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The CPT Miniseries: Top Accredited "Day 1 CPT" Master's Programs for International Students

  • Writer: Tyler Howell
    Tyler Howell
  • Oct 6
  • 2 min read

For international students on F-1 visas, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) provides an opportunity to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. Some accredited U.S. universities offer master's programs where CPT is integral to the curriculum, allowing students to begin CPT from the first day of their program, commonly referred to as "Day 1 CPT." These programs are structured to comply with U.S. immigration regulations, ensuring that CPT is an essential part of the academic experience.

Below are the top accredited universities offering integral CPT master's programs:


1. Ottawa University

  • Programs Offered: Executive MBA (EMBA), Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

    • EMBA-IT

    • EMBA-Business Data Analytics

    • EMBA-Operational Effectiveness

    • EMBA-Healthcare Management

    • MS Nursing

    • MSCS-Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

    • MSCS-Cybersecurity

  • Program Duration: 2 years (EMBA, MSCS, MSN)

  • CPT Structure: CPT is an integral part of the curriculum and is authorized from Day 1 for the duration of the program.

  • Campus Sessions: One weekend per semester (Friday–Sunday)

  • Tuition: $5,370 per semester (EMBA, MSCS, MSN)


2. Humphreys University

  • Program Offered: Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    • MBA-IT

    • MBA-Organizational Leadership

    • MBA-Project Management

  • Program Duration: 27 months

  • CPT Structure: CPT is an integral part of the MBA program and is authorized from Day 1 for the duration of the program.

  • Campus Sessions: Two-day on-campus sessions once per quarter(Saturday-Sunday)

  • Tuition: $3,500 per quarter


3. Harrisburg University

  • Program Offered: Master of Science (MS)

    • MS Analytics

    • MS Biotechnology

    • MS Computer Information Sciences 

    • MS Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management

    • MS Healthcare Informatics

    • MS Human-Centered Interaction Design 

    • MS Information Systems Engineering & Management

    • MS Learning Technologies & Media Systems

    • MS Pharmaceutical Sciences

    • MS Project Management

    • MS Nursing

    • MS Techpreneurship

  • Program Duration: 2 years

  • CPT Structure: CPT is an integral part of the MS program and is authorized from Day 1 for the duration of the program.

  • Campus Sessions: Two Saturdays per semester

  • Tuition: $5,730 per semester


4. National Louis University

  • Programs Offered: Master of Science (MS) in Business Data Analytics

  • Program Duration: 15 months (MS)

  • CPT Structure: CPT is an integral part of the programs and is authorized from Day 1 for the duration of the program.

  • Campus Sessions: One weekend per quarter(Friday-Sunday)

  • Tuition: $4,740 per quarter (MS)


5. Texas Wesleyan University

  • Program Offered: Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    • Applied MBA-Supply Chain Management

    • Applied MBA-Data Analytics

    • Applied MBA-Business Administration

    • Applied MBA-Digital Marketing

    • Applied MBA-Healthcare Administration

  • Program Duration: 2 years

  • CPT Structure: CPT is an integral part of the MBA program and is authorized from Day 1 for the duration of the program.

  • Campus Sessions: One weekend per semester(Saturday-Sunday)

  • Tuition: $5,100 per semester


6. Benedictine University

  • Programs Offered: Master of Science (MS)

    • MS Data Analytics

    • MS Health Informatics

  • Program Duration: 2 years

  • CPT Structure: CPT is an integral part of the programs and is authorized from Day 1 for the duration of the program.

  • Campus Sessions: One weekend per semester(Friday-Sunday)

  • Tuition: $4,800 per semester


These programs are designed to provide international students with practical experience in their field of study from the outset, aligning with U.S. immigration regulations that require CPT to be an integral part of the curriculum. By choosing a program that offers Day 1 CPT, students can enhance their academic learning with real-world experience, positioning themselves for success in their future careers.

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