Best Courses for Undergrad in the USA for Indian Students After 12th

Share this post

Are you an Indian student in your 11 or 12th Grade? Are you looking to do your undergrad in the US? Or maybe you are a parent whose child wants to pursue their Bachelor’s in the US. Student or parent, I am sure you feel all at sea, confused and anxious on whether the US is the best destination for the intended course. Well, you have come to the right place – this blog is a detailed discussion on the best courses for undergrad in the USA.

After 12th Grade, it is vital that you get into the right course as this decision will shape your future. And the U.S. is a perfect destination. As it offers a multitude of options across various fields, you are sure to find a course that caters to your specific interest. Given its world-class education system, large cultural diversity, and abundant opportunities, the U.S. continues to be the top study destination for Indian students seeking quality higher education. Additionally, beyond academics and career, studying in the U.S. ensures personal growth – confidence, leadership, global awareness and communication skills, which are essential for success in any profession.

Among the courses offered at undergrad in the USA level, Engineering and Computer Science are the most sought-after, with Life Sciences and Business Management coming a close second. Within these broad areas, specific majors like Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, core Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Civil etc), Biotechnology, Finance and Accounting are particularly attractive. In recent times, majors like Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Environmental Science are also gaining rapid popularity.

Below is a detailed breakdown of popular undergraduate courses in the USA:

• Engineering and Computer Science:

  Engineering is the most popular choice for Indian students seeking to do their Bachelor’s in the US. There are around 800 colleges in the country offering engineering programs, with universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), University of California (Berkeley) topping the list. In the US, a B.Tech degree is usually referred to as Bachelor of Science Engineering (BSc. Eng.) or Bachelor of Engineering (BE), and universities there offer a wide array of disciplines including Software, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Environmental and Aerospace Engineering. With the exponential growth of tech industry, degrees in computer science, software engineering, and related fields like Information Technology are in high demand. Students can specialize in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and software development. AI and Machine Learning are rapidly evolving and offer promising career paths in sectors as diverse as healthcare and social media. Also, as cyber threats continue to grow, this field is experiencing high demand. Traditional branches like Mechanical, Civil and Electrical are also very popular as careers in these areas are always in demand, particularly when combined with emerging technologies.

• Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Healthcare and Nursing:

  US universities are at the forefront of research and innovation in life sciences, offering programs in areas like Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, and related fields. For those interested in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, these specializations offer pathways into research and development. Universities like Stanford, John Hopkins, Massachusetts, California (Berkeley) and Pennsylvania are among the more popular destinations for these courses.

  For students from the science stream, health sciences also offer rewarding careers, particularly as the US has a strong healthcare system. Nursing is another critical field with high demand in the U.S. healthcare system. There are many Pre-med programs also where students can pursue undergraduate studies in biology or chemistry as a pathway to medical school.

• Business Management:

  A Bachelor’s in Business Administration is another much sought-after course for undergrad in the US. It provides a strong foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Since the US is home to some of the world’s top business schools such Wharton, Ross and NYU Stern, to name a few, this bachelor’s program can be a perfect gateway for an MBA from any of these schools.

  Moreover, these programs focus on industry relevant skills like marketing, finance and analytics, and offer hands-on experience through case studies, internships and real-life consulting projects, making them attractive to potential employers also. A Business Management Bachelor’s degree from the US is globally recognized and respected, making the US an ideal destination for students wishing to pursue the management or entrepreneurial path. With strong career services and alumni networks, graduates from U.S. business schools land jobs at global companies like Google, Amazon, McKinsey, and Deloitte.

  Apart from the above, there are many more specializations available at the undergrad level in the US:

• Accounting and Finance:

  These fields are essential for the functioning of businesses and the economy, and focus on financial reporting, auditing, and investment strategies. You will be studying core courses like Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Corporate Finance, Statistics, Business Math, etc. These courses will prepare you for jobs in the finance sector like Financial Analyst, Corporate Finance Associate, Portfolio Manager, Management Accountant, and so on. You can even go on to do certifications and take up positions like Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst. Business Schools like Stern, Wharton, Ross and Sloan are among the top destinations for these courses.

• Economics:

  A very dynamic program, this subject offers insights into market dynamics, economic policies, and global trade. If you are curious to understand how governments, businesses and people make decisions, this course is ideal for you. Among other courses to study in the USA, you will study Principles of Micro and Macro Economics, Statistics, Public Finance, and specialize in a wide range of disciplines like Behavioral, Development, Labor and so on. Economists are in demand across sectors and find jobs typically as Consultants, Financial Analysts, Data Analysts, Business Analysts, etc. Many universities have a strong Economics Department with Harvard, Chicago, MIT and Stanford leading the list.

• Data Science and Analytics:

  Considering the increasing reliance on data for every decision in an organization, these fields offer excellent career opportunities across industries. You will study a combination of Math, statistics, Computer Science and skills to turn raw data into insights for making decisions. If you enjoy working with data, and solving real-world problems, then this course will be ideal for you. Universities offering Data Science and Analytics programs have excellent ties with industries, which will provide opportunities for capstone projects and internships.

• Environmental Science:

  Growing environmental concerns across the world have led to increased interest in sustainability, conservation, and related fields for their relevance and impact. US universities have come out aggressively with courses in these areas to tackle the alarming rise in resource depletion, climate change and environmental degradation. These degrees can lead to careers in conservation, policy-making, and environmental consultancy.

• Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts:

  US universities offer strong programs in various social science disciplines, including Psychology, Sociology, History, Philosophy, Literature, and Fine Arts (visual arts, graphic design, and performing arts). Stanford, University of California (Berkeley), Michigan (Ann Arbor), Yale, Princeton, Columbia, University of Chicago, California Institute of Arts, Juilliard School and Rhode Island School of Design are some of the prominent universities offering one or more of these disciplines.

• Hospitality and Tourism Management

  With a global rise in the tourism industry, degrees in hospitality management prepare students for careers in hotel management, event planning, and travel services. These programs offer strong academic curricula, internships, industry connections and career placement services. Some of the top US universities renowned for their Hospitality and Tourism Management programs are Cornell University, University of Nevada, Florida International University, Purdue University, University of Central Florida, Pennsylvania State University, Boston University and Michigan State University.

• Law and Legal Studies

  While law degrees in the U.S. are typically postgraduate (Juris Doctor programs which are equivalent to an LLB in India), students can pursue political science or pre-law as their undergraduate major, which will give them a strong foundation for higher studies in the field of Law. US law schools accept students from any academic background, and a good LSAT (the admission test for Law) score will give you an edge over others. If you have strong critical thinking and argumentation skills and enjoy research, Law could be a good option for you. Participation in debates. MUNS, community services and campaigns or voluntary work related to justice, education rights, women’s safety, etc. will highlight your aptitude for law / legal studies. Moreover, since you can also choose ancillary subjects in disciplines like Economics, Sociology and Public Policy, your law degree can open doors not just to law firms but also to corporates, policy think tanks, NGOs and journalism.

• Media and Mass Communication

  Another set of upcoming fields of study at undergraduate level in the US are journalism, mass communication, and digital media. These courses equip students with skills for careers in media houses, advertising agencies, and public relations firms. The curriculum offers a mix of theoretical learning along with internships that can help form strong industry connections, and thereby pave the way for potential careers.

  Apart from these 3-4 years of study, for students seeking courses of shorter duration, US universities offer diploma and certificate courses in business management, digital marketing, English language, etc.

Tips for Choosing Your Course:

• Analyze your interests and strengths and select a course that aligns with them. Research career prospects and explore the job market in your field of interest. US universities offer a wide range of programs so take time to research which ones best match your interests. Envision your long-term career goals and choose the course that will help you achieve your dreams.

• Location of the university is another consideration. If you are applying for tech-based programs like Computer Science or Information Technology, you may want to choose an institution in or close to Silicon Valley. You will then be looking at any of the Universities of California or even UCLA. In case you are applying for a business or finance program, NYC could be your top target as it is a global financial capital and home to Wall Street. For Economics and Development Studies, Harvard, Chicago, UC Berkeley and Columbia University are exceptional options.

• The location of a school also decides weather conditions, which too could be a factor if you have health conditions and cannot stand extreme climates. The US is a vast country and is home to a wide range of climates: from the dry deserts of the South-West to humid South-East, and from the coastal areas of California to the winters of the North-East and Mid-West.

• Finally, and perhaps most importantly – funding. This is a very big consideration, and you must, objectively and honestly, assess what will be your funding requirements through all the years of your program and how are you (and your family) going to meet them. Funding is not just tuition fees; you will have rent, food expenses, books, clothes including winter wear, travel, and other miscellaneous expenses, and while tuition fees form the chunk of this, the sum total of the other expenses could be equal if not more. Location of your university will also define your cost of living, lifestyle and culture. Of course, there are loans and scholarships that will provide financial support. All the information can be accessed online so take your time, do the research, and then make your decision. Here is a complete guide to study in the US for Indian students.

Doing your undergrad in the US is a pathway to further education. Most US universities offer a flexible curriculum. In addition to core courses, you can explore electives in forensics, cybercrime, psychology, data science, sustainability, public policy, etc., making you a well-rounded professional and perhaps even helping you identify your true interest.

International students with F1 visas can work in the U.S. for up to 1 year after graduation under the Optional Practicum Training (OPT) program. Students of STEM majors get a 24-month extension, giving them a total of 3 years to work on their student visa, post-graduation. However, the job should be related to the major studied. To provide financial support, many U.S. universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students. The U.S. offers unmatched networking opportunities as you can meet students from all over the world, interact with professors who are experts in their field, and attend seminars, corporate visits, and job fairs that connect you directly with industry leaders. Moreover, living and studying abroad can help you develop independence, adaptability, and cultural awareness – skills that are invaluable in any professional career.

Pursuing your undergraduate studies in America is an excellent choice provided you do your due diligence, understand your strengths and talents, network with current students or alumni on social media, and explore the website thoroughly. Take your time, start researching at the earliest, decide what you want to study, and prepare a shortlist of courses and colleges.

All the Best! Happy Exploring!

Share this post