MA Sustainable Urban Development

1. Why should you pursue a MA Sustainable Urban Development from DePaul University, USA?

Pursuing an MA in Sustainable Urban Development at DePaul University offers interdisciplinary learning, hands-on urban planning experience, and a focus on equity-driven solutions. The program blends policy, environment, and social justice. Located in Chicago, it provides access to real-world urban challenges. Graduates are equipped for impactful careers in sustainability and planning. Students benefit from experienced faculty and strong industry connections in one of the most dynamic urban centers in the U.S. The program also offers flexible scheduling options for working professionals.

2. Can international students work to pay for their educational expenses?

All students, domestic and international, are eligible to work on-campus as graduate assistants or research assistants and receive compensation, beginning in their first semester. The list of available positions will be provided in advance of the Fall semester (please note the number of these positions are limited and not guaranteed). As part of all graduate programs, international students will have the opportunity to complete an internship in their 3rd semester. Students might be required to take additional courses in 3rd semester if they wish to pursue an internship.

3. Will I be supported for TOEFL/IELTS/PTE or other English language exams during this program?

Yes, upGrad will help you prepare for the English proficiency test to establish your current English proficiency to be eligible for the Master's program in the USA.

4. When will I go to DePaul University, USA?

DePaul University will have 2 intakes for students coming through this route. First intake of the year will be Jan (spring) intake and the second intake of the year will be September (Fall) intake. Though the application process for DePaul University will start during the IIITB online program, you will be able to go to DePaul University in the nearest intake which is atleast 2 months away from completion of your IIITB program.

5. When will I get an Offer Letter from DePaul University?

upGrad will apply for you in DePaul University once all the documents are provided by you (as given in the offer letter issued to you by upGrad). Apart from the documents mentioned in the offer letter of DePaul University, you will have to give proof of English proficiency for application of admission in DePaul University. upGrad will support you to get your English proficiency scores within 3 months of the start of the batch to accelerate this process.

1. How do I know if the program is right for me?

• Those with a strong academic foundation, offering a valuable edge in the MA Sustainable Urban Development program.
• Individuals aspiring to excel in roles such as Sustainability Engineer, Project Manager, Supply Chain Manager.
• The MA Sustainable Urban Development program fosters hands-on learning, enabling participants to cultivate their distinctive leadership approach, spearhead innovation, steer organizational change, and attain exceptional outcomes.

2. Is there any minimum educational qualification required to take this program?

To be eligible for the program, the following criteria need to be fulfilled:
For IIITB :

• All relevant degrees (B.Engg / BTech / BSc in IT / CS, B.Des, B.Arch) with 65% Marks are acceptable.
• A maximum of 10 backlogs is allowed throughout the entire duration of the bachelor's program.
• The learner must have a prior background (academic or professional) in quantitative fields - Mathematics, Statistics or Analytics.
• In case of a 3 Year degree, the awarding institution should be accredited by NAAC with A / A+ / A++ in the last 4 years.

For DePaul University:

• Learners need to complete the Advanced Certificate Program in Data Science with a 3.0 overall plus 3.0 GPA in each course.
• English Proficiency Requirements are TOEFL of >=80 overall with sectional score on speaking no less than 17 and other sections no less than 17 or IELTS Academic >= 6.5 overall with no sectional score less than 6.0 or Duolingo >= 115 overall with no sectional score less than 100 or PTE >= 53 overall with no sectional score below 53.

3. Is work experience required for this course?

A relevant professional work experience is recommended but not mandatory.

4. What is the selection process for this program?

There are 4 simple steps in the Admission Process which is detailed as.

Step 1- Complete Application -Complete your application and submit the required details. The Admissions Committee will then review your application - which include your work experience & educational background.
Step 2- Apply for the Scholarship- Submit your Statement of Purpose to join a program.
Step 3- Get Shortlisted & Receive the Offer Letter- Upon qualifying, an Offer Letter will be sent to you confirming your admission to the course.
Step 4- Block your Seat - Block your seat with an initial payment of INR 25,000 to enroll into the Program. Begin your leadership journey.

5. What are the list of documents required for the application ?

• All Semester marksheets
• Marksheets from 10th and 12th
• Undergraduate Transcript
• Undergraduate Degree Certificate
• IELTS Score or equivalent English proficiency test score
• Valid Passport
• Statement of Purpose
• Two letters of recommendation (Academic /Professional or both)
• Digital Photo
• Updated CV

1. What is the time commitment expected for the program?

At least 12-15 hours per week of time commitment is expected to be able to graduate from the program.

2. How will my doubts/questions be addressed in an online program?

Peer-to-peer discussion forum where you can post your queries and your peers/faculty/teaching assistants answer your queries within a day. Regular Q&A sessions with faculty to get clarification on conceptual doubts.

Payment

0% EMI with Finance partners /Credit card option availability will vary program wise.
1. Which banks allow using 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
No cost EMI is available on credit cards from all major banks (American Express, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, Standard Chartered, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, State Bank of India, CITIBANK and HSBC)
2. Is there any minimum transaction limit ?
Yes. 50000 is the minimum.
3. Standard Chartered Bank offers 18 or 24 months No Cost EMI ?
No. ONLY 12 months is available irrespective of the Program enrolled.
4. Will I have to pay any extra amount for the EMI transaction?
If you are availing 0% credit card EMI, upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions. Your bank may levy GST or other taxes on the interest component of the EMI.
5. Are there any fees or down payment?
Certain banks charge nominal processing fees between INR 99 - 500 on 0% Credit Card EMI transaction. If charged, will be billed in the first repayment installment.
6. Can I use my International credit card for 0% credit EMI or Credit Card EMI?
Only the Indian bank credit cards can be used. But you can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions, this will be purely between you and your bank.
7. Are there any charges in case I opt for cancellation/refund from the course after paying balance with no cost EMI ?
Yes, there will be additional charges to the extent of interest paid by the upGrad to the bank, you will be refunded only the principal amount, i.e. the amount actually deducted/blocked from your card. This deduction will be in addition to the amount mentioned in the refund policy shared with your offer letter.
8. Can I Pay Using Multiple Credit Cards ?
Multiple cards can be used to complete the payments using Part payment option make sure to inform the learner, minimum transaction is INR 50,000 to opt for 0% CC EMI E.g. Amount to be paid: INR 150,000. I can pay using 2 Credit cards. Yes, Example : HDFC Card – Part payment – INR 1,00,000 ICICI Card – Part payment – INR 50,000.
9. How can I opt for Credit card EMI if my bank is not listed in the 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
You can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions.
10. Why is the entire amount blocked on my credit card?
Initially your bank will block the entire amount from your available purchase limit and from your next billing cycle, you will be charged the EMI amount. As you start paying your EMI, your credit limit will be released accordingly. For example, if you have made a payment of INR 1,00,000 on 6-months EMI and your credit limit is INR 2,00,000 then initially your bank will block your credit limit by INR 1,00,000. After payment of your first month EMI of INR 15,000, the blocked amount will come down to INR 85,000.
11. Why is interest getting charged on No Cost EMI?
Your bank will charge you interest. However, this interest charge has been provided to you as an upfront discount at the time of your payment, effectively giving you the benefit of a No cost EMI. The total amount paid during the entire EMI tenure to the bank will be equal to the amount to be paid to upGrad.Eg. Amount payable to upGrad: INR 4,05,000. Let's say Amount deducted at the time of transaction: INR 3,79,850 (Principal amount) Bank charges interest of 12-15% per annum on INR 3,79,850 [Note: Interest factor is reducing rate and not Flat rate]EMI AMOUNT = INR 33,750 x 12 = INR 4,05,000 Effectively, you have taken loan on INR 3,79,850 instead of INR 405,000.