Attending college in another country is not just about selecting a university and securing travel arrangements. International students have to go through an entire process involving admission, preparation, documentation, the visa process, relocation, and adjustment to an entirely new academic environment. For those planning to study Data Science in the USA from India, a well-defined pathway will help them achieve their goals. The student journey towards the Master of Applied Science in Data Science from the MAS in Data Science program via edept Global Pathway is designed with this transition in mind. The journey starts from India, where students spend the first six months learning the foundation of applied Data Science at Mahindra University before moving to Chicago to complete their 12-month Master of Applied Science in Data Science (STEM) at Illinois Tech. The program is structured across multiple stages, connecting application, academic assessment, transition to the USA, advanced study, and graduation. This includes application, academic assessment, transition to the USA, advanced studies, and graduation.
What Is the 6+12 MAS in Data Science Global Pathway?
The 6+12 MAS in Data Science Global Pathway is structured as an 18-month academic journey that combines study in India with an advanced master’s phase in the USA. Students spend the first 6 months at Mahindra University in India, completing foundational and applied Data Science coursework, before moving to Chicago for 12 months at Illinois Tech to complete the Master of Applied Science in Data Science (STEM). This structure makes the MAS in Data Science student journey a progression from foundational learning to advanced study. Rather than beginning the entire program in the U.S., students build their academic base in India and then continue into the Illinois Tech curriculum. The brochure also states that the credits earned during the India phase align fully with the U.S. curriculum, supporting continuity between the two stages.
The India Track at Mahindra University
The first six months focus on foundational and applied Data Science learning at Mahindra University. Students study Programming for Data Science (Python), Statistics & Probability for Analytics, Data Management & SQL, Data Visualisation & Business, Introduction to Machine Learning, and Cloud & Data Infrastructure Fundamentals. The India Track also includes applied projects and assessments. This phase establishes the technical, statistical, and data-handling foundation students can build upon during their advanced U.S. studies. Continuous academic monitoring and mentoring are also part of the India study phase.
The USA Track at Illinois Tech
The next 12 months take students to Illinois Tech in Chicago for the Master of Applied Science in Data Science (STEM). The advanced curriculum includes Advanced Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence Foundations, Big Data Analytics, Data Engineering & High-Performance Computing, and Data Strategy & Governance. Students also complete a Capstone Project/Master’s Thesis and industry-oriented project work.
Step 1: Applying to the MAS Global Pathway
The MAS in Data Science student journey begins with the application stage in India. Students apply through Mahindra University with support from edept, submitting their academic credentials along with professional credentials, where applicable, and English-proficiency credentials. This first step establishes the academic information needed for the pathway’s evaluation process.
Academic Review and Eligibility Assessment
After the application is submitted, the student’s academic background is evaluated jointly to determine alignment with the prerequisites for Illinois Tech’s MAS in Data Science. The pathway is designed to assess eligibility before the student progresses through the academic stages. Where additional preparation is required, bridging courses may be assigned as part of the process. The brochure lists a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field as part of the admission criteria, along with a strong quantitative background. Programming exposure in Python, C++, or Java is preferred, but not required.
Receiving the Conditional Offer
Students who meet the relevant requirements receive a conditional offer confirming their admission for the India phase and the requirements associated with transferring to the U.S. phase. The conditional nature of the offer is important: it should not be interpreted as an unconditional guarantee of U.S. admission. Instead, it sets out the pathway requirements that students need to meet as they progress from Mahindra University toward the MAS in Data Science at Illinois Tech. This creates a defined starting point for the 6+12-month master’s pathway, before students begin their academic phase in India.
Step 2: Starting the Academic Journey in India
The next stage of the MAS in Data Science student journey begins with six months of academic study at Mahindra University. During this phase, students complete foundational and applied Data Science modules designed to establish the knowledge and skills needed for the advanced U.S. curriculum. The India Track is an integral part of the 6+12 pathway, rather than simply an orientation period before moving abroad. Students also receive continuous academic monitoring and mentoring during the India study phase. This provides a structured environment in which they can develop their academic foundation before transitioning to Illinois Tech in Chicago.
Building the Data Science Foundation
The India curriculum follows a progression across key areas of Data Science. Students begin with Programming for Data Science (Python) and Statistics & Probability for Analytics, developing programming and quantitative foundations. They then move into Data Management & SQL and Data Visualisation & Business, building capabilities in working with, analysing, and communicating data. The curriculum continues with Introduction to Machine Learning and Cloud & Data Infrastructure Fundamentals, giving students exposure to Machine Learning concepts and the infrastructure that supports modern data-driven applications.
Applied Learning and Academic Preparation
The India phase also includes applied projects and assessments, allowing students to put their learning into practice. Combined with continuous academic monitoring and mentoring, this stage helps students prepare for the transition into the more advanced coursework at Illinois Tech. By the end of these six months, students have progressed through a structured foundation in programming, statistics, data management, visualisation, Machine Learning, and cloud infrastructure. This creates the academic bridge between the India Track and the advanced MAS Data Science USA phase in Chicago.
Step 3: Preparing for the Transition to the USA
Completing the India phase is an important milestone, but moving from India to Chicago involves more than securing a flight. Students also need to prepare for the practical requirements of studying in the USA, including visa processes, financial documentation, travel planning, and accommodation. The MAS Data Science student journey therefore includes a dedicated transition stage before students begin their 12-month academic phase at Illinois Tech. edept supports students through this stage as part of its end-to-end approach to international education. The brochure highlights support across visa preparation, accommodation guidance, and the broader transition from India to the USA.
Visa Guidance and Financial Documentation
Visa preparation forms an important part of the transition to the USA. edept provides visa guidance to help students prepare for the U.S. phase, while financial documentation is also addressed as part of the preparation process. This support is designed to help students understand the preparation required before departure. It remains focused on the program’s transition process rather than replacing official university, embassy, or immigration requirements.
Pre-Departure and Relocation Support
Before leaving India, students also receive pre-departure orientation to help them prepare for the move to Chicago. The pathway includes accommodation guidance as part of edept’s wider student support, helping students address practical aspects of relocating for the U.S. study phase. Together, visa guidance, financial documentation support, pre-departure orientation, and accommodation guidance create a more structured international transition. By the time students move to Chicago, they have progressed through not only the academic requirements of the pathway but also the key preparation stages needed to begin the next part of their Data Science master’s journey from India to USA.
Step 4: Beginning the MAS in Data Science in Chicago
After completing the six-month India phase and preparing for the international transition, students move to Chicago for the final 12 months of the pathway at Illinois Tech. This is where the academic journey progresses into the advanced Master of Applied Science in Data Science (STEM). Founded in 1890, Illinois Tech is a private research university with a strong focus on engineering, computing, Data Science, and applied research. Its Chicago location also places students in one of the major U.S. business and technology hubs, with connections across industries and opportunities for projects, research, and professional networks.
Moving into Advanced Data Science
The Chicago phase builds directly on the foundation developed at Mahindra University. Students move into advanced areas including Advanced Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence Foundations, Big Data Analytics, Data Engineering & High-Performance Computing, and Data Strategy & Governance. This progression allows students to move from the programming, statistics, SQL, visualisation, introductory Machine Learning, and infrastructure concepts covered in India into more advanced technical and strategic areas of Data Science.
Learning Through Projects and the Capstone
The final academic phase also places emphasis on practical application. Students complete an industry-oriented project along with a Capstone Project or Master’s Thesis, providing an opportunity to apply concepts developed across the program. Illinois Tech’s academic environment further highlights projects, advanced labs, innovation centres, and collaboration with global employers. For students following the Data Science master’s journey from India to USA, the Chicago phase therefore represents the transition from foundational learning to advanced study, applied work, and completion of the Illinois Tech degree.
What Is Student Life Like During the Chicago Phase?
The Chicago phase of the MAS in Data Science student journey is about more than completing the final academic requirements. Students enter a diverse global community while studying in a city known for its university, research, business, and technology ecosystem. The brochure highlights reliable public transit, world-class universities and research, and a diverse environment that can add to the experience of studying in the USA.
Studying in a Major U.S. Business and Technology Hub
Chicago provides exposure to a broad range of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, consulting, and logistics. The brochure also highlights connections with Fortune 500 companies, startups, applied projects, and professional networks. For students pursuing MAS Data Science USA, this wider business and technology environment provides context for understanding how Data Science and related technical skills are applied across different sectors. The city’s position as a major U.S. business and technology hub also complements Illinois Tech’s focus on engineering, computing, Data Science, and applied research.
Beyond the Classroom
Life in Chicago also extends into research, professional networking, and the city’s cultural and entrepreneurial environment. The brochure highlights research communities, professional networks, and opportunities to learn beyond the classroom through Chicago’s cultural, entrepreneurial, and research ecosystem. For international students, the diverse global community adds another dimension to the experience, bringing together different backgrounds and perspectives. Combined with reliable public transit and access to a broad urban ecosystem, the Chicago phase becomes an important part of the overall Data Science master’s journey from India to USA, not just the location where students complete their final academic year.
How edept Supports Students Throughout the Journey
The MAS in Data Science student journey extends beyond academics. edept is positioned as the end-to-end support layer across the pathway, with assistance spanning admissions, academic transition, visa preparation, pre-departure preparation, accommodation guidance, and career readiness. The brochure specifically presents this support as continuing throughout the international education journey rather than ending once a student receives admission.
Support Before Students Leave India
The support begins during the application and academic evaluation stages. Students apply through Mahindra University with edept support, submit their academic, professional, and English-proficiency credentials, and undergo a joint academic evaluation against the Illinois Tech MAS Data Science prerequisites. As students prepare for the U.S. phase, edept also provides visa guidance, financial documentation support, and pre-departure orientation. These steps help students prepare for the practical requirements of transitioning from India to Chicago.
Support During the International Transition
The move to the USA brings its own practical and academic considerations. edept’s support includes transition guidance and accommodation guidance, helping students prepare for their relocation to Chicago. The support also connects with academic progression. During the India phase, students receive continuous academic monitoring and mentoring before progressing to the advanced MAS Data Science coursework at Illinois Tech.
Support for Career Readiness
The pathway also includes support focused on career readiness. The brochure highlights career support, employer exposure, and industry-oriented learning, connecting the academic experience with the professional environment in Chicago. However, career support should not be confused with a guaranteed job outcome. The brochure explicitly states that placements are not guaranteed, while career support and employer exposure are provided as part of the pathway. Overall, edept’s role runs across the journey—from the initial application and academic preparation in India to the transition into the USA and career readiness—giving the Data Science pathway program India USA a structured support layer alongside its academic progression.
From First Application to Graduation: The Complete Student Journey
The MAS in Data Science student journey follows a defined sequence from the initial application in India to graduation at Illinois Tech. Each stage connects to the next, combining academic evaluation, six months of study at Mahindra University, U.S. transition preparation, and 12 months of advanced study in Chicago.
| Stage | Location | What Happens |
| Application | India | Application submitted through Mahindra University with edept support |
| Academic Evaluation | India/Partner process | Eligibility and Illinois Tech MAS Data Science prerequisites assessed. |
| Conditional Offer | India | India-phase admission and U.S. transfer requirements confirmed |
| India Study | Mahindra University | 6 months of foundational and applied Data Science Learning |
| U.S. Preparation | India | Visa guidance, financial documentation and pre-departure support |
| USA Study | Illinois Tech, Chicago | 12 months of advanced MAS Data Science Coursework |
| Graduation | Illinois Tech | Graduation with a STEM-designated MAS in Data Science |
The journey begins with application and academic evaluation, followed by a conditional offer for eligible students. Students then complete the six-month India Track at Mahindra University, where foundational and applied Data Science learning is supported through academic monitoring and mentoring. Before moving to Chicago, students go through the U.S. transition stage, which includes visa guidance, financial documentation, and pre-departure orientation. They then begin the advanced MAS Data Science phase at Illinois Tech, including advanced coursework, project-based learning, and the capstone or master’s thesis. The final stage is graduation with a Master of Applied Science in Data Science (STEM) from Illinois Tech, completing the structured journey from India to Chicago. Students also receive a PGP certificate from Mahindra University as part of the pathway.
What Do Students Receive at the End of the Journey?
The journey begins with application and academic evaluation, followed by a conditional offer for eligible students. Students then complete the six-month India Track at Mahindra University, where foundational and applied Data Science learning is supported through academic monitoring and mentoring. Before moving to Chicago, students go through the U.S. transition stage, which includes visa guidance, financial documentation, and pre-departure orientation. They then begin the advanced MAS Data Science phase at Illinois Tech, including advanced coursework, project-based learning, and the capstone or master’s thesis. The MAS in Data Science student journey concludes with credentials from both academic phases of the Global Pathway. Students receive a PGP certificate from Mahindra University and a Master of Applied Science in Data Science (STEM) from Illinois Tech. The Illinois Tech qualification is the master’s degree awarded at the end of the U.S. phase. The Mahindra University credential is a PGP certificate and should not be described as a second master’s degree. Together, the credentials reflect the two academic stages of the pathway: foundational and applied learning in India followed by advanced master’s-level study in Chicago.
STEM Designation and Post-Study Work Opportunity
The MAS in Data Science at Illinois Tech is STEM-designated, which can provide eligible graduates with a post-study work opportunity in the USA. The brochure states that eligible STEM graduates may receive up to 36 months of post-study work authorisation through OPT and STEM OPT. This can be particularly relevant for students planning a Data Science master’s journey from India to USA, as the STEM designation may allow eligible graduates to pursue work opportunities after completing their degree. However, OPT and STEM OPT eligibility and authorisation are subject to applicable requirements, so the pathway should not be presented as a guarantee of employment or immigration approval. The result is a pathway that combines an India-based academic credential with a U.S. STEM master’s degree from Illinois Tech, completing the academic progression from India to Chicago. The final stage is graduation with a Master of Applied Science in Data Science (STEM) from Illinois Tech, completing the structured journey from India to Chicago. Students also receive a PGP certificate from Mahindra University as part of the pathway.
Why the India–to-Chicago Journey Can Be Different from a Traditional Master’s Route
A traditional route to a U.S. master’s degree generally means completing the academic journey entirely in the USA. The 6+12 Global Pathway takes a different approach by dividing the journey between India and the USA: students complete six months of study at Mahindra University before spending 12 months at Illinois Tech in Chicago. This structure is designed to reduce overall costs, optimise U.S. spending, and provide a structured transition into the U.S. academic environment. The brochure also highlights seamless academic progression, guided visa and transition support, and what it describes as accelerated global career entry. The latter is the program’s positioning and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of faster employment or a specific career outcome.
Academic Continuity
One of the key features of the pathway is continuity between the two academic phases. The brochure states that India-earned credits align fully with the U.S. curriculum. Students therefore move from foundational and applied subjects at Mahindra University into advanced areas such as Machine Learning, AI, Big Data Analytics, Data Engineering, and Data Strategy & Governance at Illinois Tech. This foundation-to-advanced progression gives the Data Science master’s journey from India to USA a defined academic structure across both locations.
A Structured International Transition
The pathway also builds support into the move from India to Chicago. edept provides guidance covering visa preparation, financial documentation, pre-departure orientation, and accommodation guidance. Instead of treating relocation as a separate responsibility after the academic phase, these elements form part of the broader transition process. Students can therefore prepare for the practical requirements of moving to the USA before beginning their Chicago-based studies.
Defined U.S. Study Period
The U.S. phase is clearly structured around 12 months in Chicago at Illinois Tech. Students know from the beginning that their pathway progresses from six months of academic study in India to a defined 12-month period completing the advanced MAS in Data Science in the USA. This defined structure helps students understand how their international academic journey is organised, from building their foundation in India to completing advanced coursework, projects, and the capstone in Chicago.