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University of the Potomac

Founded in 1989, University of the Potomac is accredited by the MSCHE (Middle States Commission on Higher Education). 

It have hybrid programs designed for international students who wish to be able to do internship while studying. 

University of the Potomac currently has 4 non-STEM and 5 STEM master level programs that supports CPT authorization at the beginning of the programs. 

📍Location: Washington, D.C. / Falls Church, VA

🗂️ Programs: MBA | MSAC | MSEd | MHA | MSCS [STEM] | MSIT [STEM] | MSGIT [STEM] | MSHI | DBA | DCS | EdD

About and Accreditation

Established in 1989, University of the Potomac is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It offers 3 Doctoral and 9 Master’s degrees that supports CPT from the beginning of the programs, focusing on management, IT, and business. Located in Washington, D.C., near the White House, it provides excellent career development opportunities.

With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and hybrid teaching model, it ensures high academic quality and flexible learning.

With six enrollment windows, affordable tuition, and a personalized academic calendar, University of the Potomac offers a flexible study plan and the option to use CPT from day one. It's a top choice for international students seeking immediate CPT opportunities. 

Academic & Day 1 CPT Policies

Who can apply for CPT at University of the Potomac

✓ Transfer I-20 F1 students (Master's or Above)

What kind of work can you do by using CPT?

🔸Job nature must aligns with your program. 
🔸Your  employer must be 70 miles within the student's home address.
 

How many hours can I work on CPT?

✓ Full-time (40 hours/week) or Part-time (20 hours/week)
✓ You may work out throughout the program, though ⬇

 

! Important Reminder! If you've used full-time CPT for over 12 months, you'll be ineligible for OPT after graduation. However, if you've previously used your master's level OPT before joining University of the Potomac, this won't be a concern as you're not eligible for OPT at the same degree level again. University of the Potomac offers doctoral-level CPT programs. So, if you're interested in regaining OPT eligibility, consider "leveling up" to a doctoral program instead of pursuing another master's degree.

 

 

Hybrid Program Study and On-Site Requirement

Minimal Credit Hours of Study
  • Master's programs require the completion of 36 credits, while doctoral programs require 60 credits. The academic year is divided into three semesters, with students required to complete 6 credits (two courses) each semester.

  • One academic year consists of 3 semesters, each of which includes 2 terms.

  • Online classes are recorded, offering students great flexibility in their learning.

On-Site Requirement
  • Hybrid Format: most classes can be completed online by watching recorded class videos; besides online classes, students are required to attend on-site classes biweekly.

  • Mandatory Onsite Class for International Students: Failure to attend on-site classes can result in the termination of F-1 student status.

Tuition & Scholarship

Tuition: 

Programs

Cost per Credit

Credits

Total Cost

Annual Average Tuition

Master's Programs

$900 / $618 (with scholarship)

36

without scholarship: $34,200

with scholarship: $22,250 (maintaining 3.0 GPA)

$9,270 (15 credits/year)

Doctoral Programs

$517

      60

$35,520

$7,755 (15 credits/year)

 

* At the University of the Potomac, students can take one semester off while using CPT after completing two consecutive semesters of study. If you wish to prolong your study and lower annual tuition, you may take 15 credits/ year at the minimal. 

Other Cost:

  • International Application Fee (Contact us to waive) - $100

  • I-20 Mailing Fee: $100

  • Registration Fee: $100

  • Portfolio Fee: $100

  • Graduation Fee: $100

  • Each 3-credit graduate course includes a $150.00 technology fee; each 3-credit doctoral degree course includes a $225 technology fee.

  • Estimated Book Costs: $500 per semester for Master’s degrees; $750 per semester for doctoral degrees.

    *no additional fee for CPT

Scholarship

▪️ International Students Tuition Scholarship Program 

This scholarship covers up to 35% of tuition for new full-time international students; it is renewable annually based on academic performance.

▪️ Multiple Family Member University of the Potomac Scholarship:

Families with more than one member attending UOTP concurrently can get a scholarship equal to a 20% reduction in the credit hour tuition rate in effect at that time.

▪️ Good Hope Scholarship 

Recipients will receive $1,000 per year for their studies at UOTP toward costs not covered by other financial aids and the expected family contribution.

▪️ Alumni Graduate Student Scholarship

Current graduate students who already completed an undergraduate or graduate program at UOTP are eligible for this $2,000 scholarship, which requires a 3.0 GPA.

▪️ Alumni Doctoral Student Scholarship 

Current doctoral students who already completed a graduate program at UOTP are eligible for this $2,000 scholarship, which requires a 3.0 GPA.

* For more information, see Financial Aid.

Waive $100 Application Fee

Ready to Apply?  Use this application link to get your application fee waived automatically. 👉

Master's CPT Programs

🔺 Requires completion of 36 credits;
🔺 Typically finished in an average of 2 years;
🔺 Can provide up to 2-3 additional opportunities for H1B lottery.
MBA - 16 Concentrations

UOTP's MBA program prepares students to become proficient in crucial business areas such as accounting and finance, management, marketing, and operations. Students will be equipped to identify and address challenges in both U.S. and international business contexts and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as managers in U.S. business organizations, non-governmental organizations, and international entities.

Students need to complete 8 core courses (24 credits) and 4 selective courses (12 credits) from a concentration of their choice. The MBA program provides 16 concentrations for students to choose from.

 

8 Core Courses (24 credits):

  • BUS 501 Managerial Accounting
  • BUS 502 Managerial Economics
  • BUS 503 Managerial Finance
  • BUS 510 Strategic Management
  • BUS 520 Human Resources and Organizational Behavior
  • BUS 530 Marketing Management
  • BUS 560 Management and Information Systems
  • BUS 570 Business Ethics 

 

16 concentrations (each consists of 4 selective courses) :

  1. Accounting
  2. Artificial Intelligence
  3. Amazon Web Service
  4. Computer Informatics
  5. Education
  6. Finance
  7. Geospatial Intelligence 
  8. Healthcare Administration
  9. Hospitality and Tourism
  10. Human Resources
  11. Information Technology
  12. International Business
  13. Management
  14. Marketing
  15. Project Management
  16. Public Policy

click here to view the MBA Program.

MSAC - Master of Science in Accounting

Upon completing the Master of Science in Accounting program, students will have an in-depth understanding of accounting and auditing practices, standards, and ethics. They will be prepared for leadership roles in accounting and advanced career options.

This program consists of 12 courses, each of which is 3 credits.

 

  • BUS501 Managerial Accounting
  • BUS503 Managerial Finance
  • ACC500 Financial Accounting
  • ACC502 Accounting Information System
  • ACC504 Advanced Auditing
  • ACC555 Systems Auditing
  • ACC563 Advanced Accounting Theory
  • ACC570 Forensic Accounting
  • ACC575 International Accounting Systems
  • ACC580 Advanced Federal Taxation
  • ACC581 Advanced Business Taxation
  • ACC599 CAPSTONE: Accounting
MSED - Master of Science in Education

Master of Science in Education degree is for students looking to advance their careers in education. The program will provide education focused on how to create more efficient learning environments and study topics such as education reform, personnel administration, school economics, curriculum design, leadership, and specialized education programs.

Students need complete the 8 core courses (24 credits) and 4 selective courses (12 credits) from one concentration of their choice.

 

Core Courses (24 credits)
  • EDU501 Social Contexts in Education
  • EDU502 Child and Adolescent Development
  • EDU503 Research and Analysis in Teaching and Learning
  • EDU504 Educating Exceptional Children
  • EDU601 Theory and Practice of Teaching
  • EDU602 Problems in the Philosophy of Education
  • EDU603 Teaching with Technology
  • EDU604 Assessment and Evaluation

 

Concentrations

  • Elementary Teaching
  • Secondary Teaching
  • English as a Second Language
  • Learning Design Innovation
  • STEM Education
MHA - Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

The MHA program aims to prepare managers for leadership roles in public, private, and non-profit healthcare sectors and to equip them to address real-world healthcare challenges. Graduates will be proficient in Health Care Systems Management, Healthcare Policy, Law and Ethics, Financial Management, Public Health, and Global Health Systems.

Students need to complete 9 core courses (24 credits) and 3 selective courses (9 credits).

 

  • HLTH 500 Healthcare Systems
  • HLTH 510 Managing Healthcare Organizations
  • HLTH 520 Healthcare Policy, Law, and Ethics
  • HLTH 530 Decision Analysis for Healthcare Managers
  • HLTH 540 Physician Group Practice Management
  • HLTH 550 Financial Management of Healthcare Organizations
  • HLTH 560 Public Health
  • HLTH 570 Global Health Systems
  • HLTH 690 Capstone Project in Healthcare Systems

 

Electives (9 credits)

  • HLTH 600 Healthcare Informatics, Analytics, and Technology
  • HLTH 610 Marketing and Competitive Strategy in Healthcare
  • HLTH 620 Health Insurance and Risk Management
  • HLTH 630 Organizational Behavior in Health Care
  • HLTH 640 Human Resource Management in Healthcare
MSCS - Master of Science in Computer Science [STEM]

This CS program offers individuals a thorough understanding of current trends in computer science, key research issues in specialized areas, and techniques for project management and IT solution design, implementation, and evaluation. It covers a wide range of topics including software engineering, mobile computing, data analytics, and high-performance computing.

Students need to complete 8 core courses (24 credits) and 4 selective courses from a concentration of their choice. The CS program provides 6 concentrations for students to choose from.

 

8 Core Courses (24 credits):

  • COMP510 Foundations of Algorithms and Data Structures
  • CBSC 510 Cloud Computing from the Ground Up
  • MGMT610 Executive Leadership
  • COMP520 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
  • MCAP520 Enterprise Data Management and Administration
  • COMP530 Linguistics of Programming Languages
  • COMP540 Computer Systems Architecture
  • CBSC530 Cyber Crime and Homeland Security 

 

6 concentrations (each consists of 4 selective courses) :

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Big Data Science
  • Database Organization
  • Geospatial Intelligence
  • Information Technology

Click here to view the MS CS Program.

MSDA - Master of Science in Data Analytics [STEM]

This program equips students with a range of statistical and quantitative methods, computational tools, and predictive models to assist businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies in forecasting, risk assessment, and critical decision-making, ultimately enhancing their success in various data-rich environments.

Students need to complete 8 core courses (24 credits) and 4 selective courses (12 credits) from a concentration of their choice.

 

  • MGMT610 Executive Leadership
  • BUS560 Management and Information Systems
  • MCAP520 Enterprise Data Management and Administration
  • COMP470 Database Organization II
  • DACS640 Data Integration, Warehousing, Provenance, and Analysis
  • COMP590 Data Presentation and Visualization
  • COMP605 Optimization and Risk Assessment
  • DACS600 Advanced Data Analytics

 

Concentrations

MSIT - Master of Science in Information Technology [STEM]

This MS IT program combines cyber/network training with leadership skills for managing IT professionals and critical computer activities. Graduates will be prepared to work as IT managers or cybersecurity specialists in U.S. businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and international entities.

Students need to complete 8 core courses (24 credits) and 4 selective courses (12 credits) from a concentration of their choice.

 

  • BUS 510 Strategic Management
  • CBSC 500 Network Defense and Covuntermeasures
  • CBSC 510 Cloud Computing from the Ground Up
  • CBSC 520 Data Analysis
  • CBSC530 Cyber Crime and Homeland Security
  • MCAP520 Enterprise Data Management and Administration
  • MGMT610 Executive Leadership
  • MPM 610 Project Management Structure and Culture

 

Concentrations

MSGIT - Master of Science in Geospatial Information Technology [STEM]

Graduates will gain expertise in Geospatial Thinking and use advanced ArcGIS software for 2-D/3-D environments. They will learn to design Smart Cities and Geospatial Mobile Apps, providing competitive advantages through GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS, and Business Intelligence technologies.

This program consists of 12 courses for 36 academic credits.

  • GIS500 Concepts of Geospatial Thinking and Digital Cartography
  • DACS640 Data Integration, Warehousing, Provenance, and Analysis
  • CBSC520 Data Analytics GIS580 Geospatial Intelligence
  • GIS581 Geospatial Analysis and Modeling
  • GIS582 Remote Sensing, Geospatial Technology in Raster Analytics
  • GIS583 Geospatial Web Design
  • GIS584 3-D Visualization and Mobile Programming
  • GIS586 Geospatial Business Intelligence
  • GIS587 GIS Project Management
  • GIS588 Smart Cities Concepts: Geo Analysis, Modeling, and Implementation
  • GIS590 Capstone: GIS Applications in IT, Business, Management, Health & Government operations
MSHI - Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics [STEM]

This program equips individuals to manage healthcare informatics and information management. Topics include IT foundations, research methods for healthcare managers, information management for project managers, and information security.

Students need to complete 4 courses in Business and Management (12 credits), 4 courses in Health Profession (12 credits), and 4 courses in Information Technology (12 credits).

Business and Management Course (12 credits)

  • MGMT610 Executive Leadership
  • BUS560 Management and Information Systems
  • MGMT615 Health Informatics Project Design and Management
  • HLTH625 Health Care Communications Technology and Telematics

 

  • HLTH605 American Health Care Systems
  • HLTH645 Legal and Regulatory Environment for Health Care and Informatics
  • HLTH650 Health Quality and Safety
  • HLTH655 Research Methods and Data Analytics for Health Informatics

 

Information Technology (12 credits)

  • HLTH640 Introduction to Health Information Technology
  • MCAP520 Enterprise Data Management and Administration
  • DACS640 Data Integration, Warehousing, Provenance, and Analysis 71
  • HLTH635 Health Data Structures

Doctoral CPT Programs

🔺 Requires completion of 60 credits;
🔺 Typically finished in an average of 4 years;
🔺 Can provide up to 3-4 additional opportunities for H1B lottery.
DBA

This DBA program prepares students to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving business environment. It aims to enhance the skills needed to advance business practices in a diverse global economy, contribute to the body of knowledge and research, and balance the pursuit of high-impact business practices.

Students need to complete all course from six categories: Research & Method (12 credits); Organizational Leadership (9 credits); Management & Business Process (9 credits); Global Business Leadership (6 credits); Dissertation (18 credits); and Dissertation Defense (6 credits)

 

Research & Method  (12 credits):

  • DBEC 700 Principles of Research and Writing
  • DBEC710 Quantitative Research Methodology
  • DBEC725 Qualitative and Case Study Research Methodology
  • DBEC735 Statistical Method and Data Analysis for Research

Organizational Leadership (9 credits) :

  • DBA 715 Organizational Dynamics, Ethics and Decision-Making
  • DBA 727 Business Innovation and Sustainability
  • DBA 730 Conflict Resolution and Negotiations 

Global Business Leadership (6 credits) :

  • DBA 765 Global Business, Geo-Political and Social Issues
  • DBA 770 International Marketing in Business

Dissertation (18 credits) :

  • DBEC 800 Doctoral Research I: Proposal Development
  • DBEC 801 Doctoral Research II: Introduction & Literature Review
  • DBEC 802 Doctoral Research III: Methodology
  • DBA 803 Doctoral Research IV: Results, Findings, and Discussion
  • DBA 804 Doctoral Research V: Discussion and Defense

Dissertation Defense (6 credits) :

  • DBA 900 Dissertation Defense

 

Click here to view the DBA Program.

DCS - Doctor of Computer Science

The mission of this Doctor of Computer Science program is to develop students into leaders in computer science research and development. The program promotes high-quality, impactful research across disciplines. The curriculum aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools to design and implement effective, economical, and creative solutions for individuals, society, and the high-tech economy.

Students need to complete 60 credits and defend a dissertation.

 

Theory  (9 credits):

  • COMP 710 Data Structures and Algorithms I
  • COMP 711 Theory of Computation
  • COMP 712 Advanced Data Structure and Algorithms

 

Intelligent Systems (6 credits) :

  • COMP 713 Advanced Artificial Intelligence
  • COMP 714 Machine Learning
     

Programing Systems (9 credits) :

  • COMP 716 Programming Languages
  • COMP 717 Program Generation and Optimization
  • COMP 718 Software Design and Architecture

 

Computer Systems (6 credits) :

  • COMP 820 Advanced Operating Systems
  • COMP 821 Distributed Systems Software
     

Applications (6 credits) :

  • COMP 822 Game Engine Programming
  • COMP 825 High Performance Computing

 

Dissertation (18 credits) :

  • DBEC 800 Doctoral Research I: Proposal Development
  • DBEC 801 Doctoral Research II: Introduction & Literature Review
  • DBEC 802 Doctoral Research III: Methodology
  • COMP 832 Doctoral Research IV: Results, Findings, and Discussion
  • COMP 833 Doctoral Research V: Discussion and Defense

 

Dissertation Defense (6 credits) :

  • COMP 900 Dissertation Defense
Doctor of Education

The mission of this EdD. program is to develop effective leaders in organizational contexts. The program improves students’ skills and increases their knowledge of effective leadership through advanced study. This doctoral program focuses on practice, professional engagement, research and theory. Further, the program prepares students to interpret research literature, identify viable solutions and develop contextual applications for areas related to.

Students must complete all courses and defend their dissertation.

 
Leadership (15 credits)
  • EDUC 700 Self-Insight and Personal Development as a Leader
  • EDUC 710 Leading Change in Educational Institutions
  • EDUC 715 System Thinking and Decision Making
  • EDUC 720 Leading Large Scale Transformation
  • EDUC 725 Case Studies for Educational Leadership; Solving Administrative Dilemmas

 

  • EDUC755 Technology Integration in Education.
  • EDUC765 Assessment and Learning Outcomes
  • EDUC775 Curriculum Development and Design

 

Applied Research (12 credits)

  • DBEC 700 Principles of Research and Writing
  • DBEC710 Quantitative Research Methodology 
  • DBEC 725 Qualitative and Case Study Research Methodology
  • DBEC735 Statistical Methods and Data Analysis for Research

 

Dissertation (18 credits)
  • DBEC 800 Doctoral Research I: Proposal Development
  • DBEC 801 Doctoral Research II: Introduction & Literature Review
  • DBEC 802 Doctoral Research III: Methodology
  • EDUC 803 Doctoral Research IV: Results, Findings, and Discussion
  • EDUC 804 Doctoral Research V: Discussion and Defense

 

  • EDUC 900 Dissertation Defense

Academic Calendar

Upcoming Intake 

🔸8A Monday, July 1, 2024
🔸10A Tuesday, September 3, 2024
🔸12A Monday, October 28, 2024
🔸02A Monday, January 06, 2025
🔸04A Monday, March 03, 2025
🔸06A Monday, April 28, 2025

 

Application Deadlines

🔸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 miss this deadline, please contact us. We can assist in expediting your application process and help you get your offer and I-20 in 3-5 days.

 

How to Apply to University of Potomac

STEP 1: Prepare the following documents

▪️ Your four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in other countries
▪️ 2 letters of recommendation
▪️ 1 statement of purpose
▪️ Financial Proof: $24,300 for master's programs and $25,840 for doctoral programs
▪️ International students must meet the language proficiency requirement:
   ▫️ TOEFL (iBT): graduate 79; doctorate 85;
   ▫️ IELTS: graduate 6.5 / doctorate 6.5;
   ▫️ Duolingo: graduate 90 / doctorate 100;
   ▫️ PTE: graduate 59 / doctorate 59;
   ▫️ WAEC: C6 or higher in English subject;
   ▫️ TOEIC: graduate 720 / doctorate 720;

This requirement can be waived for students who have completed a high school, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from an accredited school in the US.

STEP 2: Fill the Form Below

Once you filled the form, you will receive:

 ▪️  Application portal link
 ▪️  Application wavier code to waive the $100 fee
 ▪️  Step-by-step instructions 
 ▪️  Your CPTDog's contact information for personal application assistant 

Waiting Time: 

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

Day 1 CPT Free Consultation

CPTDog Offers:

✓ One-on-One Free Consultation
✓ Personalized Day 1 CPT Universities List
✓ Application Fee Wavier & Application Assistant 
✓ Scholarship Opportunities 
✓ Connecting to the Admission Officer to Get Pre-Approval 
Premium Process - Get an Offer and I-20 within 3 days [added-value service]

* Our consultants are committed to providing a seamless experience. Once you initiate a case with us, you will be assigned a specific consultant who will thoroughly understand your case, ensuring that there's no need for you to repeat information each time you call. We will not change your consultant unless you request it.

 

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