Choosing the Right Day 1 CPT Major for Your Job

For international students on OPT who missed out on the H1B visa, maintaining their status while continuing to work is a daunting task. Enter Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) programs. These programs allow students to stay in the U.S. and gain practical experience related to their field of study from the very first day of their program.

However, a lot of people are facing the question of "how to select the right Day 1 CPT program?" What kind of programs are suitable for my job? Can I choose a similar major as my first master's? In the following, we will share you how to evaluate if the program is a good match.

Table of Content

• Two Key Guidelines to Remember
• Popular Day 1 CPT Majors and Job Positions

Two Key Guidelines to Remember

Rule 1: Choose a Major that Reflects a Natural Progression in Your Education

When selecting a major for your Day 1 CPT program, it's important to choose a field that complements and builds on your previous education. This ensures you are:

• Gaining New Skills: Acquiring new skills and knowledge that enhance what you’ve already learned.
• Showing Academic Growth: Choosing a major that represents a natural step forward in your academic journey, broadening or deepening your expertise.

Rule 2: Make Sure the Major is Related to Your Job

Your Day 1 CPT major should be related to your current job. This alignment is crucial for maintaining your legal status and complying with immigration regulations. This means:

• Staying Relevant: Ensuring your coursework and practical training are related to your job and career growth.
• Ensuring Compliance: Demonstrating that your job is an essential part of your educational program, which validates your CPT authorization.

The correlation between your job and Day 1 CPT program doesn't have to be a perfect match. However, our recommendation is for students to ensure that at least 60% of their job aligns with their Day 1 CPT program, and that 60% of their courses are distinct from those in their previous master's program. Below are some common Day 1 CPT majors and the corresponding job positions they often align with.

Popular Day 1 CPT Majors and Job Positions

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA is one of the most versatile degrees, covering a broad range of business disciplines and offering various concentrations, such as marketing, finance, operations, entrepreneurship, and information technology. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to match their current job roles and future career aspirations. Whether you’re a marketing manager, financial analyst, IT consultant, or healthcare administrator, there’s likely an MBA concentration that aligns with your work. For engineers seeking managerial roles, Day 1 CPT MBA programs' leadership and management courses can be particularly beneficial.

Job Positions:

• Marketing Manager
• Business Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Project Manager
• Supply Chain Manager
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Lawyer
• Teacher
• ......And More

Day 1 CPT Universities:

Next Enrollment in July 2024

• Westcliff University: MBA (STEM), DBA (STEM)
• New England College: Executive MBA
• CIAM: MBA
• Sofia University: MBA, DBA
• Ottawa University: DBA
• Humphreys University: MBA
• University of the Potomac: MBA

Next Enrollment in August 2024

• Ottawa University: EMBA

Next Enrollment in September 2024

• Monroe College: MBA

2. Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

Job Positions:

• IT Consultant
• Systems Analyst
• Software Developer
• Network Administrator
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Software Engineer
• Network Security Engineer

Day 1 CPT Universities:

Next Enrollment in July 2024

• Westcliff University: MSIT (STEM)
• New England College: Executive MSITPM, Executive MSITC
• Harrisburg University: MSISEM (STEM), MSHCI
• University of the Potomac: MSIT, DIT

3. Master of Science in Data Science/Business Analytics

Job Positions:

• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Quantitative Analyst
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Supply Chain Analyst
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Data Engineer
• Software Engineer

Day 1 CPT Universities:

Next Enrollment in July 2024

• New England College: Executive MSDS
• Saint Peter's University: MSDS, MSBA (STEM)
• Harrisburg University: MS Analytics (STEM)
• National Louis University: MSBDA (STEM)
• University of the Potomac: MSDA (STEM)

Next Enrollment in August 2024

• McDaniel College: MSDA (STEM)

Next Enrollment in September 2024

• Monroe College: MSDS (STEM)
• Saint Peter's University: MSDS, MSBA (STEM)
• New England College: Executive MSDS
• Harrisburg University: MS Analytics (STEM)
• University of the Potomac: MSDA (STEM)

4. Master of Science in Engineering Management/Project Management

Job Positions:

• Civil Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Product Manager
• Hardware Related Jobs

Day 1 CPT Universities:

Next Enrollment in July 2024

• Westcliff University: MSEM (STEM)
• Harrisburg University: MSISEM (STEM), MSPM, MSHCI

Next Enrollment in September 2024

• Westcliff University: MSEM (STEM)
• Harrisburg University: MSISEM (STEM), MSPM, MSHCI

5. Master of Science in Health Administration (MHA)

Job Positions:

• Health Services Manager
• Healthcare Consultant
• Hospital Administrator
• Clinical Manager
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Doctor

Day 1 CPT Universities:

Next Enrollment in July 2024

• Westcliff University: MBA in Health Administration
• Harrisburg University: MHA
• University of the Potomac: MHA

Next Enrollment in September 2024

• Westcliff University: MBA in Health Administration
• Monroe College: MBA in Health Administration
• Harrisburg University: MHA
• University of the Potomac: MSHA

6. Master of Education (M.Ed)

Job Positions:

• Instructional Coordinator
• Educational Consultant
• School Administrator
• Curriculum Developer

Next Enrollment in July, 2024

• Westcliff University: TESOL, EdD
• University of the Potomac: EdD, MS Education

Next Enrollment in September 2024

• Westcliff University: TESOL, EdD
• University of the Potomac: EdD, MS Education

Choosing the right major for your Day 1 CPT program is essential for maintaining your legal status and continuing your professional growth. Ensure that the major you pick is distinct from your previous master's major and closely related to your current job position. By following these guidelines and considering the common majors and job positions listed above, you can make an informed decision that supports both your educational and career goals.

If you need personalized guidance or have any questions about Day 1 CPT programs, feel free to contact us. We are here to help you find the right program that fits your needs and career aspirations.