MS DA at Clark University

1. Why should you pursue MS in Data Analytics from Clark University?

• Distinctive practitioner-scholar instructor model bringing pragmatic, real-world expertise in the classroom.
• The curriculum is prepared to fit all the needs of the modern workforce.
• Develop system architects to prepare data for advanced analytics.

Now you can also accelerate your career by gaining cutting-edge skills in the field of data analytics. During the first year, students will study and attend online classes and have doubt resolution sessions. Upon successful completion of year one with IIIT and 3 CGPA, students will be eligible to study MS in Data Analytics at Clark University. An IELTS score of 6.5 is required to be eligible to study at Clark University. A corresponding score of 85 in TOEFL or 56 in PTE is also acceptable for transfer.
upGrad Abroad will help and guide students throughout the application process, IELTS preparation and offer end-to-end visa support for successful admission at Clark University.

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

Although there are a limited number of part-time, on-campus jobs for international students, the income from these jobs is only sufficient to provide “pocket money”; you will not earn enough income to pay for a significant portion of your educational expenses. The U.S. government prohibits international students from working outside the University.

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 US.

4. When will I go to Clark University?

Clark University will have 2 intakes for students coming through this route. The first intake of the year will be Jan (winter) intake and the second intake of the year will be the August (Fall) intake. Though the application process for Clark University will start during the IIITB online program, you will be able to go to Clark University in the nearest intake which is at least 3 months away from completion of your IIITB program.

5. When will I get Offer Letter from Clark University?

upGrad will apply for you in Clark 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 Clark University, you will have to give proof of English proficiency for application of admission to Clark University. upGrad will support you to get your English proficiency scores within 3 months of the start of a batch to accelerate this process.

1. What is the selection process for this program?

upGrad, IIIT B and Clark University US have committed a lot of time in conceptualising and creating this program to make sure that the learners can receive the best possible learning experience in data analytics. Hence, we want to make sure that the participants of this program also show a very high level of commitment and passion for Data Science. For entry into Clark University, students have to successfully complete IIIT Bangalore program with a minimum of 3 GPA.

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:
College Degree:

• Applicants with a 4 year BEngg/BTech/BSc Hons. degree need to have a minimum 66% marks. Maximum backlogs (ATKTs) accepted will be 6.
• Applicants with a 3 year BSc/BCA degree need to have minimum 60% marks. Maximum backlogs (ATKTs) accepted will be 4.
• A 4-year Undergraduate degree is preferred. However, if a learner has completed 3 years of Undergraduate, then the awarding University must be NAAC A or A+ (in year 2021/2022/2023/2024) and preferably from a Science background i.e. BCA/B.Sc/BIT. If an applicant is coming from any other stream (Business, Humanities etc.) the applicant needs to have substantial work experience in relevant areas.
• TOEFL (ETS code 5969): 85 overall, recommended sub-score minimum of 20, or IELTS: 6.5 overall, recommended sub-score minimum of 6, or Duolingo: 120, recommended sub-score minimum of 100, or PTE: 53 (No band less than 50)

Advanced Certificate Program: An aggregate score of 3.0 GPA and above in the Advanced Certificate Program in Data Science with a minimum of 3.0 GPA in each course.

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

If you like finding meaningful insights from data and if you get excited by the prospect of informing business decisions through analysis and have an analytical bend of mind, then this program is meant for you. As long as you can clear the selection test (or are exempt) and are excited about the transition to Data Analyst, this program is meant for you.

4. My current role does not include exposure to data. Does it make sense for me to opt for this program?

Absolutely! Data Analyst is becoming a necessity for all industries and is no more a choice. Hence, there is a critical demand for quality data professionals and because the supply is constrained, this is one of the most lucrative career options across industries.

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 online program. The on-campus program in the US is full-time and will have an appropriate workload.

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.

No cost CC EMI FAQ's

0% EMI with Third Party Credit Facilitators /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 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 student, minimum transaction is INR 50000 to opt for 0% CC EMI E.g. Amount to be paid: 150000. I can pay using 2 Credit cards. Yes, Example :
HDFC Card – Part payment – INR 100000
ICICI Card – Part payment – INR 50000

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 ₹100000 on 6-months EMI and your credit limit is ₹200,000 then initially your bank will block your credit limit by ₹100000. After payment of your first month EMI of Rs.15000, the blocked amount will come down to ₹85000.

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 405000
Let's say Amount deducted at the time of transaction: INR 379850 (Principal amount) Bank charges interest of 12-15% per annum on INR 379850
[Note: Interest factor is reducing rate and not Flat rate]
EMI AMOUNT = INR 33750 x 12 = INR 405000
Effectively, you have taken loan on 379,850 instead of 405,000