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Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), the largest private university in Indiana, combines a legacy of academic excellence with flexible learning opportunities. Established in 1920 and fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), IWU offers rigorous programs in nursing, business, and more, ensuring students receive respected credentials.

One of IWU’s standout features is its Day 1 CPT program in Merrillville, Indiana. This program enables international students to gain practical work experience from the first day of their studies, blending education with career advancement. Merrillville’s prime location offers easy access to major cities, including Chicago (just an hour away by bus) and Indianapolis (2.5 to 3 hours by car), making it ideal for students balancing work and travel.

With a strong academic reputation, strategic location, and robust Day 1 CPT opportunities, IWU is an excellent choice for international students seeking a competitive edge in their careers.

📍Location: Merrillville, IN

🗂️ Programs: MSAI [STEM], MSCIS [STEM], MSDA [STEM], MSM [STEM]

School Highlights

IWU's Day 1 CPT programs require on-site attendance one weekend per semester and include a workload of 3-6 hours per week. The university provides RFE support, with tuition priced at $499 per credit hour, totaling $14,970 per program. This makes it one of the most affordable options for international students seeking CPT while advancing their academic journey.

🔸 Type: Private Non-profit
🔸 Location: Merrillville, IN
🔸 Accreditation: HLC
🔸 On-site Frequency for Day 1 CPT Programs: 1 weekend/semester
🔸 Workload: 3 - 6 hours/week
🔸 RFE Support: Yes
🔸 Tuition: $499/credit hour [$14,970/program]
🔸 Day 1 CPT Programs: MSAI [STEM], MSCIS [STEM], MSDA [STEM], MSM [STEM]
🔸 Enrollment Windows: May/Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep/Oct/Jan/Feb/Mar

Day 1 CPT Policies

  • Academic Policy
  • CPT Policy
  • Onsite Policy
  • Vacation Policy

Academic Policy

  • Indiana Wesleyan University offers three semesters annually for its Day 1 CPT Programs: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
  • International students are required to enroll in a minimum of two courses per semester, totaling 6 credits, which includes one online and one hybrid course. 

CPT Policy

  • CPT Activation Timing: Indiana Wesleyan University allows students to activate their CPT work authorizations on the start date of each semester (with three semesters per year, totaling six enrollment windows). There is no gap between CPT authorizations.

  • CPT Application: To apply for CPT, the employer's signature is required on the CPT Agreement, which must be submitted before the CPT application deadline.

  • Students can apply for CPT at any time during the program.

  • Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above is essential for students. Failure to do so may result in the termination of your CPT.

Onsite Policy

  • Friday and Saturday - 9 AM - 4:30 PM
  • 1st residency includes Thursday afternoon (Students can provide docs to take a leave)
  • The On-site location is at the Education Center in Merrillville, IN campus.

Vacation Policy

Currently, IWU does not offer scheduled vacation periods. However, if you need to take time off for emergencies or to visit home, you can apply to temporarily pause your studies by storing your earned credits. You can then reactivate them and resume your program when you’re ready to return to school.

Day 1 CPT Programs

Master's programs at IWU require the completion of 30 credits and are typically completed within 16-20 months. These programs also offer international students the potential for 1-2 additional opportunities to participate in the H1B lottery, providing valuable career advancement prospects.
MS Management

The Master of Science Management program equips students with essential management skills and knowledge. In the first year, students focus on foundational coursework, then choose a concentration to explore in-depth in the second year. The MS in Management at Indiana Wesleyan University emphasizes data-driven solutions, strong management strategies, and ethical values through the DeVoe School of Business's "Virtuous Business Model."

To graduate, students need to complete 10 core courses (30 credits) from 4 Concentrations.

4 Concentrations:

  • Data Analytics [STEM]
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Healthcare Informatics [STEM]
  • Information Technology [STEM]
MS Data Analytics [STEM]

IWU's Master of Science in Data Analytics program prepares students for leadership in data-driven business transformation. The curriculum focuses on using data to make precise decisions, leveraging big data and analytics to generate insights, and guiding organizations through market changes. The program emphasizes practical skills, data ethics, and responsible decision-making, supported by experienced faculty and student services.

To graduate, students need to complete 10 core courses (30 credits).

M.S. Computer Information Systems - Artificial Intelligence [STEM]

Transform your business with our MS in Computer Information Systems specializing in AI. This program equips graduates to leverage AI, offering technical depth for those with a background in computer science. It includes practical labs and real-world insights from experienced faculty. Students will learn programming, machine learning, and AI model development, preparing them to apply AI solutions in the workplace.

To graduate, students need to complete 10 core courses (30 credits).

MS Artificial Intelligence - Data Analytics [STEM]

As the knowledge economy becomes increasingly digitized, data analysts are essential for boosting productivity and value. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum to teach students how to use data for quick, accurate decision-making, leveraging big data, analytics, and AI to turn unstructured data into insights. Graduates will be equipped to lead in dynamic markets by predicting trends and maximizing value. With AI rapidly growing, this program helps graduates adapt to technological changes. The IWU Data Analytics Master’s program combines a strong analytic foundation with practical business applications, emphasizing data ethics and decision-making from a Biblical perspective. 

To graduate, students need to complete 10 core courses (30 credits).

Program Tuition

  • Per Credit Hour: From $499
  • Program Tuition: $14,970
  • Annual Tuition: $8,982

Other Fees

  • Course UNV-501 Tuition (*UNV-501 is a required course each term for all Master's level F1 students): $400/Term
  • Technology Fee: $85/Course
  • Educational Resource Fee: $25/Course
  • Enrollment Fee: $500
  • Books: Depends on the courses

Academic Calendar

Program Start Dates

  • Spring I 2025: 1/6/2025
  • Spring II 2025: 2/3/2025
  • Spring III 2025: 3/2/2025
  • Summer I 2025: 5/5/2025
  • Summer II 2025: TBD

Every term welcomes new applications.

Application Deadline:

F1 transfer students (F1/OPT/CPT): 4 weeks before the first day of the term.

Others: 3 months before the first day of the term.

(If you missed the deadline, please contact us. We are the official recruitment partner of IWU, we can help you accelerate your application)

* Full Academic Calendar

Application Guide

1. Start the Application (Contact us to learn more details about the Day 1 CPT programs)

Note: International students cannot select 100% online courses.

2. Submit Application Documents:

  • I-20
  • Passport
  • Resume
  • Official Transcript (GPA above 2.5)
  • English Proficiency Scores (Waivable for Those with a U.S. Degree)
    • TOEFL 85+
    • IELTS 6.5+
  • Bank statement showing a deposit of $28,000 or more in the last three months (equivalent amounts in other currencies are acceptable).

The processing of applications typically takes 2 weeks; contact us in urgent cases for expedited processing, which can reduce the processing time to 1-3 days.

3. Post-Admission Instruction: After receiving your admission letter, reach out to the DSO to coordinate the SEVIS transfer timing and complete the necessary form to transfer SEVIS to IWU.

Indiana Wesleyan University FAQ

How many credits can be transferred from other universities?
  • Master's: 6 credits for graduate programs (Must match course objectives for a course being replaced)
  • Bachelor's: Students must complete major and core requirements for graduation.
Does the university offer tuition payment plans?

Yes!

If I miss the on-site class, can I make up?

Students who miss the residency must attend a make-up residency at the Merrillville, IN location.

  • $300 fee for the make-up 
  • 15% academic reduction for residency assignments for those without prior notification/documentation

Professors do hold synch sessions weekly for all courses. The intentionality of these meetings varies by instructor.

Does the university provide any career support?

IWU has been ramping up career services.

Does the university provide support for students facing Requests for Evidence (RFE)? Yes, in general, IWU will support any student facing an RFE. The most common RFE IWU saw with hybrid students requests a letter documenting attendance. IWU has a standard format to provide students.
If students have a U.S. master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in other countries, once they enroll in the program, do they need to provide both official transcripts?

If they are enrolling in a master's program, we only require the bachelor's completion documentation for admission. The US graduate transcript will be required if the student wishes to pursue graduate credit.

 

How many enrollment windows does IWU have?

3 per semester, so there are 9 enrollment windows each year.

Day 1 CPT Free Consultation

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