Salem University

Founded in 1888, Salem University is a private institution located in Salem, West Virginia, known for its strong academic tradition and commitment to accessible, career-oriented education. The 100-acre campus lies in the scenic Appalachian Mountains and offers student housing, campus activities, and a diverse, inclusive learning environment.

Salem provides a wide range of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, as well as post-master’s certificate options across multiple disciplines. Guided by its mission to prepare students with practical skills and ethical leadership, Salem emphasizes lifelong learning and global citizenship.

The university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and authorized by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Indiana Board for Proprietary Education. Many programs also hold specialized accreditation aligned with industry standards and best practices.

🚨Disclaimer: The term "Day 1 CPT Universities" is not officially recognized. Instead, it typically refers to universities that allow students to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from their first semester. However, obtaining CPT approval on the first day of the program is not guaranteed and depends on the timely submission and completeness of the application documents. Typically, it takes 5-15 business days to receive CPT approval after the documents have been received.

School Highlights

SU's master's programs require on-site attendance once per quarter and include a workload of 3-6 hours per week. The university provides RFE support, with tuition priced at $650 per credit hour, totaling $15,600 per program. This makes it one of the most affordable options for international students seeking CPT while advancing their academic journey.

🔸 Type: Private For-profit
🔸 Location: Indianapolis, IN
🔸 Accreditation: HLC
🔸 On-site Frequency for Hybrid Programs: once per quarter
🔸 Workload: 3 - 6 hours/week
🔸 RFE Support: Yes
🔸 Tuition for MS: $650/credit hour [$15,600/program]

🔸 Tuition for DBA: $625/credit hour [$31,875/program]
🔸 Hybrid Programs: MSIT [STEM], Doctor of Business Administration
🔸 Enrollment Windows: December, April

Academic Policy

Salem University offers two quarters annually for its Hybrid Programs: Spring and Summer.
International students are required to attend an in-person class once per quarter.

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.

Hybrid Programs for F-1 Students

Master's programs at SU require the completion of 30 credits and are typically completed within 15 months. DBA program requires 51 credits and are typically completed within 18 months.

MS Information Technology [STEM]

The MSIT in Data Analytics program at Salem University prepares students to lead in today’s data-driven world by combining advanced technological expertise with strategic business insight. The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of how data and technology shape organizations and influence decision-making.

Students learn to collect, analyze, and interpret data to guide business strategy and innovation while developing strong problem-solving and leadership skills. The program is delivered fully online with a one-course-per-month format, offering flexibility for working professionals to balance studies with their personal and professional commitments.

Doctor of Business Administration

Salem University’s fully online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their leadership and strategic management expertise. The program offers a rigorous curriculum covering global business issues, management theory, leadership development, and advanced research methods, preparing students to address complex organizational challenges. Students gain practical skills in strategic decision-making, critical analysis, and effective communication while completing a doctoral dissertation that demonstrates their ability to conduct independent, applied research.

Academic Calendar

Program Start Dates

Spring 2026: 1/5/2026
Summer 2026: 5/4/2026

Both quarters welcomes new MS applications. However, only Summer quarter is available for DBA students.

Application Deadline:

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

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

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

Application Guide

1. Start the Application

Note: International students cannot select 100% online courses.

2. Submit Application Documents:

I-20
Passport
Financial Proof - Bank Statements
Official Transcript

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 SU.

4. Other Requirements: (1) Salem University accepts transfer credits and university-approved Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits up to 25% of the total program or certificate requirements. For graduate programs, students may transfer a maximum of 6 PLA credits toward a 30-credit program or 9 PLA credits toward a 36-credit program. (2) Official transcripts should be sent directly to Salem University’s Registrar Services for evaluation.

Indiana Wesleyan University FAQ

How many credits can be transferred from other universities?

For graduate programs, students may transfer a maximum of 6 PLA credits toward a 30-credit program or 9 PLA credits toward a 36-credit program.

Does the university offer tuition payment plans?

Yes!

Does the university provide any career support?

SU has been ramping up career services.

Does the university provide support for students facing Requests for Evidence (RFE)? SU provides the documentation that the government specifies must come from university in the RFE. This varies by individual and is specific to each type of RFE.

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.

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