Have you been dreaming of studying in the USA, but you’re not quite sure which course is “the one” for you?
You’re not alone.
A lot of students feel overwhelmed trying to choose the right program. It’s not just about chasing trends—it’s about finding something that lights you up and gives you the best shot at a successful future.
Whether you’re hoping to land a high-paying job, break into research, or simply follow your passion, this guide will walk you through the top courses in the USA for international students—backed by data, stories, and heart.
Why These Courses Stand Out
Before we dive into the list, here’s what makes a course worth it in the USA:
- Job prospects – Let’s be honest, you want to know you’ll get hired.
- Skills that matter – Courses that make you job-ready with in-demand skills.
- Global recognition – Degrees that are respected anywhere you go.
- Strong ROI – You’re investing a lot—emotionally and financially—so it needs to pay off.
1. Computer Science – For the Creators of Tomorrow
If you’ve ever dreamed of working at Google, Facebook, or building the next big app—Computer Science might be your calling.
With tech booming across every industry, computer science grads are in demand like never before. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this field to grow 15% by 2031, adding over 680,000 new jobs.
Top Universities for Computer Science
| University | Programs Offered |
|---|---|
| MIT | BSc in CS & Engineering, MSc in Computational Design |
| Stanford | BSc & MSc in Computer Science |
| Carnegie Mellon | BS & MS in Computer Science |
| UC Berkeley | BA & MSc in Computer Science |
| Harvard | BA in CS, MSc in Applied Computation |
2. Data Science & Business Analytics – Turn Numbers into Power
Everything today is data-driven—healthcare, finance, marketing, even sports. That’s why Data Science and Business Analytics are exploding in popularity.
And let’s not sugarcoat it—the salaries are
Best Schools for Data Science
| University | Programs Offered |
|---|---|
| MIT | MS in Business Analytics, BSc in Econ & Data |
| Carnegie Mellon | MS in Machine Learning, BS in Data Analytics |
| UC Berkeley | BA in Data Science |
| UPenn | MS in Engineering – Data Science |
| Stanford | MS in Statistics – Data Science |
3. Mechanical Engineering – Build What the World Needs
Think Tesla, SpaceX, Boeing. What do they all need? Mechanical Engineers. This evergreen course blends theory with innovation, offering specializations in mechatronics, aerospace, robotics, and more.
Top Universities for Mechanical Engineering
| University | Programs Offered |
|---|---|
| MIT | BSc & MSc in Mechanical Engineering |
| Stanford | MSc in Mechanical Engineering |
| Harvard | BSc in Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering |
| UC Berkeley | MSc in Mechanical Engineering |
| UMich-Ann Arbor | MSc & PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
4. Electrical & Computer Engineering – Where Hardware Meets Innovation
If you love circuits and code, Electrical and Computer Engineering offers the best of both worlds.
From designing microchips to building smart systems, this course opens doors in every tech-related field.
Best Schools for Electrical & Computer Engineering
| University | Programs Offered |
|---|---|
| MIT | BS in CS & Engineering, MS in Computational Design |
| Stanford | MSc & PhD in Electrical Engineering |
| Carnegie Mellon | MS in ECE |
| UC Berkeley | BS & MSc in EECS |
| UCLA | MS in Electrical Engineering |
5. Medicine – Save Lives, Change the World
Studying medicine in the USA isn’t easy—but it’s worth every ounce of effort. U.S. medical schools offer world-class training, unmatched research, and a lifetime of career opportunities.
Top U.S. Universities for Medicine
| University | Programs Offered |
|---|---|
| Harvard | MD, MPH, MSc in Biomedical Informatics |
| Johns Hopkins | MSc in Biomedical Engineering, Health Admin |
| Stanford | MD, MSc in Health Policy |
| Columbia | MD, PhD in Nursing |
| Duke | MD, BSc in Biomedical Engineering |
6. Finance – The Heart of Wall Street
With New York City at its core, the USA is a dream destination for finance grads. From Wall Street to venture capital, there’s no shortage of opportunities for sharp minds in this field.
Best U.S. Universities for Finance
| University | Programs Offered |
|---|---|
| MIT | MSc & PhD in Finance |
| Columbia | MSc in Financial Econ, Math of Finance |
| UCLA | MSc Financial Engineering |
| USC | MSc in Finance & Math Finance |
| UC Berkeley | MSc & PhD in Finance |
7. Biotechnology – Science That Changes Lives
After COVID-19, Biotechnology took the spotlight. If you’re into biology, tech, and research, this is where groundbreaking innovation happens.
Best U.S. Universities for Biotechnology
| University | Programs Offered |
|---|---|
| Stanford | MSc Bioengineering, PhD Biochemistry |
| Cornell | BSc Biological Engineering |
| Columbia | MA in Biotechnology |
| UPenn | MSc in Biotechnology |
| Northwestern | MSc in Biotechnology |
8. Business Management – Lead the Future
Whether you’re aiming for an MBA or an undergrad in business, the U.S. is home to some of the best B-schools in the world.
Leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing—you name it, they teach it.
Top Business Schools in the USA
| University | Programs Offered |
|---|---|
| Harvard | MBA, PhD in Business Admin |
| Stanford | MBA, MSc in Business |
| UPenn (Wharton) | MBA in Entrepreneurship |
| University of Chicago | MBA in Marketing |
| Northwestern (Kellogg) | MBA, MSc in Management Studies |
FAQ
Q: What are the most popular courses in the USA for international students?
A: Computer Science, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, Finance, Medicine, and Business are among the top choices.
Q: Are U.S. universities hard to get into?
A: Some are very competitive, but with the right guidance, applications, and test scores, it’s absolutely doable.
Q: Can I stay and work in the USA after my studies?
A: Yes! Most STEM and MBA courses offer OPT or work visa extensions after graduation.
Q: How much does it cost to study in the USA?
A: Tuition can range from $20,000 to $70,000/year, but scholarships, part-time jobs, and financial aid are available.
Q: What’s the best way to pick the right course?
A: Think about your passions, career goals, and the kind of work you want to do every day. Also, talk to someone who’s been there!
