We’ve explored the top degree programs for international studentsIndividuals enrolled in educational programs who are the primary beneficiaries of educational servic..., focusing on popular majors and recent trends. STEM fields dominate, with Computer Science surpassing Business Administration in 2022. Engineering and Second Language Learning also attract high enrollment, reflecting global tech demand and interest in cultural exchange. The pandemic has shifted priorities, making STEM programs more enticing for career prospects. Best U.S. universities like Northeastern, NYU, and UC San Diego offer excellent programs and welcoming environments for international students. Stay with us to discover which program aligns best with your career aspirations.

Key Takeaways

• Computer Science is the most popular major among international students due to high global tech demand.
• Engineering programs attract international students for their focus on innovation and development.
• STEM fields dominate enrollment trends, making up over half of the top 20 sought-after majors.
• Non-English language studies are increasingly popular, reflecting interest in global communication and cultural exchange.
• Top U.S. universities like Northeastern and NYU offer programs that cater to the needs of international students.

Undergraduate Degree Options

Let’s explore the diverse undergraduate degree options available for international students.

When it comes to choosing a major, many international students are drawn to STEM majors, which dominate over half of the top 20 most popular fields. These programs offer robust career prospects and are highly valued globally. Among STEM fields, computer science has emerged as a frontrunner, surpassing the business major in popularity by 2022.

While STEM majors continue to attract a large number of students, the appeal of a business major hasn’t entirely faded. It was the most common major in 2021, demonstrating its enduring significance in the global job market. Business administration programs equip students with essential skills in management, finance, and entrepreneurship, making it a versatile choice for those aiming for leadership roles.

Interestingly, non-English language studies have also gained traction, ranking as the second most popular major among international students. This reflects a growing interest in cultural exchange and multilingualism, which are valuable assets in our interconnected world.

As international students, we have a wealth of undergraduate degree options to choose from, each offering unique pathways to personal and professional growth. Whether we lean towards STEM, business, or language studies, the possibilities are vast.

Popular Majors

Popular majors for international students reveal fascinating trends and shifting preferences in higher education.

In 2022, Computer Science emerged as the most common major, reflecting the growing importance of technology and digital skills in today’s world. This shift is significant, especially considering that Business Administration held the top spot just a year prior. The SEVP report highlights how international students are increasingly gravitating toward fields that promise strong career prospects and innovation.

STEM programs, in general, have a strong draw. Over half of the top 20 majors chosen by international students fall under this category. This includes not only Computer Science but also engineering, mathematics, and physical sciences. The appeal of these disciplines lies in their global demand and the wide range of opportunities they offer in various industries.

Interestingly, non-English language studies are ranked as the second most popular major. This trend suggests that many international students value multilingual proficiency, likely aiming to enhance their global communication skills and cultural understanding.

Enrollment Trends

Enrollment trends among international students have shifted noticeably over recent years, reflecting broader changes in global educational and career priorities. We’ve seen a significant increase in the popularity of STEM programs, which now make up more than half of the top 20 most sought-after majors. This trend highlights the growing demand for skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which are seen as pivotal for the future job market.

In 2022, the top three majors for international students were particularly revealing:

1. Computer Science: This major stood out as the most common choice among international students, underscoring the global demand for tech professionals.
2. Engineering: The close following of engineering disciplines attracted many students, reflecting the need for innovation and infrastructure development worldwide.
3. Second Language Learning: Surprisingly, this major secured the third spot, indicating a strong interest in cultural exchange and communication skills.

These shifts in enrollment trends highlight how international students are increasingly aligning their educational paths with global career opportunities. According to the SEVP report, 50% of international students chose one of the top 20 majors in 2022, further emphasizing the importance of these fields.

COVID-19 Impact

The shifts in enrollment trends are even more pronounced when considering the impact of COVID-19 on international student preferences. We’ve seen how the pandemic reshaped the landscape of higher education, particularly affecting international student enrollment in the U.S. One of the most significant changes has been a renewed focus on STEM programs. As the world faced unprecedented challenges, the demand for expertise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics surged.

The SEVP report highlights these changes, showing clear trends in how international students are now prioritizing their academic choices. During the pandemic, the appeal of certain majors shifted, reflecting the evolving needs and opportunities in the global job market. For many international students, STEM programs became more attractive due to their strong career prospects and the vital role these fields played in addressing pandemic-related issues.

We’ve also noticed that the pandemic’s impact has led to fluctuations in the popularity of other majors. However, the consistent increase in enrollment for STEM programs underscores the importance of these disciplines in a post-COVID world.

As we move forward, understanding these shifts will be essential for universities aiming to attract and support international students effectively.

Top U.S. Universities

Examining the top U.S. universities for international students reveals a diverse array of institutions that attract a significant global student body. These universities offer exceptional degree programs and a welcoming environment for students from around the world.

1. Northeastern University (MA): With a 19.01% international student rate in 2017-2018, Northeastern stands out for its cooperative education program, which integrates professional experience with academic learning. This hands-on approach makes it a popular choice for international students.
2. New York University (NYU): NYU had a 19.14% international student rate during the same period. Located in the heart of New York City, NYU offers a vast array of degree programs and unparalleled cultural experiences, making it a magnet for global scholars.
3. University of Tulsa (OK): At 19.24%, the University of Tulsa has a significant proportion of international students. Known for its strong engineering and natural sciences programs, Tulsa provides a tight-knit community and personalized academic support.

Other notable mentions include the University of California—San Diego (19.55%) and the Illinois Institute of Technology (20.61%), both of which attract international students due to their innovative degree programs and research opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which College Is Best for International Students?

We believe the best college for international students depends on individual needs. With high international student rates, institutions like Northeastern, NYU, University of Tulsa, UCSD, and IIT offer diverse environments and ample support services.

Which University Is the Best for International Students?

We believe the best university for international students is Columbia, with 33.2% of its undergraduates from abroad. However, MIT and Harvard also rank highly, providing excellent support and diverse communities for international students.

Which course is best for international students in the USA?

We’d say Computer Science and Business Management are top choices in the USA. They offer great job prospects and high salaries. STEM and Social Sciences also attract many due to their diverse career opportunities and earning potential.

Which University Do Most International Students Go To?

We’d look at the University of Rochester, which had a 24.07% international student rate in 2017-2018. Carnegie Mellon followed with 22.4%. These rates suggest they’re top destinations for international students.

Conclusion

Finally, we’ve examined the top degree programs for international students, emphasizing popular majors and current enrollment trends.

We’ve also delved into the impact of COVID-19 on international education and pinpointed some of the top U.S. universities for global scholars.

As we navigate these changing times, it’s essential to stay informed and flexible, ensuring we make the best educational choices for our futures.

Let’s continue to support and celebrate the diversity that international students bring to campuses worldwide.