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Study Options
The U.S. higher education system offers unparalleled choice in the types of institutions, academic and social environments, entry requirements, degree programs, and fields of study that are available. Students can choose from a variety of academic areas, from the humanities to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). U.S. institutions continue to lead in terms of the breadth of academic specializations and research opportunities they offer. National and regional accreditation systems ensure that U.S. institutions maintain high academic standards.
UNDERGRADUATE (BACHELOR'S DEGREE)
GRADUATE
(MASTER'S OR PHD DEGREE)
*Undergraduate programs follow high school and lead to an associate (two-year) degree or a bachelor (four-year) degree. Associate: a two-year program that either leads to a specific vocation or transitions to a bachelor program. Bachelor: a four or five-year program where students earn credits in a wide variety of courses.
*Graduate programs follow a bachelor’s degree and lead to a master’s or doctoral degree. Masters: two-year degree providing additional specialization. Doctorate: five to eight-year program certifying the student as a trained research scholar and/or professor.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Certificate programs allow you to further specialize in a particular area of your field of study. Please check with individual university departments regarding their certificate offerings and requirements.
AMERICAN SEMESTER PROGRAM
A fairly new program, allowing international students to study one semester, on campus, at a U.S. institution. Please check with individual university departments regarding their offerings and requirements.
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
*Many U.S. institutions have exchange programs in place with Indian institutions - each university exchange program varies. Contact the office responsible for international programs at your institution to ask if your institution has exchange agreements/programs with U.S. universities.
OTHER PROGRAMS
U.S. institutions offer a variety of programs such as online learning, extension programs, shadowing experiences (professional) and more. Please check with individual university departments regarding their offerings and requirements.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS WHO ARE U.S. CITIZENS
U.S. citizens living in India are considered as "Americans Abroad". There are no visa requirements to study in the U.S. U.S. citizens residing abroad are also encouraged to apply for FAFSA well in advance - to be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans, etc.
Please check with individual university departments regarding application requirements.
The following are the most common requirements:
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English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS
Undergraduate Admission Tests: SAT or ACT
Graduate Admission Tests: GRE or GMAT or LSAT or student's portfolio
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PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS WHO ARE INDIAN CITIZENS
Please check with individual university departments regarding visa and application requirements. The following are the most common requirements:
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English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS
Undergraduate Admission Tests: SAT or ACT
Graduate Admission Tests: GRE or GMAT or LSAT or student's portfolio
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ALL Indian Citizens require a Visa to study in the U.S.
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Visa Types: F or J or M
Visa Information: Study & Exchange
Students on F Visa are allowed CPT - Curricular Practical Training and OPT - Optional Practical Training.
Note that NOT all U.S. institutions offer CPT and/or OPT.
LGBTI STUDENTS
Resources for LGBTI students
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YouTube Video on LGBTI Campus Life for International Students
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Top 10 Criteria LGBTQ Students Look For:
1) Active student organization
2) Out LGBTQ students
3) Out faculty and staff
4) Inclusive admission policies
5) Visible signs of Pride
6) Out allies from the top down
7) Inclusive housing and gender neutral bathrooms
8) Established center/office
9) LGBT/Queer studies major or minor
10) General liberal attitude and vibrant LGBTQ social scene
Source: CampusPride.org, 2016 Forum on International Admission & Guidance, #CISFORUM