One Year Courses in USA for Indian Students in 2025

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Shahid Mustaq Murshed Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist

1 year courses in USA are becoming popular with the increase in demand for short span programs to study abroad. The one year courses in USA are designed to upskill students with the real-world problem-solving skills, within a shorter span than the traditional courses in USA. These programs are offered in fields like business, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and healthcare. From Ivy League institutes like UPenn, and Princeton University to public institutes like Arizona State University, and Pennsylvania State University, 1 year masters programs in USA are available abundantly for international students. The types of 1 year programs in USA for international students and popular specializations are as follows:

  • 1 year MS in USA: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Economics
  • 1 year MBA in USA: Financial Technology, Finance, Marketing
  • 1 year MEngg in USA: Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
  • PG Diploma in USA: Accounting, Banking and Finance, Digital marketing

On average, the tuition fees for these one-year programs range from 29,000 to 60,000 USD per year (24.55 to 50.79 lakhs) depending on the university and the specific field. For example, the University of California, Berkeley offers a Master of Engineering program with an average tuition fee of 35,000 USD (29.63 lakhs), while Stanford University’s Master's in Statistics can cost around 56,487 USD (47.82 lakhs). 

The average graduate from a one-year MBA or STEM courses in the USA can expect a starting salary between 70,000 and 120,000 USD (59.26 to 1.01 crore), making it a valuable investment for those seeking quick career advancement​. 

I year courses in USA


Why Study 1 Year Courses in USA?

Studying 1 years courses in USA saves both time and fees for international students. Here’s why you should pursue 1 year courses in USA:

  • After a 1-year masters program in USA, all students can avail 1 year work opportunity under OPT.
  • If you are pursuing a STEM program, you can avail up to 24 months STEM OPT extension in USA.
  • You can save up to 1 year’s cost of living in USA by pursuing 1 year programs instead of conventional 2 year courses.
  • Students get the time and resources to pursue a second masters degree in USA after completing a 1 year masters program.
  • Full-time employees in USA with a master’s degree earn 244 USD (21,000 INR) more weekly wage than bachelor's degree holders, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This shows, with a 1 year masters in USA, you can attain a higher payscale within a shorter span.

Also read: Why Study in USA? 


One Year Masters Programs in USA

Universities in USA are offering one-year masters courses across various academic fields, from STEM courses in USA to business courses like business analytics and humanities courses like political science. Explore some of the top universities in USA offering one year masters degrees and their corresponding details:

QS World University Rankings 2025 University Program Total Tuition Fee/ year in USD Application Deadline
#1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Master of Science Business Analytics 91,250 January 3, 2025
#4 Harvard University Master of Science in Health Data Science 65,082 Closed
#6 Stanford University MS Civil and Environmental Engineering 65,083 Closed
#10 California Institute of Technology M.S Electrical Engineering 63,063 January 15, 2025
#12 University of California Berkeley Master of Financial Engineering 82,901 Round 1: January 16, 2025 | Round 2: April 1, 2025 | Round 3: June 5, 2025 | Round 4: October 1, 2025
#22 Princeton University M.Eng Electrical Engineering 62,400 January 2, 2025
#76 University of Washington MS in Information Systems 49,588 January 5, 2025
#89 Pennsylvania State University ME in Aerospace Engineering 41,126 December 15, 2024
#155 University of North Carolina MS Computer Science 22,013 March 12, 2025
#200 Arizona State University Master of Science in Information Systems Management 38,526 Rolling basis until July 15, 2025
#641-650 University of Missouri Masters in Cybersecurity 43,800 March 1, 2025

Eligibility for One Year Masters Programs in USA

For admission to 1 year masters programs in US, international students must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

  • A full-time bachelor’s degree in the relevant field of study
  • GPA of 3.5 or higher on 4.0 scale (~89-90%), or its equivalent
  • Standardized exams to study in USA
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Research internships

Documents Required for 1 Year Masters in USA

The admission procedure for a one-year master's program in the universities in USA is similar to regular programs. The commonly required supporting documents for admission to 1 year MS programs in USA are as follows:

  • Completed application
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Marks sheets
  • 1-2 LORs
  • Resume/CV
  • SOP
  • Proof of finance availability
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • USA student visa

One Year MBA in USA

You can pursue the accelerated 1 year MBA in USA to save up to 20-30% tuition fee expenses as compared to conventional 2 year MBA in USA. These programs are designed specially for experienced professionals with significant leadership experience. Some top universities offering 1 year MBA in USA are as follows:

A 1 year masters degree in USA can help you to earn leadership qualities and to strengthen your CV. With an accelerated program in USA, you will save both time and money, while taking a leap towards career improvement. Your 1 year degree from USA will be acknowledged globally, adding the factor to secure high paying jobs around the world.

FAQs

Ques: Is there any one-year degree course in the USA?

Ans: Yes, several universities in the USA offer one-year degree programs, particularly in fields like STEM, business, and healthcare. For instance, universities such as MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon provide one-year Master's degrees in areas like data science, engineering, and business administration.

Ques: Which course is best for a 1-year course?

Ans: The best course for a one-year program depends on your career goals. Popular choices include MBA, Master of Engineering, Data Science, and Master’s in Computer Science. These courses not only offer accelerated learning but also strong career prospects. For example, a Master of Engineering from UC Berkeley can boost your career in tech and engineering, while an MBA from Columbia helps with business leadership.

Ques: Is a 1-year Master's available in the USA?

Ans: Yes, many universities in the USA offer 1-year Master's programs. These are typically specialized and highly focused degrees, especially in fields like business (e.g., Executive MBA), engineering, and data science. Popular examples include Stanford’s Master’s in Statistics and MIT’s Master of Engineering.

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