Ottawa University

📍 Locations: Kansas, Arizona, Wisconsin

🔖 Day 1 CPT Programs: EMBA [STEM]; DBA [STEM]; MS Nursing; MS Computer Science [STEM]

🎖 Accreditation: HLCi

🎱 Type: Private Non-Profit

💰 Program Tuition: from $27,600

⏱️ Program Duration: 26 months

🚖 On-Site Visit: Once Per Term

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University Overview

Ottawa University's Accreditation

Ottawa University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1914. Its Business School program is nationally accredited by the ACBSP, and the Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university is also approved by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCACE) and the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).

Ottawa’s Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) is a popular day 1 CPT program among international students. Ottawa also has campuses in Arizona, Kansas and Wisconsin, convenient for those who work in central states and on the West Coast.

Locations

Ottawa: 6450 Sprint Pkwy, Suite 200 Overland Park, KS 66211
Surprise: 15950 N. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise, AZ 85374
Brookfield: 245 S Executive Dr, Brookfield, WI 53005

CPT Policies at Ottawa University

F1 students are required to take 2 courses per semester to maintain their full-time student status. 1 of them is online, and the other one is on-site.
Online course takes place every week, usually scheduled on a weekday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

Ottawa University has a great reputation. USCIS generally does not question the legitimacy of implementing a CPT in its program when reviewing its students’ H1b applications.

CPT Details

CPT authorization needs to be renewed every year.

CPT is an integral part of the programs, and participation is required. CPT is authorized for the duration of the 2-year program with no gaps or breaks.

Ottawa University requires international student attend onsite residency class once per term.

one onsite weekend is held each semester, with sessions on Friday from 1pm to 9pm, Saturday from 8am to 6pm, and Sunday from 8am to 1pm.

Tuition

Tuition Fee

$27,600 - $49,700

Program	Tuition Per Credit	Annual Tuition	Total Tuition
Master's	$767	$15,532	$31,064
Doctoral	$888	$16,576	$49,728

Other Fees

Application Fee: Contact Us to waive
Recurrent Fees (Per Term): $150 ( Technology Fee)

Payment Plan

❌ Not Available

Academic Calendar

Terms	Application Deadline	Semester Start Date	CPT Start Date
Fall I 2025	08/11/2025	08/25/2025	07/25/2025
Fall II 2025	10/06/2025	10/20/2025	09/20/2025
Spring I 2026	12/29/2025	01/12/2026	12/12/2025
Spring II 2026	02/09/2026	03/09/2026	02/09/2026
Summer I 2026	04/04/2026	05/04/2026	04/04/2026

Initial F1 Students: 3 months before the first day of the term. If you missed the deadline, please get in touch with us.
If you missed the deadline, please contact us. We are the official recruitment partner of Ottawa University; we can help you accelerate your application.

Day 1 CPT Programs at Ottawa University

Doctor of Business Administration [STEM]

If you're interested in doctoral-level Day 1 CPT program or “Day 1 CPT universities offer Ph.D. level courses”, Ottawa University's DBA program may be of interest to you. This program offers a combination of empirical exploration and evidence-based decision-making that can help you develop successful data-driven strategies and solutions for your organization. By attending six two-day on-campus residencies each year, you can continue working while pursuing your degree. As a graduate of the DBA program, you'll be prepared to lead in the field of strategic evidence-based management, which is essential for executives and scholar-practitioners in today's business world. To graduate, students need to complete 56 credits.

*Only Ottawa, KS campus offers DBA.

Core Courses

ARP 9001 Applied Research Project: Research Execution I
ARP 9002 Applied Research Project: Research Execution II
ARP 9003 Applied Research Project: Research Execution III
ARP 9004 Applied Research Project: Research Execution IV
ARP 9200 Applied Research Project Defense
BUS 8650 Strategic Organizational Development
BUS 8652 Informed Decision Making
BUS 8660 Financial Value Generation Strategy
BUS 8665 Strategic Human Capital Management
BUS 8670 Knowledge-based Competitive Strategy
BUS 8680 Technology-driven Organizational Challenges
BUS 8690 Strategy Implementation Methodologies
BUS 8750 Doctoral Orientation: Writing At The Doctoral Level
BUS 8760 Survey of Business Strategy
BUS 8902 Special Topics: 21st Century Strategy
BUS 9005 Doctoral Colloquium
BUS 9100 Oral Comprehensive
DRES 8651 Quantitative Research Methodology I
DRES 8653 Qualitative Research Methodology I
DRES 8751 Quantitative Research Methodology II
DRES 8753 Qualitative Research Methodology II

Supplemental Courses

ARP 9005 Applied Research Project: Research Continuation I
ARP 9006 Applied Research Project: Research Continuation II
ARP 9007 Applied Research Project: Research Continuation III

Executive Master of Business Administration [STEM]

Ottawa University only has one day 1 CPT program—EMBA. The full name of EMBA is “Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)”. Some of the concentrations are the STEM program designed to provide a business immersion experience that will prepare you for the high-level role you’ve been seeking in the global marketplace.

EMBA has four concentrations to choose from and has both national and regional accreditation. Many other central or western CPT schools require monthly or even weekly attendance at the school's on-site classes. In comparison, Ottawa University's day1 CPT programs offer significant savings in commuting time and transportation costs to and from the university. To graduate, students need to complete 42 credits including 6 core courses (18 credits), 6 concentration courses (18 credits), and CPT courses equivalent to 6 credits.

Core Courses

BUS 7000 Organizational Behavior and Theory
BUS 7200 Value Systems & Professional Ethics
BUS 7500 Managerial Economics
BUS 7600 Managerial Finance
BUS 7800 Management Accounting

Concentrations

In order to graduate with a concentration, students must take six (6) courses, totaling 18 credit hours in the area of their chosen concentration:

Information Technology (STEM): Available at Phoenix, Ottawa, and Milwaukee campuses.
Business Data Analytics (STEM): Available only at the main campus in Kansas.
Operational Effectiveness (Non-STEM): Available only at the Phoenix campus.
Healthcare Management (Non-STEM): Available only at the Phoenix campus.

Capstone Course

BUS 8500 Graduate Seminar: Business Policy and Strategy

Executive Practicum

BUS/IT 8701/8702 Executive Practicum

Master of Science in Computer Science [STEM]

This 2-year, 36-credit MSCS program is is designed with a curriculum that seeks an appropriate balance of theory and practice: theory that upholds the expectations of a Master of Science degree in Computer Science, and practice that provides immediate preparation for any industry or academic endeavors after graduation. To graduate, students need to complete 36 credits.

Concentrations

Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ Machine Learning
Cybersecurity

Master Science of Nursing

Ottawa University offers an opportunity to advance your nursing career with an accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree online. This program is designed to enhance the quality of patient care and expand your career opportunities.

The innovative online MSN program at Ottawa is tailored to help you achieve both personal and professional objectives, while potentially boosting your earning capacity. This fast-paced curriculum prepares graduates to act as servant leaders in the nursing field, contributing to better health outcomes for individuals, families, groups, and communities across a variety of populations. Ottawa University requires MSN students to be a registered nurse and pass the NCLEX exam. To graduate, students need to complete 42 credits.

*Only Overland Park, KS campus offers MS Nursing program.

Core Courses

Transition to the Graduate Nursing Role
Advanced Pathophysiology
Advanced Pharmacology
Advanced Health Assessment
Research to Improve Quality and Safety for Graduate Nursing Roles
Cultural Diversity, Policy and Advocacy with Population Health

Nurse Educator Specialization:

Foundations for Nurse Educator Practice
Teaching Strategies for Today’s Nurse Educator
Curriculum Design and Assessment Techniques in Nursing Education
Instructional Technology and Simulation in Nursing Education
Nurse Educator Practicum
Nurse Educator Capstone

Nurse Leadership Specialization:

Foundations for Nurse Leader Practice
Health Information and Systems Management as a Nurse Leader
Legal and Ethical Issues for Nurse Leaders
Business Concepts for Nurse Leaders
Nurse Leader Practicum
Nurse Leader Capstone

Application to Ottawa University

Before Enrollment

Step 1. Book a free consultation with us

Step 2. Prepare the following documents for your application:

Transcript - All Transcripts
Resume
Passport
Financial Proof
Recommendation Letters
Statement of Purpose

Having trouble with the application? Contact us.

After Enrollment - CPT Application

After receiving the acceptance letter, confirm with your advisor the SEVIS transfer time and fill out the SEVIS transfer form to transfer SEVIS from your original school to Ottawa University.

FAQ - CPT at Ottawa University

Executive Master in Business Administration
DBA Doctoral Program
MS in Nursing
MSCS

This program follows a hybrid format, combining online and offline learning. Each semester, students must complete two courses. One course is entirely online, with a weekly class from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The other course is held on campus, with a three-day offline class at the start and end of the program (Friday through Sunday).

The business school in Ottawa has received the ACBSP national award, while their Nursing Program has passed the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The school is also approved by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Kansas State Department of Education.

The school's EMBA program with Day-1 CPT is only $4,990 per semester ($5,615 per semester for the Cybersecurity option).

🚨Disclaimer: The term "Day 1 CPT Universities" commonly refers to universities that allow students to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the start of their first semester. However, getting CPT approval on the first day of the program is not automatic or guaranteed and depends on submitting a complete application on time. In most cases, CPT approval takes 5 to 15 business days after the university receives the required documents.

✓ One-on-One Free Consultation

✓ Personalized Hybrid Professional Master's Programs List

✓ Application Fee Waiver & 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.