Applying for an international master’s program involves more than submitting an application form. Students need to understand the academic eligibility requirements, provide the relevant credentials, complete the evaluation process, and prepare for the transition into the U.S. study phase. For students planning to apply for the MAS in Data Science, understanding this sequence can make the admission process easier to follow. The edept × Mahindra University × Illinois Tech MAS in Data Science Global Pathway Program follows a structured 6+12 model. Students begin with six months of foundational and applied Data Science study at Mahindra University in India and then progress to 12 months of advanced Master of Applied Science in Data Science (STEM) study at Illinois Tech in Chicago. The admission journey follows a defined sequence covering application submission, academic evaluation, a conditional offer, U.S. transition preparation, the India study phase, the Chicago phase, and graduation. edept supports students across several of these stages, including admissions, transition, visa preparation, accommodation guidance, and career readiness.
What is the MAS in Data Science Global Pathway Program?
Before understanding how to apply for the MAS in Data Science, it is useful to understand what students are applying for. The Global Pathway is structured across two academic tracks: an India Track at Mahindra University and a USA Track at Illinois Tech in Chicago. The first six months take place at Mahindra University, where students complete foundational and applied Data Science learning. The following 12 months are completed at Illinois Tech as part of the Master of Applied Science in Data Science (STEM). The brochure states that India-earned credits align fully with the U.S. curriculum, creating continuity between the two academic phases. The program also combines academic progression with support covering the wider international education journey, including application, visa preparation, travel, study, and graduation.
The 6-Month India Track
The India Track at Mahindra University focuses on foundational and applied Data Science learning. 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. Applied projects and assessments are also included. This phase establishes the academic foundation for the advanced U.S. curriculum while students remain in India.
The 12-Month USA Track
The USA Track takes students to Illinois Tech in Chicago to complete 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 or master’s thesis and industry-oriented project work. The result is a 6+12 Data Science pathway that progresses from foundational study in India to advanced master’s-level learning in the USA.
Who Can Apply for the MAS in Data Science Global Pathway?
Understanding MAS Data Science eligibility is one of the first practical steps when deciding whether to apply. According to the brochure, applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field. A strong quantitative background is also part of the stated admission criteria.
Academic Background
The accepted academic backgrounds include Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, and related fields. This reflects the quantitative and technical foundation expected for the Data Science master’s pathway. The academic evaluation subsequently checks the applicant’s background against the prerequisites for Illinois Tech’s MAS Data Science program.
Quantitative Background
A strong quantitative background is explicitly included in the admission criteria. However, the brochure does not specify a particular percentage, CGPA, or individual mathematics subject requirement. Therefore, applicants should not assume a specific numerical cutoff unless separately confirmed by the program.
Programming Exposure
Programming exposure in Python, C++ or Java is preferred, but not required. This means programming experience is not presented as a mandatory requirement for applying to the pathway. Students should not interpret the stated preference as a compulsory coding test or prerequisite.
What Documents Are Required to Apply?
When considering how to apply for MAS in Data Science, applicants should focus first on the document categories explicitly mentioned by the program. The brochure states that students submit academic, professional, and English-proficiency credentials during application submission.
Academic Credentials
Academic credentials form an important part of the application because the student’s educational background is assessed against the prerequisites for the Illinois Tech MAS Data Science program. The brochure identifies the relevant bachelor’s degree backgrounds and strong quantitative preparation as part of the admission criteria.
Professional Credentials
Applicants can submit professional credentials where applicable. The brochure does not state that professional experience or work experience is mandatory for admission, so applicants should not treat employment history as a universal eligibility requirement.
English-Proficiency Credentials
English-proficiency credentials are also included in the application submission process. The brochure does not specify a particular IELTS, TOEFL, or other test score, so no specific score requirement should be assumed from the pathway material.
Step-by-Step MAS in Data Science Application Process
The most useful way to understand how to apply for MAS in Data Science is to follow the admission journey presented in the brochure. The process moves through seven defined stages, from application submission to graduation.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
The process begins by applying through Mahindra University with edept support. Applicants submit their academic, professional, and English-proficiency credentials as part of the application. At this point, students are entering the formal MAS in Data Science application process rather than directly applying for the Chicago study phase. The pathway’s admission journey subsequently evaluates academic alignment before students progress through the program. edept’s role includes helping students navigate the application and transition process in collaboration with Mahindra University and Illinois Tech.
Step 2: Complete Academic Review and Eligibility Assessment
After submission, a joint academic evaluation is conducted. The student’s academic background is assessed against the prerequisites for Illinois Tech’s MAS Data Science program. If additional preparation is required, bridging courses may be assigned. This stage therefore checks academic alignment before the student progresses through the pathway. The evaluation is particularly relevant for students considering Illinois Tech MAS in Data Science, because it connects the applicant’s existing academic background with the requirements of the advanced U.S. program.
Step 3: Receive a Conditional Offer
Eligible students receive a conditional offer confirming India-phase admission and U.S. transfer requirements. The term “conditional” is important. The offer should not be described as an unconditional guarantee of admission to the U.S. phase. Instead, it confirms the relevant India-phase admission and the requirements associated with progression to the U.S. stage.
Step 4: Prepare for the U.S. Transition
The next stage involves preparing for the international transition. edept provides support covering visa guidance, financial documentation, and pre-departure orientation. This gives students a defined preparation stage before they eventually move to Chicago for the advanced MAS Data Science phase.
Step 5: Begin the India Study Phase
Students then begin the six-month India Track at Mahindra University. They complete foundational and applied Data Science coursework, supported by continuous academic monitoring and mentoring. The India phase is an actual academic component of the pathway. It is not simply an orientation period before studying abroad.
Step 6: Transition to Illinois Tech
After the India phase and U.S. transition preparation, students move to Chicago for the USA Track. They begin advanced MAS Data Science coursework at Illinois Tech, including project-based learning and the capstone. The USA curriculum includes Advanced Machine Learning, AI Foundations, Big Data Analytics, Data Engineering & High-Performance Computing, and Data Strategy & Governance.
Step 7: Graduate with the STEM MAS
The final stage is graduation from Illinois Tech with the STEM-designated Master of Applied Science in Data Science. Students also receive a PGP certificate from Mahindra University. This completes the seven-stage Data Science master’s admission process, from application submission in India through academic preparation and the U.S. master’s phase.
What Happens During the Academic Evaluation?
The academic evaluation is a key part of the MAS in Data Science admission process because it determines whether the applicant’s academic background aligns with the requirements of the advanced U.S. program. The brochure states that a joint academic evaluation assesses applicants against Illinois Tech’s MAS Data Science prerequisites. Where required, bridging courses may be assigned. This means the evaluation is not simply an administrative review. It helps establish academic alignment before students progress through the Global Pathway.
What Are Bridging Courses?
Bridging courses may be assigned when an applicant needs additional preparation to align with the program’s prerequisites. The brochure does not specify the exact subjects, duration, or format of these courses. Therefore, they should be understood broadly as additional academic preparation where required, rather than as a standard component every applicant must complete.
What Happens After You Receive a Conditional Offer?
Receiving a conditional offer marks the next stage of the admission journey. Eligible students have their India-phase admission and U.S. transfer requirements confirmed, after which they prepare for the transition into the pathway. The practical preparation includes visa guidance, financial documentation, and pre-departure orientation. This is followed by the six-month India study phase and eventual transition to Chicago.
Preparing Your Visa Documentation
Visa preparation is part of the structured transition support provided by edept. The brochure specifically mentions visa guidance and financial documentation as part of the U.S. transition process. This section of the pathway is intended to support students through preparation rather than replace official immigration requirements or advice from the relevant authorities.
Preparing for the Move to Chicago
Before students travel to the USA, edept provides pre-departure orientation and accommodation guidance. The brochure positions edept’s support across admissions, transition, visa preparation, accommodation guidance, and career readiness. This makes relocation a defined part of the Global Pathway Program admission and transition experience.
What Can Students Expect During the India Phase?
Admission is only the beginning of the academic journey. During the six-month India phase, students complete foundational and applied Data Science coursework at Mahindra University while receiving continuous academic monitoring and mentoring.
Building the Academic Foundation
The curriculum progresses through Programming for Data Science (Python), Statistics & Probability for Analytics, Data Management & SQL, Data Visualisation & Business, Introduction to Machine Learning, and Cloud & Data Infrastructure Fundamentals. Applied projects and assessments are also included. The sequence gives students exposure to programming, quantitative analysis, data management, visualisation, Machine Learning, and infrastructure before they move into the advanced U.S. curriculum.
Preparing for Advanced Learning in Chicago
The India phase connects directly to the next stage. The brochure states that India-earned credits align fully with the U.S. curriculum. Students subsequently progress into Advanced Machine Learning, AI Foundations, Big Data Analytics, Data Engineering & High-Performance Computing, and Data Strategy & Governance at Illinois Tech.
How edept Supports You Throughout the Application Journey
For students learning how to apply for MAS in Data Science, the application itself is only one part of the support structure. edept describes its role as extending across admissions, transition, visa preparation, accommodation guidance, and career readiness.
Admissions and Academic Support
edept supports application submission and works with Mahindra University and Illinois Tech through the structured academic evaluation process. This includes assessing alignment with MAS Data Science prerequisites and assigning bridging courses where required. The support therefore extends from the initial application into academic progression planning.
Visa and Transition Support
The transition stage includes visa preparation, financial documentation, pre-departure guidance, and accommodation guidance. These services are designed to help students prepare for the move from India to the U.S. academic phase.
Career Readiness
The brochure also includes career support and employer exposure within the broader pathway experience. Illinois Tech’s program includes industry-oriented project work, while the Chicago environment provides exposure to Fortune 500 companies, startups, applied projects, and professional networks. However, the brochure clearly states that placements are not guaranteed. Career support and employer exposure should therefore not be presented as guaranteed employment outcomes.
MAS in Data Science Application Process at a Glance
For anyone searching for how to apply for MAS in Data Science, the entire process can be summarised in seven stages:
| Stage | What Happens |
| Application Submission | Apply through Mahindra University with edept support |
| Academic Review | Eligibility and MAS Data Science prerequisites assessed |
| Conditional Offer | India-phase admission and U.S. transfer requirements confirmed |
| U.S. Transition Preparation | Visa, financial documentation and pre-departure support |
| India Study Phase | Foundational and applied Data Science learning |
| USA Study Phase | Advanced MAS Data Science at Illinois Tech |
| Graduation | STEM MAS in Data Science from Illinois Tech |
This seven-stage sequence follows the admission journey presented in the brochure, from application submission through graduation.
What Credentials Will You Receive After Completing the Program?
Completing the Global Pathway results in credentials from both academic phases. The brochure states that students receive a PGP certificate from Mahindra University and a Master of Applied Science in Data Science (STEM) from Illinois Tech.
PGP Certificate from Mahindra University
Students receive a PGP certificate from Mahindra University after completing the relevant pathway. This is a postgraduate certificate and should not be described as a second master’s degree.
STEM MAS in Data Science from Illinois Tech
The primary master’s qualification is the Master of Applied Science in Data Science (STEM) from Illinois Tech. The degree is awarded by Illinois Tech following completion of the U.S. phase.
Post-Study Work Eligibility
The brochure states that eligible STEM graduates may receive up to 36 months of post-study work authorisation through OPT and STEM OPT. This is an eligibility-based opportunity and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every graduate will receive work authorisation or employment.
Start Your Application for the MAS in Data Science Global Pathway
Knowing how to apply for the MAS in Data Science starts with understanding the complete pathway rather than focusing only on the application form. Students submit their credentials through Mahindra University with edept support, undergo academic evaluation against Illinois Tech’s prerequisites, receive a conditional offer if eligible, and then progress through the India study and U.S. transition stages. The 6+12 Data Science pathway combines six months of foundational and applied learning at Mahindra University with 12 months of advanced study at Illinois Tech in Chicago, ultimately leading to a STEM Master of Applied Science in Data Science from Illinois Tech.