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westcliff

Westcliff University

Westcliff University is one of the best and most popular Day 1 CPT Universities in California with a satellite campus in Miami Florida.

Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Westcliff offers 7 graduate level programs that support Day 1 CPT.

๐Ÿ“Location: Irvine, California / Miami, Florida

๐Ÿ—‚๏ธ Programs: MBA [STEM] | MSIT | MSCS | MSEM | TESOL | DBA | EdD 

About and Accreditation

Westcliff University, a distinguished player in the realm of Day 1 CPT universities, has been a beacon of educational excellence since its inception in 1993, following approval from the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. With accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the university distinguishes itself through its array of colleges - Business, Education, Technology & Engineering, and Western State College of Law.

What truly differentiates Westcliff in the competitive arena of Day 1 CPT universities is its balanced approach to education, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. This unique educational model ensures that Westcliff's programs are not just academically rigorous but also attuned to the demands of the contemporary job market.

Emphasizing convenience, flexibility, and affordability, Westcliff University stands out as a preferred choice for both international students seeking Day 1 CPT eligibility and domestic students pursuing academic excellence. 

Day 1 CPT Policies

Who can apply for Day 1 CPT at Westcliff University

โœ“ Initial I-20 F1 students (Master's or Above)
โœ“ Transfer I-20 F1 students 

What kind of work Can I do by using Day 1 CPT?

The internship is required to be a fundamental component of the student's established curriculum and must be directly related to their major field of study. Your Designated School Official (DSO) will assess whether your chosen internship or work aligns with your selected program. If there's a mismatch, they might suggest switching to a different program. To avoid any complications, consult with us first to ensure that the program you are considering is the best fit for your specific situation.

How many hours can I work on Day 1 CPT?

โœ“ Full-time (40 hours/week) or Part-time (20 hours/week)
โœ“ On Campus or Off Campus
โœ“ You may work out throughout the program, though โฌ‡

 

! 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 Westcliff University, this won't be a concern as you're not eligible for OPT at the same degree level again. Westcliff University offers doctoral-level Day 1 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.

 

 

Day 1 CPT Application & Approve Process

  • Step 1: Obtain a job offer.
  • Step 2: Enroll and pay for the CPT course (at Westcliff University, it will be 1 credit hour of tuition).
  • Step 3: Submit CPT application documents.
  • Step 4:
                 ๐Ÿ”ธ DSO reviews your job offer, CPT agreement, and eligibility.
                 ๐Ÿ”ธ DSO issues a new I-20 with CPT authorization.
                 ๐Ÿ”ธ Note: CPT does not require USCIS approval, and no EAD is issued. The updated I-20 is your work authorization proof. Students cannot begin CPT until the CPT employment start date is recorded in SEVIS. The DSO will also print out the updated Form I-20 reflecting the CPT authorization, which the student will need when completing the Form I-9 for the employer. 
  • Step 5: Legally start working in the U.S. on an F-1 Visa.
  • Step 6: Renew CPT authorization each semester, as per Westcliff University regulations. To continue qualifying for CPT, students need to:
                 ๐Ÿ”ธ Fulfill On-Site Attendance Requirement
                 ๐Ÿ”ธ Keep a GPA of 3.0 or above

Waive $50 Application Fee

Ready to Apply?  Use this application link to get your application fee waived automatically. ๐Ÿ‘‰

Day 1 CPT Master's Programs

MBA [STEM Options]

The MBA (Master of Business Administration) program is designed to equip individuals for managerial roles across various industries. Its primary goal is to help students gain the essential skills, knowledge, attitude, and understanding necessary to evolve into skilled professionals in business management. This qualification is especially relevant for those seeking opportunities in sectors like computer services, investment banking, securities, and consulting in marketing, research, analysis, and finance. Certain concentrations within the MBA program are qualified for STEM OPT, read the full course catalog down below or talk to our consultant to get the most updated information if STEM is something you care about. 

This program is among the most popular with our students due to its versatility, catering to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Whether your current job involves aspects of management or you are aiming for a management role in the near future, you could be eligible for CPT while pursuing this versatile degree.

Degree Requirements - Total of 36 Credit Hours

Core Program Courses - 27 Credits

  • BUS 500 Organizational Leadership - 3 credits
  • BUS 505 Managerial Economics - 3 credits
  • BUS 510 Marketing Management - 3 credits
  • BUS 525 Globalized Economy Strategic Management - 3 credits
  • BUS 530 Information Systems & Technology Management - 3 credits
  • BUS 535 Managerial Accounting - 3 credits
  • BUS 540 Organizational Behavior - 3 credits
  • BUS 550 Financial Management - 3 credits
  • BUS 557 Practical Methods Capstone - 3 credits

For a specialized concentration, students are required to complete three courses, equivalent to 9 credit hours, in their chosen field:

  • Strategic and Innovative Leadership
  • Digital and Strategic Marketing (STEM)
  • Financial Management
  • Global Business
  • Organizational Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Data-Driven Decision Making (STEM)
  • Information Technology Management (STEM)
  • IT Project Management (STEM)
  • Web Development & Design (STEM)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Coding Bootcamp (STEM)

For a complete description of the above requirements, please go to the Course Catalog.

MSCS [STEM]

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program is designed to advance careers in the tech industry, offering a dynamic curriculum that emphasizes design, critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving in computer science. This program prepares students for advanced roles in various industries by imparting key skills in computer systems, software, and telecommunications, essential for modernizing sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, research, education, and finance in the global economy.

If you're currently employed in the tech sector with duties related to Computer Science or aspire to roles such as a software developer, this program is ideal for you. Securing a CPT is straightforward with a relevant job offer in this field. However, if you already hold a master's degree in computer science from another institution, we suggest considering an alternative major like an MBA to minimize the risk of future Requests for Evidence (RFE). For those uncertain about the best fit, our consultants can provide a personalized list of Day 1 CPT universities and programs to match your needs.

Degree Course Requirements - 36 credit hours

Program Core Courses - 21 Credits

MIS 530 Business Architecture and Organizational Transformation 3 Credit Hours
MIS 500 Managing Information Systems & Technology 3 Credit Hours
MIS 510 Information Technology Project Management 3 Credit Hours
MIS 520 Leading Strategic Change with Technology 3 Credit Hours
MIS 540 Management of Information Security 3 Credit Hours
MIS 550 Big Data Analytics and Visualization 3 Credit Hours
CAP 690 Masters Applied Capstone 3 Credit Hours

In order to graduate with a concentration, students must take Five (5) courses, totaling 15 credit hours in the area of their chosen concentration

Software Development (DEV)
DEV 610 Web Application Development 3 Credit Hours
DEV 630 Web Programming I 3 Credit Hours
DEV 640 Web Programming II 3 Credit Hours
DEV 600 Systems Analysis and Design 3 Credit Hours
DEV 620 User Interface design 3 Credit Hours 

DATA Analytics (DATA)
DATA 620 Data in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 3 Credit Hours
DATA 600 Principles of Data Management 3 Credit Hours
DATA 610 Database Design and Management 3 Credit Hours
DATA 630 Artificial Intelligence and Prescriptive Analytics in Business 3 Credit Hours
DATA 640 Cloud Data Visualization 3 Credit Hours

Health Informatics (HIT)
HIT 640 Tele-Medicine and Networking 3 Credit Hours
DATA 600 Principles of Data Management 3 Credit Hours
HIT 610 Integrated Healthcare Technologies 3 Credit Hours
HIT 630 Compliance, Governance and Standards 3 Credit Hours
HIT 600 Health Informatics 3 Credit Hours

Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
AVR 600 Introduction to Unity and Simple Games 3 Credit Hours
AVR 601 2D Game Development in Unity I 3 Credit Hours
AVR 602 3D Game Development in Unity II 3 Credit Hours
AVR 603 Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Behavior in Unity 3 Credit Hours
AVR 604 AR and VR Development in Unity 3 Credit Hours

WEB Bootcamp
WEB 601 Front End Web Development 4 Credit Hours
WEB 602 Back End Web Development 4 Credit Hours
WEB 603 Full Stack Web Development 4 Credit Hours

*For a complete description of the above requirements, please go to the Course Catalog.

MSEM [STEM]

The Masters of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) is highly relevant to organizations that are continually striving to close the gap between engineering, technology, and management for performance. The field of engineering applies across several business sectors since the field incorporates process, design, technology, and the management of projects and people. The program highlights the synergism between the application of engineering and management as part of the strategic plan and to sustain competitive advantage.

Degree Course Requirements - 36 credit hours

Program Core Courses - 21 Credits

MIS 545 Business Architecture and Organizational Transformation 3 Credit Hours
MIS 500 Managing Information Systems & Technology 3 Credit Hours
MIS 510 Information Technology Project Management 3 Credit Hours
MIS 520 Leading Strategic Change with Technology 3 Credit Hours
MIS 540 Management of Information Security 3 Credit Hours
MIS 550 Big Data Analytics and Visualization 3 Credit Hours
CAP 690 Masters Applied Capstone 3 Credit Hours

In order to graduate with a concentration, students must take five (5) courses, totaling 9 credit hours in the area of their chosen concentration

Technology Engineering Management (TEM)
TEM 600 Introduction to Systems Engineering 3 Credit Hours
TEM 610 Information Systems Engineering 3 Credit Hours
TEM 620 Engineering Administration 3 Credit Hours
TEM 630 Strategic Technology Management 3 Credit Hours
TEM 640 Reliability Engineering 3 Credit Hours

For a complete description of the above requirements, please go to the Course Catalog.

MSIT [STEM]

The Masters of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree program provides a holistic perspective to the field of information technology to ensure that students develop knowledge about a vast array of technology that drives 21st-century business. The curriculum provides an amalgam of technical and management knowledge required to properly implement and manage strategies in IT security to protect technology assets, infrastructure, and data analytics. Current information technologists will enhance their technical acumen and learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret business intelligence relevant to their respective fields.

Degree Course Requirements - 36 credit hours

Program Core Courses - 21 Credits

MIS 545 Business Architecture and Organizational Transformation 3 Credit Hours
MIS 500 Managing Information Systems & Technology 3 Credit Hours
MIS 510 Information Technology Project Management 3 Credit Hours
MIS 520 Leading Strategic Change with Technology 3 Credit Hours
MIS 540 Management of Information Security 3 Credit Hours
MIS 550 Big Data Analytics and Visualization 3 Credit Hours
CAP 690 Masters Applied Capstone 3 Credit Hours

In order to graduate with a concentration, students must take five (5) courses, totaling 15 credit hours in the area of their chosen concentration

Technology Management (ITM)
ITM 610 Networking Management 3 Credit Hours
ITM 600 Modern Operation Systems 3 Credit Hours
ITM 640 Issues in Business and IT 3 Credit Hours
CLD 600 Cloud Fundamentals for Managers 3 Credit Hours
ITM 630 Cyber Forensics 3 Credit Hours 

IT Operations Management (OPM)
OPM 600 Operations Management 3 Credit Hours
OPM 610 Enterprise Resource Planning Systems 3 Credit Hours
OPM 620 Data Center Management 3 Credit Hours
OPM 640 Operational Excellence 3 Credit Hours
OPM 630 Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity 3 Credit Hours 

Emerging Technologies (EMT)
EMT 600 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 3 Credit Hours
EMT 610 Metaverse 3 Credit Hours
EMT 620 Blockchain 3 Credit Hours
EMT 630 Industry 4.0 3 Credit Hours
EMT 640 Identity Management in the Virtual World 3 Credit Hours 

Cybersecurity (CYB)
CYB 600 Threat and Vulnerability Management 3 Credit Hours
CYB 601 Software and Systems Security 3 Credit Hours
CYB 602 Cyber Operations and Monitoring 3 Credit Hours
CYB 603 Digital forensics and incident response 3 Credit Hours
CYB 604 Compliance and Assessment 3 Credit Hours 

IT Project Management (ITPM)
ITPM 600 PMP Integration, Scope, Time, and Cost 3 Credit Hours
ITPM 601 Project Leadership 3 Credit Hours
ITPM 602 Project Schedule Management 3 Credit Hours
ITPM 603 Project Risk and Quality Management 3 Credit Hours
ITPM 604 Project Communications Management 3 Credit Hours 

Cloud Computing (CLD)
CLD 600 Virtualization and Storage 3 Credit Hours
CLD 601 APIs and Scripting 3 Credit Hours
CLD 602 AWS and Azure 3 Credit Hours
CLD 603 Cloud Security and Disaster Recovery 3 Credit Hours
CLD 604 Strategic Cloud 3 Credit Hours

*For a complete description of the above requirements, please go to the Course Catalog.

TESOL

The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL) produces graduates with the skills to train teaching faculty who excel in their roles as educators, creative scholars, and researchers. This program will prepare teachers for a wide variety of positions both in the US and abroad. Our students will be equipped with the specialized knowledge and field skills for teaching English to speakers of other languages. Upon graduation, they will be competent professional educators with demonstrable leadership skills.

Degree Course Requirements - 36 credit hours

Program Core Courses - 36 Credits

TSL 502 Vocabulary Instruction 3 credit hours
TSL 507 Pronunciation Instruction 3 credit hours
TSL 512 Writing Instruction 3 credit hours
TSL 515 Second Language Acquisition 3 credit hours
TSL 520 Grammar Instruction 3 credit hours
TSL 527 Methods of Teaching ESL/EFL 3 credit hours
TSL 532 Listening and Speaking Instruction 3 credit hours
TSL 542 The English Language in Society 3 credit hours
TSL 545 Reading Instruction 3 credit hours
TSL 552 Special Topics in TESOL 3 credit hours
TSL 590 Curriculum Design 3 credit hours
TSL 600 Practicum 3 credit hours

For a complete description of the above requirements, please go to the Course Catalog.

Day 1 CPT Doctoral Programs

DBA [STEM]

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is designed for candidates who, having already completed a Masters's program, are looking to further develop their practical and theoretical knowledge of the principles that govern global business. Our DBA program emphasizes advanced decision-making and leadership skills as well as in-depth knowledge of theory and applied research.

Degree Course Requirements - 60 credit hours

Program Core Courses - 48 Credits

BUS 700 Leadership and Creative Solutions Implementation 3 credit hours
BUS 705 Management Strategy, Planning, and Implementation 3 credit hours
BUS 710 Financial Decision Making and Risk Management 3 credit hours
BUS 720 Marketing Strategy & Consumer Behavior 3 credit hours
RES 711 Research Methods I 4.5 credit hours
RES 721 Doctoral Prospectus** 3 credit hours 96
BUS 731 Global Economics & Business Initiatives 3 credit hours
BUS 732 Corporate Social Responsibility in Organizational Development 3 credit hours
RES 741 Research Methods II 4.5 credit hours
RES 751 Doctoral Literature Review 3 credit hours
BUS 900 Doctoral Dissertation Course I 3 credit hours
BUS 901 Doctoral Dissertation Course II 4.5 credit hours
BUS 902 Doctoral Dissertation Course III 3 credit hours
BUS 903 Doctoral Dissertation Course IV 4.5 credit hours

In order to graduate with a concentration, students must take three (3) courses, totaling 9 credit hours in the area of their chosen concentration

Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (STEM)
BUS 800 Foundations in Analytics for Executives - 3 credit hours
BUS 801 BI, Analytics, & Decision Support - 3 credit hours
BUS 802 Time Series & Predictive Analysis for Business - 3 credit hours
BUS 803 Artificial Intelligence & Prescriptive Analytics* - 3 credit hours

Strategic Leadership in the 21st Century
BUS 810 Building Positive Relationships in a Multigenerational Workforce - 3 credit hours
BUS 811 Emotional Intelligence in Transformational Leadership - 3 credit hours
BUS 812 Emerging Technology for Effective Leadership - 3 credit hours
BUS 814 Global Leadership - 3 credit hours

Information Technology Management (STEM)
BUS 820 Business Intelligence & Information Systems - 3 credit hours
BUS 821 Management Information Systems & Advanced IT - 3 credit hours
BUS 822 Information Technology Project & Portfolio Management - 3 credit hours
BUS 823 Governance of Enterprise IT Initiatives - 3 credit hours

Applied Computer Science (STEM)
BUS 801 BI, Analytics, & Decision Support - 3 credit hours
BUS 830 Software Engineering Concepts - 3 credit hours
BUS 831 Security in Software Design & Development - 3 credit hours
BUS 832 Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Design - 3 credit hours

Concentration in Web Development & Applications Management Concentration
WEB 840 Front End Web Development - 4 credit hours
WEB 841 Back End Web Development - 4 credit hours
WEB 842 Advanced Full Stack Web Development - 4 credit hours

*For a complete description of the above requirements, please go to the Course Catalog.

EdD

The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction empowers scholar-practitioners to lead and influence education, design and evaluate curriculum, as well as elevate and maximize instructional methodologies. The degree integrates educational principles and leadership theories to inform research, andragogy and pedagogy, and evidence-based assessment. It combines primary research with practical experience to produce effective change agents who value diversity as well as equitable practices and policies. Students engage in project based learning with embedded practicum experiences to solve real-world problems that foster personal and professional growth. They receive oversight, feedback, and guidance while participating in authentic working conditions. Graduates are equipped with the actionable skills necessary to positively impact organizations and advance their careers in leadership, curriculum, and instruction.

Degree Course Requirements - 60 credit hours

Program Core Courses - 48 Credits

EDU 710 Effective Teaching and Learning Strategies 3 credit hours
EDU 711 Educational Leadership in Theory and Practice 3 credit hours
EDU 712 Curriculum Theory and Design 3 credit hours
EDU 830 Online Blended Learning and Teaching Methodologies 3 credit hours
EDU 831 Classroom Technology Integration 3 credit hours
EDU 833 Managing Human and Fiscal Resources as and Educational Leader 3 credit hours
RES 700 Identifying and Planning a Research Project** 4 credit hours
RES 801 Quantitative Research in Education 3 credit hours
RES 800 Educational Research Literature Review** 4 credit hours
RES 802 Qualitative Research in Education 3 credit hours
EDU 900 Dissertation Course I 4 credit hours
EDU 901 Dissertation Course II/Preliminary Defense 4 credit hours
EDU 902 Dissertation Course III 4 credit hours
EDU 903 Dissertation Course IV 4 credit hours

To graduate with a concentration, students must take four (4) courses, totaling 12 credit hours in the area of their chosen concentration

Leadership
EDU 713 Critical Analysis of Problems and Issues for Educational Leaders 3 credit hours
EDU 800 Leading and Managing Choice in Education 3 credit hours
EDU 801 Program Evaluation Methods for Academic Leadership 3 credit hours
EDU 821 Advanced Supervision of Curriculum and Instruction 3 credit hours

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
EDU 810 Classroom Pedagogical and Andragogical Approaches 3 credit hours
EDU 811 Instructional Design for Equitable Education 3 credit hours
EDU 812 Student Assessment Methods 3 credit hours
EDU 820 Advanced Instructional Design 3 credit hours

*For a complete description of the above requirements, please go to the Course Catalog.

Program Tuition

  • Per Credit Hour: From $795 
  • Per Semester: From $5,565 
  • Annual Tuition: $13,870โ€”$19,740 
  • Program Tuition: $34,185โ€”$68,620 

* $1000 Scholarship Available if Apply Through CPTDog

Tuition Breakdown (starting 2023 Fall): 

Program/Format Per Credit  Total Credits Tuition (w/ CPT) CPT Fee Program Length (m.)
Master's (Weekly) $795 36 $28,620 $795 28
Master's (Professional) $855 36 $30,780 $855 28
Doctoral (Weekly) $855 60 $51,300 $855 48
Doctoral (Professional) $940 60 $53,700 $940 48

Other Cost:

  • Application Fee: $50 (one time & can be waived)
  • Enrollment Fee: $200 (one time)
  • Student ID: $10 (one time)
  • Transcript Evaluation Fee: $175 (one time & can be waived)
  • Registration Fee: $25/Semester

*If you be transferring to Westcliff University from another institution and wish to waive courses already completed in a similar program, please complete this form. This will exempt you from having to pay for these classes.

Scholarships

  • Distinguished Scholarship: awarded to students showing great potential during admissions with a GPA of 3.5 or above, up to $10,000
  • Giving Opportunities for Achievement and Learning (GOAL): awarded to outstanding current students with a GPA of 3.5 or above, up to $5,000
  • Building Leaders for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (BLEND): awarded to new or existing international students with a GPA of 3.25 or above, up to $2,500
  • Warrior Scholarship: awarded to students with financial hardship and a GPA of 3.0 or above, up to $2,500
  • (*New) H1B Scholarship: Students who applied for and activated H1B while remaining a Westcliff student could have 20% off on tuition and could choose to schedule courses as domestic students. (Part-time, gap, etc.)

*There are 6 chances to apply for scholarships annually. A student can apply for multiple types of scholarships. If a student has been accepted for a scholarship, it will be distributed as 6 payments during the school year (3 payments for distinguished scholarships). Once the scholarship has been fully distributed, students are allowed to re-apply for the same scholarship.

To apply for scholarships, students need to :

  • Write an essay within 500 word counts
  • Submit 3 documents to showcase themselves, such as a resume, certificates, or recommendation letters.

Please contact us to assist with the scholarship application

Academic Calendar

Program Start Date

๐Ÿ”ธSpring 2024 Term 1: 1/8/2024
๐Ÿ”ธSpring 2024 Term 2: 3/4/2024
๐Ÿ”ธSummer 2024 Term 1: 5/6/2024
๐Ÿ”ธSummer 2024 Term 2: 7/1/2024

Application Deadlines

๐Ÿ”ธF1 transfer students (F1/OPT/CPT): 4 weeks before the first day of the term
๐Ÿ”ธOthers: 3 months before the first day of the term

*If you passed the deadline, contact our consultant for help. We are the official admission partner of Westcliff University and can help you streamline your application process. 

Application Guide

Step 1: Use this link to submit the online application form. 

* This link is exclusively for CPTDog students. Retaining the EC code enables us to track your application and monitor the process on your behalf. Once you register as a CPTDog student, our consultants will also offer specialized post-enrollment services exclusively for you.
 
Step 2๏ผšUpload supporting materials, including:
  • Valid I-20
  • Valid Passport
  • Personal Resume
  • I-20 Release Form
  • Official Transcript (if you have a transcript from outside the U.S, it's best to send a WES-certified transcript)
  • Bank Statement 
 
Step 3: Pay $50 Application Fee
Contact us to waive the application fee. 

Step 4: Interview

* CPTDog students will be exempted from the interview process.

Contact us even if you applied by yourself first, but wish to get an application fee refund or to be exempted from the interview process. We will do our best to


*If you passed the deadline, contact our consultant for help. We are the official admission partner of Westcliff University and can help you streamline your application process. 

Day 1 CPT Free Consultation

CPTDog Offers:

โœ“ One-on-One Free Consultation
โœ“ Personalized Day 1 CPT Universities List
โœ“ Application Fee Wavier & Application Assistant 
โœ“ Scholarship Opportunities 
โœ“ Connecting to the Admission Officer to Get Pre-Approval 
โœ“ 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.

 

Get Connected With Your consultant by Filling Out Form โžก๏ธ or, Start a Chat Now on  WhatsApp 

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