan Chase and Co, Amazon, Northrop Grumman | Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Company, Intel Corporation, Raytheon Co |
| Post-Study Work Guide for USA | ||
|---|---|---|
| High-Paying Jobs in USA | H1-B Visa | Post-Study Work Visa in USA |
| Part-time Jobs in USA | OPT vs CPT | Popular Job Sectors in the USA |
Curricular Differences Between MBA vs MS in USA
There are some major curricular differences between an MBA in USA and an MS in USA. However, the curriculum of a business-related MS degree (accounting, finance, business analytics) might match an MBA curriculum.
MBA Curriculum
- Broad focus on business disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, and leadership.
- The average duration is 2 years.
- Includes practical case studies, internships, and networking opportunities.
- Often includes electives, enabling you to specialize in fields like finance, entrepreneurship, or healthcare management.
MS Curriculum
- Highly specialized and research-oriented, focusing on disciplines such as Computer Science, Data Analytics, Engineering, or Life Sciences.
- The average duration is 1-2 years.
- Requires thesis or research work in most MS programs in the USA.
- Includes core and elective subjects, often tailored to industry trends.
Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for MBA and MS
As both are graduate-level programs, to be eligible, you need to have an undergraduate degree equivalent to the US Education System. Some basic eligibility criteria for an Indian student to be eligible for admission to MBA and MS in USA are as follows:
| Parameters | MBA in USA | MS in USA |
|---|---|---|
| Academic eligibility | 16 years of education (10+2+4 education with the completion of bachelor's) | A 4-year bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a 3.0-3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale |
| Standardized test scores | GMAT score: 600+ GRE score: 300+ |
GRE score of 330 or above (optional) |
| English Language proficiency scores | IELTS: Minimum 6.5 band TOEFL iBT: 90-100 PTE: 50-70 |
IELTS: 6.0-6.5 TOEFL iBT: 80-100 PTE: 40-60 DET: 90-110 |
| Work Experience | A minimum work experience of 3 to 5 years | No preferred work experience |
| Recommendations | LORs from employers or professional mentors | LORs from professors or academic advisors |
MBA vs MS in USA: Who Should Choose What?
Which is better MS or MBA in USA? The answer lies in your career goals and who you are.
MBA in USA
An MBA program in USA is designed for working professionals with 3-5 years of experience. If you have a career-focused target and set yourself in a financially independent position, you can look for an MBA. An MBA can be completed faster (accelerated 1-year MBA options), and the salary is higher, but tuition costs can burn a hole in your pocket.
MS in USA
If you are a recent graduate and looking to deepen your expertise in STEM courses in USA, an MS is perfect for you. However, experienced professionals can also pursue an MS degree. An MS degree is designed to give specialized knowledge and technical skills to excel in roles that demand advanced expertise in specializations like data science, data analysis, AI, and others.
Job Opportunities and Average Salary After MBA and MS in USA
The US is the largest MBA market in the world, with more than 1,25,000 MBA candidates graduating annually. The average base salary for MBA jobs in USA is 98,000 USD. On the other hand, MS graduates are highly valued for their specialized knowledge, particularly in STEM fields. They can earn an average annual salary of 88,000 USD.
Popular job roles and MBA vs MS in USA salary are as follows.
Top Universities and Tuition Fees for MBA vs MS in USA
The US is known for its quality education and top-ranked global universities. Check out the top institutes for an MBA and MS in USA given below.
Top Universities for MBA in USA
The top 10 b-schools in USA are tabulated below.
| QS Global MBA Rank 2025 | Business School | Tuition Fee/ year | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Stanford Graduate School of Business | 82,455 USD | 182,500 USD |
| #2 | Wharton Business School | 84,830 USD | 175,000 USD |
| #3 | Harvard Business School | 76,410 USD | 175,000 USD |
| #4 | Sloan School of Management | 84,350 USD | 170,000 USD |
| #8 | Columbia Business School | 88,300 USD | 175,000 USD |
| #11 | Kellogg School of Management | 56,168 USD | 207,000 USD |
| #13 | Haas School of Business | 85,406 USD | 166,000 USD |
| #14 | Anderson School of Management | 85,756 USD | 150,000 USD |
| #15 | Booth School of Business | 84,198 USD | 151,000 USD |
| #16 | Yale School of Management | 84,900 USD | 175,000 USD |
Top Universities for MS in USA
MS degrees are comparatively cheaper than an MBA in America. STEM MS degrees also have the advantage of STEM OPT extension, allowing you to stay in USA for an additional 2 years to find jobs. Check out 10 top universities for masters in USA as per QS ranking 2025.
| QS Ranking 2025 | Universities | Annual Fees Range | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 43,200-91,250 USD | 119,000 USD |
| #4 | Harvard University | 40,080-76,410 USD | 98,000 USD |
| #6 | Stanford University | 61,095-65,082 USD | 116,000 USD |
| #10 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 63,402 USD | 115,000 USD |
| #11 | University of Pennsylvania | 32,796-83,122 USD | 96,000 USD |
| #12 | University of California, Berkeley | 12,762 USD | 97,000 USD |
| #16 | Cornell University | 20,800-109,944 USD | 95,000 USD |
| #21 | University of Chicago | 12,942-84,198 USD | 82,000 USD |
| #22 | Princeton University | 62,400 USD | 104,000 USD |
| #23 | Yale University | 29,976-85,400 USD | 98,000 USD |
Also read: Best Universities in USA
Factors to Consider While Choosing an MBA or MS in USA
So, MBA or MS which is better in USA? There is no definite answer to this question. Both programs have different target students and have different career outcomes. Being an Indian student, you can consider the following factors while choosing between an MBA and MS in USA:
Career Goals:
- Choose an MBA if you aspire to leadership roles or entrepreneurship.
- Opt for an MS if you want to deepen technical expertise or pursue research.
Work Experience:
- MBA programs prefer applicants with work experience.
- MS programs are ideal for fresh graduates or those transitioning into technical roles.
Return on Investment (ROI):
- Evaluate the cost versus potential earnings.
- An MBA may lead to higher earnings in managerial roles, while MS programs provide strong returns in technical fields.
Visa and Immigration:
- STEM-designated programs (both MBA and MS) offer an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, increasing job opportunities in the USA.
Choosing between an MBA and MS program in the USA depends on your career aspirations, financial considerations, and academic background. While an MBA is ideal for those aiming for leadership roles and broader business exposure, an MS is perfect for individuals seeking specialization in technical or research-oriented fields.
Conduct thorough research, evaluate program offerings, and align them with your long-term goals to make an informed decision. Remember, both paths can lead to rewarding careers if chosen strategically. Additionally, do not forget to research the scholarship opportunities, as studying in USA is not going to be cheap!
FAQs
Ques: Should I do an MS or MBA from the USA?
Ans: It depends on your career goals. Want to specialize in a technical field like Computer Science or Engineering? Go for an MS. It’s great for fresh graduates or those with a tech background. If you're eyeing leadership roles or business management, an MBA is better, especially with 2–5 years of experience. MS grads earn $70,000–$120,000, while MBA grads often make $80,000–$150,000.
Ques: Is an MS in the USA worth the investment for an Indian student?
Ans: Absolutely, if you choose an in-demand field like Data Science or AI. Costs range from $35,000–$80,000, but STEM graduates earn $70,000–$120,000 and get a 3-year OPT to work in the US. Scholarships, assistantships, and TA/RA roles can help manage costs, so plan accordingly.
Ques: Which is more cost-effective, an MBA or MS in the USA?
Ans: An MS is typically more affordable, costing $35,000–$80,000, while an MBA can reach $140,000. An MS offers quicker returns for students taking loans, especially with high-paying STEM jobs.
Ques: How does an MS in the USA compare to an MBA in India career-wise?
Ans: An MS in the USA offers global exposure, advanced technical skills, and jobs with salaries of $70,000–$120,000. Working abroad adds international experience to your profile. An MBA in India is more affordable (₹20–40 lakhs) and comes with starting salaries of ₹15–25 LPA ($18,000–$30,000), but lacks the global edge of a US MS.
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