The Best Day 1 CPT Masters Programs in 2023

April 27, 2021
2:19 am

Day 1 CPT allows a student pursuing a specific degree in a university, to participate in practical training from their very first day of enrollment. Below is the list of the best Day 1 CPT Masters Programs in 2023:

Saint Peter’s University

Overview

Located in Jersey City, NJ, a 12-minute train ride to downtown New York City, Saint Peter’s University was established in 1872 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It has a total university enrollment of 3,200 students with 74% being at the Undergraduate level and the other 26% at the Masters or Ph.D. level.

The university is ranked highest in New Jersey and #11 overall in the Best value in the Regional North University rankings by US News Report. With a 94% job placement rate and graduates with higher starting salaries than the national average, Saint Peter’s University focuses on degrees that elevate student careers.

CPT at Saint Peter’s University

CPT for F-1 students can be authorized from the start of all Professional Hybrid programs.
Working in a related field or enrolling in a research practicum (a course that simulates real work experience) is a requirement of the degree. With the programs having this requirement integrated into the curriculum, F-1 students are authorized for CPT from Day 1.
It’s important to note that F-1 students who take more than 12 months of full-time CPT before graduation are not allowed OPT (Optional Practical Training) upon graduation (Full-time is defined as paid employment requiring more than 20 hours a week).
All the Professional Hybrid programs at Saint Peter’s University are STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees which allow for 12 months of OPT with an additional extension of 24 months.

The information on the Professional Hybrid programs offered by the university is listed below.

Professional Hybrid Programs

The MS Data Science (Professional Hybrid) and MS Business Analytics (Professional Hybrid) programs are all structured to offer Day 1 CPT for eligible students.
The Professional Hybrid programs have mandatory on-campus course work held over one three-day weekend (Fri-Sun) each trimester with the other coursework done online.
Students typically take 2 courses each trimester and there are four trimesters per year (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer).

Tuition and Fees

Program: The MS Data Science
Fees: $29,000 for 36 credits. $806 per credit or $4,836 each trimester students take 2 courses
Duration: 20 months
Program: MS Business Analytics
Fees: $26,000 for 30 credits. $867 per credit or $5,202 each trimester students take 2 courses
Duration: 15 to 18 months program

Financial Statement/Solvency Certificate Requirements

For Saint Peter’s University to issue an I-20, students must show at least $27,800 in funds.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a recommended 3.0 GPA or foreign equivalent;
Copies of all transcripts (Undergraduate and Graduate if applicable are required)
Current Resume (One-year work experience is recommended)
Personal statement (It is recommended but not required)
Demonstrated English-language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, degree delivered in English language, etc.)
For applicants currently in the US, English requirements are likely to be waived.
Apply now: https://admissions.saintpeters.edu/apply/

Note: On the application, please choose the “Professional Hybrid” programs

McDaniel College – MS Data Analytics Hybrid

Overview

Located in Westminster, MD just outside Baltimore and Washington DC, McDaniel College was established in 1867 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

McDaniel College has a total enrollment of 2,900 students. 58% of the total enrollment is at the Undergraduate level and 42% at the Graduate level. McDaniel College was rated #1 for Best Value by US News Report for Regional North Universities in 2021. The College is affordable and is nationally recognized for its educational excellence and the transformative nature of its academic programs.

CPT at McDaniel College

CPT for F-1 students can be authorized from the start of the MS Data Analytics (Professional Hybrid) program.
Working in a related field or enrolling in a research practicum (a course that simulates real work experience) is a requirement of the degree. With the program having this requirement and it is integrated into the curriculum, F-1 students are authorized for CPT from Day 1.
It’s important to note that F-1 students who take more than 12 months of full-time CPT are not allowed OPT upon graduation (Full-time employment is defined as paid employment that requires working for more than 20 hours a week).
The MS Data Analytics (Professional Hybrid) is a STEM degree that allows for 12 months of OPT and an additional 24-month OPT extension.

The information on the MS Data Analytics (Professional Hybrid) program offered by the university is listed below.

The MS Data Analytics program is structured to offer Day 1 CPT for eligible students.
This program has one mandatory on-campus session which takes place one three-day period each semester with the rest of the coursework done online.

Tuition and Fees

The MS Data Analytics program is $20,670 for 30 credits, a 24-month program
$689 per credit or $4134 each semester with students taking 2 courses

Financial Statement/Solvency Certificate Requirements

For McDaniel College to issue an I-20, students must show funds of at least $22,500.

Admissions Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a recommended 3.0 GPA or foreign equivalent
Copies of all transcripts (undergrad and grad if applicable required)
Strong mathematical skills in statistics and calculus
Personal statement (It is recommended but not required)
Demonstrated English-language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, degree delivered in English language, etc.)
For applicants currently in the US, English requirements are likely to be waived
Copy of your passport
Copy of visa for transfer students in the US
Apply now:

https://www.mcdaniel.edu/academics/graduate-professional-studies/data-analytics-ms-professional-hybrid

Note: Application links for Fall, Summer, and Spring programs can be found on the University’s program page

Lindenwood University

Located in St Charles, Missouri, and founded in 1827, Lindenwood University enrolls 4,822 undergraduate and 2560 graduate students.
It offers online options for 23 undergraduate and 26 graduate programs.

Ottawa University

Overview

Founded in 1865 in Ottawa, Kansas, Ottawa University now has two locations – Arizona and Kansas. With over 150 years of heritage, it presently serves 4000 students on its residential campuses. The university offers online and evening programs across its campuses.

CPT Policy

International students enrolled with Ottawa University are required to maintain eligible CPT employment for the duration of their study with Ottawa University.
CPT is requested and approved by the Executive Practicum instructor and authorized by the Ottawa University International Programs office in accordance with F-1 regulations. CPT may be part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week). Students are required under the terms of their degree to work no less than 5 hours per week.
To remain eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), another type of work authorization for F-1 students, international students must have either part-time CPT or fewer than 12 months of full-time CPT

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Overview

Founded in 1881, the New Jersey Institute of Technology is a public research university located in Newark, New Jersey. It offers over 125 graduate and undergraduate programs and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

CPT Policy

NJIT offers full-time CPT after 1st year
CPT can be full or part-time after completing an academic year
Graduate students can be considered for full-time CPT during spring and fall semesters if participating in full-time CPT + 1 in-person course.
A graduate student participating in part-time CPT must be registered for enough courses for a minimum of 9 credits in the fall and spring.

Goldey-Beacom College

Overview

Located in Wilmington, DE, the Goldey-Beacom College offers multiple MBA concentrations

CPT Policy

Students who have completed one full year of academic study at a regionally-accredited, not-for-profit college or university in the U.S., and are currently inactive F1 status are eligible to apply for Day 1 CPT at Goldey-Beacom College