Best 5 Day 1 CPT Programs for Art and Design Students

Art and design are among the most popular fields of study for international students in the United States. Each year, many students are drawn to the U.S. for its creative freedom and exposure to fresh ideas. However, a significant challenge arises for art and design graduates aiming to work in the U.S.: most of them only have  1-year OPT. This often makes it difficult to secure a job offer or H-1B sponsorship from U.S. employers. While some seek the O-1 visa as an alternative, others explore different pathways to work in the U.S., one of which is Day 1 CPT. This article discusses how art and design students can choose the most suitable Day 1 CPT school to achieve their career goals.

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Table of Contents

1. MBA (Master of Business Administration)

2. DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)

3. Human-Centered Interaction Design

4. Management/ Project Management

5. Strategic Leadership/ Organizational Leadership

Conclusion

1. MBA (Master of Business Administration)

School Options: Westcliff University (CA; FL); CIAM (CA)；Sofia University (CA); Monroe University (NY); New England College (NH); Ottawa University (KS; AZ); North Carolina Wesleyan University (NC); Texas Wesleyan University (TX); Tennessee Wesleyan University (TN); Goldey-Beacom College (DE)

An MBA program offers art and design students the opportunity to combine their creative talents with essential business acumen. Many art and design careers, such as graphic design, fashion, and media, benefit from a solid understanding of marketing, branding, and financial management. By enrolling in an MBA program, students can justify their educational progression by transitioning from creative expertise to gaining business and managerial skills, which are critical for career advancement. With Day 1 CPT, students can simultaneously gain practical experience in internships or jobs that align with their studies, such as working in marketing departments, branding agencies, or as business strategists for creative firms.

2. DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)

School Options: Westcliff University (CA; FL); Sofia University (CA); Ottawa University (KS; AZ)

For art and design professionals aiming to elevate their careers further, a DBA program with Day 1 CPT can be a great option. This advanced program emphasizes research, strategy, and innovation, helping students explore how design thinking can solve complex business problems. A DBA justifies students’ use of Day 1 CPT by positioning students at the intersection of art, design, and high-level business strategy, allowing them to contribute to industry research or lead transformative projects. The practical opportunities offered through Day 1 CPT ensure that students can directly apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, such as consulting on design strategies or teaching in academia.

3. Human-Centered Interaction Design

School Options: Harrisburg University (PA)

This special program, offered by Harrisburg University, is designed for students with a background in art and design, particularly those interested in user experience (UX) and interface design. By focusing on creating intuitive and human-friendly technology solutions, the MS in Human-Centered Interaction Design bridges the gap between art, technology, and psychology. The program is an ideal Day 1 CPT option by expanding students’ skill sets from purely aesthetic or creative work to developing technology-driven solutions that enhance user experiences. With Day 1 CPT, students can take on roles in UX design, product development, or human-computer interaction research, directly integrating their studies with real-world applications.

4. Management/ Project Management

School Options: Indian Wesleyan University (IN); Goldey-Beacom College (DE); Tennessee Wesleyan University (TN); Harrisburg University (PA)

Art and design professionals often find themselves working on complex projects requiring collaboration across teams and disciplines. An MS in Project Management provides students with essential skills in planning, budgeting, and team leadership. By equipping students to transition from contributors to leaders in creative fields, such as managing teams in film production, architecture, or digital media, these programs enable students to justify their use of Day 1 CPT. Day 1 CPT allows students to gain practical experience by managing live projects in creative organizations, ensuring that their work aligns closely with their academic focus.

5. Strategic Leadership/ Organizational Leadership

School Options: North Carolina Wesleyan University (NC); National Louis University (FL; IL)

The MS in Strategic Leadership or Organizational Leadership is another excellent fit for art and design students who want to develop the ability to lead creative teams or organizations. These programs emphasize leadership strategies, change management, and organizational development, which are crucial in fast-evolving creative industries. By pursuing this degree, students demonstrate educational progress by advancing from artistic roles to strategic leadership positions, showing how their academic and professional growth align. With Day 1 CPT, students can take on leadership positions in creative companies, participate in organizational change initiatives, or lead design teams, ensuring that their work complements their academic studies seamlessly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Day 1 CPT programs—MBA, DBA, MS in Human-Centered Interaction Design, MS in Project Management, and MS in Strategic/Organizational Leadership—offer art and design students the perfect blend of academic growth and practical experience. By aligning creative skills with business, leadership, and technical expertise, these programs allow students to justify their choice of specific Day 1 CPT universities and programs.

If you have any questions and concerns, book a free consultation with us today and take the first step toward securing your future in the U.S. creative industry!