From Salem to the USA: Creating Global Pathways in Data Science
October 6, 2026
By SCALE Author
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A successful Spot Admission & Student Interaction Session for the Sona–The University of West Alabama (UWA) 1+1 MS Data Science International Pathway was held on 6 October 2026 at the MBA Conference Hall, Sona College of Technology, Salem.
The session brought together 50+ participants, including students, parents and representatives from around 15 educational consultancies, for an engaging discussion on global higher education, Data Science and international career opportunities.
The session was led by Mr. Thyagu Valliappa, Vice Chairman, Sona Institutions and CEO, Sona Star Innovation, whose vision continues to drive initiatives that connect students with global education and industry-oriented career pathways.
The UWA delegation included:
- Dr. Akali Fulmer – International Admission & Recruitment Advisor, University of West Alabama, USA
- Dr. Mark Davis – Dean of International Programs, University of West Alabama, USA
The interaction was supported by the Sona SCALE team, including Dr. Sheelan Misra , Dean – Marketing Strategy, IR & Industry Collaboration, and Dr VenuGopal , Vice President, SCALE, along with Dr. Kadhar Nawaz, Principal, Sona College of Arts and Science , and Dr. Jaganath Chandrasekar, Head, Dept. of B.Com, Sona College of Arts & Science.
The session offered participants a clear understanding of the Sona–UWA 1+1 MS Data Science pathway, including:
Academic structure and progression
- 🇮🇳 First-year learning in Salem/Bangalore
- 🇺🇸 Second-year learning at the University of West Alabama, USA
- Eligibility and admission requirements
- Career and global opportunities
- U.S. student visa process
- Pathways for students transitioning from an MBA to Data Science
- STEM OPT opportunities
The direct interaction with UWA representatives enabled students, parents and education consultants to address their questions and gain clarity on eligibility, admissions, international progression and career opportunities.
6 students took the next step towards their global careers by completing their admission on the spot, making the session a strong example of how meaningful industry and international academic engagement can translate into real opportunities for students.
At Sona SCALE, we continue to focus on creating pathways that bring together education, industry, global exposure and career opportunities to prepare students for the future of work.
Your global career journey can start here.
Explore the Sona–UWA 1+1 MS Data Science pathway.
Connect with the Sona SCALE team to check your eligibility and take the next step towards studying in the USA.
