Day 1 CPT - STEM Programs

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a benefit associated with an F1 student visa, given by USCIS. It is a form of work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain off-campus work experience in their field of study while pursuing their degree. It is often viewed as a backup plan for those who can't get an H1B before their OPT ends. 

The answer is both yes and no. Selecting a STEM program for Day 1 CPT can be crucial, but it depends on your academic background and career goals.

It Matters If You are Leveling Up

If you're pursuing a degree at a higher level than your previous one, such as moving from a bachelor's to a master's or from a master's to a PhD, choosing a STEM program can be highly beneficial. This is because graduates from STEM programs are eligible for up to three years of post-graduation OPT (Optional Practical Training), compared to just one year for non-STEM programs.

It Matters If You Haven't Used OPT Before

If you are pursuing the same level degree and haven't used the OPT from your previous degree, you’ll still be eligible for OPT after completing your Day 1 CPT program. In this case, choosing a STEM program is advantageous, as it provides up to 3 years of OPT instead of just 1 year for non-STEM programs. However, if you plan to use your post-graduate OPT, you must carefully manage the amount of time spent on full-time CPT during the program. Using full-time CPT for more than 11 months will automatically disqualify you from applying for OPT after graduation.

It Won't Matter If You've Used OPT Before

On the other hand, if this is your second master's degree and you’ve already used OPT for your first, choosing a STEM program won’t provide additional benefits, as you won’t be eligible for OPT again. In this case, whether the program is STEM or not doesn’t offer any extra advantage.

Ultimately, while STEM programs can be important for some students, it’s not always a deciding factor. Focus on your long-term goals rather than just the label when selecting your Day 1 CPT program.

West Coast

Westcliff University [California]

Founded in 1993, Westcliff University has become one of the most popular Day 1 CPT universities on the West Coast, renowned for its legitimacy and wide range of Day 1 CPT programs. While Westcliff is best known for its Irvine campus, it also has multiple satellite locations, including new campuses in Santa Monica and Orlando, Florida, as well as an additional location in Tampa, Florida. Each campus may offer different programs. If you're interested in Westcliff, book a free consultation with us. We can help you waive the application fee and connect you directly with an admissions officer to fast-track your application. The following Day 1 CPT programs at Westcliff University are also eligible for STEM OPT after graduation:

• MBA - STEM concentrations:
  • Digital and Strategic Marketing
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • IT Management
  • IT Project Management
  • Web Development & Design
  • Coding Bootcamp
• MS in Computer Science
• MS in Master of Science in Engineering Management
• MS in Information Technology
• DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)

Sofia University [California]

Sofia University has two campuses, one in Palo Alto and the other in Costa Mesa, covering both Northern and Southern California. Its Palo Alto campus has grown significantly over the past three years due to the high demand for Day 1 CPT programs in the Bay Area. The MSCS and MBA programs are the most popular choices, and last year they introduced a DBA program, though it is not yet STEM-eligible.

STEM Day 1 CPT Programs:

• MS in Computer Science
• MBA STEM Concentration – Data Analytics

Humphreys University [California]

Humphreys University is one of the most affordable Day 1 CPT universities on the West Coast, though it’s not widely known among international students due to its limited selection of majors. Currently, only the MBA with an Information Technology concentration offers Day 1 CPT options for F1 students. As a private non-profit university, a degree from Humphreys can qualify you for the H1B master’s cap if it’s your first master's degree. While HU currently offers only one major with a Day 1 CPT option, that program is STEM-certified:

• MBA – IT

 

East Coast

Monroe University [New York]

Monroe University, formerly known as Monroe College, has a long-standing history of providing both bachelor’s and graduate-level education to international students. Its Day 1 CPT programs offer a significant discount to those who already hold a master's degree from a U.S. institution. Located in New Rochelle, most of Monroe’s Day 1 CPT students live and work in New York City, making it an excellent option not only for earning a second master’s degree but also for networking in the heart of New York, if that’s your dream city. The university offers three enrollment opportunities throughout the year. Programs at Monroe University that are STEM-certified are: 

• MBA - STEM concentration: 
  • Business Management
  • Analytics and IT
• MS in Computer Science
• MS in Data Science

Saint Peter's University [New Jersey]

Saint Peter's University is a smaller Day 1 CPT institution and is not as well-known among international students due to its limited range of majors. However, it is quite popular in the local area, particularly among students living and working in New York City and Boston due to its convenient location. Although situated in New Jersey, it’s just a 15-minute drive from Manhattan, separated only by a river. Saint Peter's University maintains a low profile and doesn't engage in much marketing, which is why you may not have heard of it. Despite offering only two Day 1 CPT programs, both are STEM-certified:

• Master of Science in Data Science 
• Master of Science in Business Analytics

New England College [New Hampshire]

New England College (NEC) has quickly become one of the most popular Day 1 CPT universities in the country, thanks to its affordability and low on-site requirements. Located in Henniker, New Hampshire, NEC primarily recruits local undergraduate students but introduced its work-integrated master’s programs a few years ago, which have since gained widespread popularity. NEC offers a variety of majors for F1 transfer students. However, one potential drawback is that you must secure a job offer before applying for these executive programs, as work is an integral part of the learning experience. Without an internship or job, you may not be able to enroll or graduate from NEC. These programs at New England College offer Day 1 CPT options and are STEM-certified:

• MS in Data Analytics
• MS IT & Cybersecurity
• MS Health Informatics
• MS IT & Project Management

Harrisburg University [Pennsylvania]

If you're searching for Day 1 CPT programs, you've likely heard of Harrisburg University by now. It’s one of the most well-known Day 1 CPT schools in the U.S., with its Project Management program ranked higher regionally than many other prestigious schools. Harrisburg University has been offering Day 1 CPT for quite some time and maintains a clear on-site requirement of once per month. While students often praise the quality of education, some express concerns about the high tuition costs. However, all Day 1 CPT programs at Harrisburg University are STEM-certified, allowing graduates to qualify for up to three years of OPT.

• MS Analytics
• MS Biotechnology
• MS Computer Information Sciences
• MS Consumer Behavior and Decision Science
• MS Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management
• MS Healthcare Informatics
• MS Human-Centered Interaction Design

McDaniel College [Maryland]

McDaniel College is known for its small class sizes and high-quality teaching, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 and an average class size of 15 students. The college is also recognized for its affordable Day 1 CPT program, costing just $689 per credit hour, with an annual tuition of slightly over $12,000. McDaniel offers one Day 1 CPT program that is STEM-certified:

• MS in Data Analytics

 

Mid-West:

Ottawa University [Kansas, Wisconsin]

Ottawa University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1914. Its Business School program is nationally accredited by the ACBSP. Its EMBA program is STEM-certified and supports 3 years of OPT post-graduation. 

• EMBA

National Louis University [Chicago, Illinois]

National Louis University has two campuses—one in Florida and the other in Chicago, the third-largest city in the U.S. With regional accreditation, the university has been enrolling F1 international students for many years. Their Day 1 CPT programs offer three intakes per year, which is fewer than some other Day 1 CPT universities like Westcliff University and New England College. Therefore, if you’re interested in their program, it's important to prepare ahead and avoid missing the deadline. If you're in a hurry, contact us, and we’ll help you waive the application fee and fast-track your application. At National Louis University, these Day 1 CPT programs are STEM: 

• Master of Science in Business Analytics
• Doctoral of Business and Administration

 

Southern States

Dallas Baptism University [Texas]

Dallas Baptist University, located in Dallas, offers Day 1 CPT options for nearly all of its programs for transfer students. However, it is one of the more expensive Day 1 CPT universities in the U.S., with total tuition for master’s programs exceeding $51,000. Additionally, the on-site requirement is relatively frequent, with in-person sessions every two weeks. At DBU, the following programs offer Day 1 CPT options and are STEM-certified:

• Master of Science in IT & Management 
• Master of Science in Management
• Master of Business Administration 

 

When it comes to the program cost, New England College stands out as one of the more affordable options for STEM Day 1 CPT programs, with McDaniel College also being very budget-friendly. On the other hand, Harrisburg University and Dallas Baptist University are on the higher end in terms of tuition.

However, keep in mind that the cost includes more than just tuition. We recommend choosing a school close to your location, as this will make the required on-site visits much more manageable. To help with your decision, we've created a comprehensive guide that answers one key question: which Day 1 CPT program is the most affordable for you? The guide compares tuition rates across all accredited Day 1 CPT universities in the U.S., breaking it down by cost per credit hour, annual cost, and total program cost, making it easier to find the most budget-friendly option.

If the program you enrolled in does not integrate CPT into the curriculum, your supervisor must "prescribe" it for you to be eligible. However, if you are enrolled in a Day 1 CPT program at one of the universities mentioned in this article, you'll only need to take the CPT classes, making the process much easier.

Requirements for CPT Approval

To ensure your school's DSO approves your CPT application, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Legal F1 Visa: You must hold a valid F1 visa that allows you to study in the U.S. Basic F1 visa requirements include:

   • Proper maintenance of the visa for each semester of studies
   • A declared major
   • A specific, major-related internship
   • Not being a visiting exchange student

2. Course of Study: Your course of study must meet the following criteria:

   • Enrollment for a full academic year during the CPT
   • Enrollment in 1 to 2 units of a major-related internship
   • CPT must be a prescribed part of the course curriculum
   • Submission of a written CPT job offer with the CPT authorization request
   • A university-approved health insurance provider

Keep Your CPT Authorization

In order to keep your CPT authorization active, you'll have to:

1. Attend on-site classes as required
2. Make sure your overall GPA is above 3.0
3. Renew your CPT accordingly to your Day 1 CPT universities' guideline
4. When change jobs/internship, notify your DSO and updates your CPT record 

*NOTE: If you wish to use OPT after graduation, do not exceed full-time CPT use for more than 11 months.