BAU has 3 semesters per year — Fall, Spring (14–16 weeks), and Summer (8 weeks, intensive).
Typically, it takes 2 years to complete the program.
F-1 Students Must:
- Attend all required in-person sessions (residencies) on campus each semester (online-only attendance is not allowed).
- Maintain full-time enrollment and comply with the university’s requirement for a full course of study: Enroll in all semesters and sessions (Fall, Spring, and Summer) each academic year and obtain a minimum of 6 credits per semester or session (18 credits per year).
There are short academic breaks between semesters and sessions. Please take a look at the academic calendar for more details.
A practical internship experience is a required component of most master’s degree programs at BAU. To fulfill this requirement, students must complete a part-time virtual internship (up to 10 hours/week) during their final semester through hosting companies arranged by the University’s designated partner. Externships or independent work experiences secured outside this structure will not be accepted as a substitute, though they may be pursued in addition to this virtual internship.
Students are strongly encouraged to pursue additional internships or work experiences throughout their studies to further strengthen their industry readiness and professional development, including in programs that do not require virtual internships for graduation.
CPT Authorization
CPT may be authorized when an internship is a requirement of the degree program (i.e., all students in the program must complete the internship to obtain the degree). CPT can be authorized for full-time employment or part-time employment, but please note that if 12 months or more of full-time CPT is used, a student forfeits his or her OPT eligibility. Proof of course enrollment for this type of CPT is not required. Follow the application procedures to request CPT based on the Degree Requirement. Authorization is granted on an academic year basis.
This means that international students enrolled in this program must work in a field related to their studies to satisfy the program's degree requirements. In order to ensure that the selected internship/practical training experience is appropriate, all CPT must be approved by both an academic advisor and a Designated School Official (“DSO”).
International Travel
BAU does not recommend international travel during semesters as it may interfere with attendance.
If necessary, students must:
- Get approval from their academic advisor.
- Obtain travel authorization from the DSO.
- Ensure their I-20 is signed and their visa/passport is valid.
CPT Details
CPT authorization needs to be renewed every term.
Bay Atlantic University requires international student attend onsite residency class once per term.
Onsite sessions are held once per semester, typically scheduled around the midterm period, totaling 20 hours in duration. Classes take place over one weekend: Friday and Saturday for 8 hours each, and Sunday for 4 hours.
