For the past few years, pursuing a second master's degree has been the most familiar and readily available buffer path for many international students facing status deadlines. When OPT expires, an H1B lottery is missed, facing a layoff, or when one's career footing isn't entirely stable, a second master's is often the first backup plan that comes to mind. With many schools, a wide range of majors, and a mature application process, many people have even included a second master's in their plans long before actually needing it.
However, with recent frequent discussions about proposed changes to F-class visa policies, many students have begun to worry: if future policy directions truly shift, will the path of a second master's remain as smooth as before? If it's no longer encouraged, or even restricted, what options remain?
Why Has the "Second Master's" Become a Focal Point in Policy Discussions?
Which Day 1 CPT Schools Offer DBA Programs? A Current Overview
Conclusion: The Second Master's is Not Banned, but Early Planning is Key
It's important to clarify that the current policy discussions are not about prohibiting continued study. Instead, the focus is on discouraging repeated study at the same degree level, especially in cases with limited major changes where the primary purpose is perceived to be extending one's stay. If policies are implemented along these lines, a student who has already completed a master's degree applying for another master's program at the same level could be seen as lacking sufficient academic justification and might even be explicitly excluded by policy design.
Although, as of now, no new policy has been formally enacted, and second master's applications are still possible in practice, the signals from the proposals have significantly increased uncertainty around this path, which could be tightened at any time in the future. It is precisely within this context that so many students have become genuinely anxious, worried that the second master's route could be systematically blocked.
In this situation, some working international students have begun shifting their focus from a second master's to doctoral programs with a clearer degree progression, particularly the DBA (Doctor of Business Administration).
The DBA is not a new concept. It is a doctoral degree designed for working professionals, emphasizing the integration of real-world work experience with theoretical research to address practical business and management problems using academic methods. Unlike traditional PhDs oriented towards academic research, a DBA does not require students to leave the workforce; it allows, and even encourages, students to conduct their learning and research within the context of their professional practice.
From the perspective of the academic pathway and status logic, the DBA has a distinct advantage: it represents an upward progression in degree level, rather than repetition at the same level. This path is inherently easier to justify when explaining the need for further study.
In fact, even in recent years when some students considered third or fourth master's degrees, some realized that repeatedly studying at the same level was not a long-term stable path and began looking into doctoral-level programs like the DBA or EdD. However, while the second master's remained viable, the DBA was often seen more as a backup plan. Now, with shifting policy winds, the DBA is being seriously reconsidered.
The practical issue is that traditional DBA programs are often not suitable for international students who need to work while studying. It is against this demand that some schools have begun combining DBA programs with Day 1 CPT compliance. This allows international students already working in the U.S. to maintain F-1 status, legally work using CPT, and continue their doctoral studies simultaneously.
For international students already employed in the U.S., this choice offers a more coherent and justifiable path that aligns degree level, learning objectives, and career development. Compared to a second master's, a Day 1 CPT DBA presents a more complete and logical rationale, better fitting the current policy environment's focus on the合理性 (rationality) and continuity of study.
Several schools now offer DBA programs that support CPT, each with different positioning and characteristics.
Program: DBA (Doctor of Business Administration), also offers EdD (Doctor of Education).
Duration & Credits: 3–4 years, 60 credits.
Campuses: DBA offered at multiple campuses in California, Texas, Florida, etc.; EdD only at Irvine campus.
Annual Tuition (approx., incl. CPT fee): DBA - $21,521; EdD - $20,861.
Key Features: DBA offers multiple concentration options, including STEM-designated tracks. Supports scholarships and installment payments. Allows a "3-Semesters-On, 1-Semester-Off" schedule.
Duration & Credits: 3-4 years, 54 credits.
On-Campus Frequency: Once per month.
Campuses: Palo Alto and Costa Mesa, California.
Annual Tuition (approx., incl. CPT fee): $24,800.
Key Features: Supports scholarships and installment payments. Allows a "3-Semesters-On, 1-Semester-Off" schedule.
Campus: DBA offered at the Kansas campus.
Annual Tuition (approx., incl. CPT fee): $16,576.
Key Features: Allows CPT application one month in advance of the start date.
Campus: DBA offered at the Florida campus.
Annual Tuition (approx., incl. CPT fee): $14,976.
Key Features: Allows CPT application one month in advance of the start date. Tampa campus is conveniently located near the airport.
At this point in time, the second master's has not been formally prohibited and applications are still possible in practice. If you need to apply for a second master's soon, you can still proceed. However, compared to the past, the changing policy direction has cast doubt on the long-term stability of this path.
More international students are re-evaluating their planning strategies. Rather than waiting for the day a second master's might no longer be an option, it's wise to simultaneously explore alternatives with clearer degree progression and more stable long-term logic, giving yourself more room to maneuver.
If you are hesitating about whether a second master's is still worth the investment, or want to assess if a DBA suits your background and which school's cost and pace align with your situation, feel free to schedule a free consultation with us. Gathering more information before making a decision is part of risk reduction.