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by Lexi Wu on Jul 1, 2024 5:17:00 AM
Due to the decreasing winning rate of the H1B lottery, a lot of students are considering choosing Day 1 CPT universities as the second option. When considering Day 1 CPT programs, it's crucial to choose a field or educational level different from your previous degrees. For those with multiple master’s degrees, pursuing a doctoral program is highly recommended to avoid any suspicions from the USCIS. In this article, we present the top 5 Day 1 CPT Universities that offer doctoral programs.
Table of Content
- Pros and Cons of studying a Day 1 CPT PhD program
- Schools offering Day 1 CPT Doctoral programs
- Conclusion
Pros and Cons of studying a Day 1 CPT PhD program
Pros
- 3-4 additional years of opportunities to secure an H1B Lottery spot: With the extended duration of doctoral programs lasting typically 3-4 years (if you apply for semesters leave in some schools, it can be more), you have more chances to participate in the H1B visa lottery.
- Strategic Educational Advancement: Enrolling in a doctoral program is a logical progression in your academic journey, reducing the likelihood of receiving an RFE (Request for Evidence).
- Enhanced Professional Development: Pursuing a doctoral degree provides advanced training, elevating your competitiveness in the job market.
Cons
- More Tuition Expenses: Pursuing a doctoral program typically involves higher tuition costs compared to other educational options, however, there's still an exception, University of the Potomac offers a reasonable option for you.
- Academic Rigor: Doctoral programs demand intense dedication and effort, requiring students to invest additional time and mental energy into their studies.
- Length of full-time CPT Opportunities: Making the most of full-time CPT opportunities over the course of 3-4 years is crucial, as it directly impacts the length of your OPT post-graduation and paves the way for a promising future. To maximize the benefits of the 1-year or 3-year OPT after graduation, it is essential to ensure that you engage in full-time CPT for less than a year.
Schools offering Day 1 CPT Doctoral/PhD programs
Westcliff University
Doctoral Programs: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA); Doctor of Education (EdD)
Intakes: Jan / Mar / May / Jun / Aug / Oct
Onsite Frequency: 1 per semester
On-Site Campus: Irvine, CA; Miami, FL; Santa Monica, CA
Annual Tuition (doctoral programs): $14,100/year
Westcliff University, a prestigious institution located on the West Coast, offers doctoral programs in Business Administration (DBA) and Education (EdD). These programs, spanning 60 credits over three years, provide a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. The Day 1 CPT DBA program focuses on merging business theories with real-world practices, while the EdD program emphasizes the application of educational theories and leadership strategies in teaching.
With campuses in California and Florida, Westcliff University provides students with convenient access to their programs. The Day 1 CPT DBA program is offered at all three campuses, while the EdD program is exclusively available at the Irvine campus. Notably, the EdD program follows a weekly format, requiring students to attend on-site classes once a week.
Renowned for its exceptional advisor support and low Request for Evidence (RFE) rate, Westcliff University stands out as an excellent choice for those pursuing Day 1 CPT opportunities. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the university also offers various scholarship options to support its students. For more details, please refer to the cost & scholarships section on their website.
Sofia University
Doctoral Program: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Intakes: Jan / Apr / Jul / Oct
Onsite Frequency: 1 per month
On-Site Campus: Palo Alto, CA; Costa Mesa, CA
Annual Tuition: $17,100/year
Situated near the bustling cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles, Sofia University emerges as a top contender for Day 1 CPT programs in California. Accredited by the prestigious WSCUC, Sofia University offers a comprehensive 54-credit, 3-year Day 1 CPT DBA program that emphasizes the fusion of business theory with real-world application. Students can apply for a semester leave after 3 consecutive semesters of study.
While the tuition for the DBA program may be on the higher end, Sofia University extends a lifeline to students through various scholarship opportunities. International students can benefit from a dedicated $2,500 scholarship, with an additional exclusive Leadership Accelerated Scholarship for DBA candidates. This unique scholarship offers a generous 30% tuition reduction for the first year and a subsequent 10% deduction for the following two years.
Ottawa University
Doctoral Program: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Intakes: Jan/ May / July
Onsite Frequency: 2 per semester
On-Site Campus: Ottawa, Kansas
Annual Tuition: $16,670/year
Located in the heart of Ottawa, Kansas, Ottawa University stands out as an excellent choice for students residing in the central states like Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Illinois, and Colorado. Offering a comprehensive 56-credit Day 1 CPT DBA program designed to be completed in 3-4 years, Ottawa University focuses on integrating academic knowledge with evidence-based decision-making, equipping students with data-driven strategies for their business ventures.
A key highlight of Ottawa University's Day 1 CPT DBA program is its flexible scheduling. With on-site classes required only twice per semester, students have the flexibility to balance their studies with work and personal commitments seamlessly. However, it's important to note that the school's tuition fees may be slightly higher compared to other Day 1 CPT doctoral programs.
National Louis University
Doctoral Program: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Intakes: Jan / May / Aug
Onsite Frequency: 1 per semester
On-Site Campus: Tampa, Florida
Annual Tuition: $14,976/year
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, National Louis University (NLU) stands out as a rare gem among Day 1 CPT universities in the southern U.S. Offering a 60-credit DBA program that focuses on practical business solutions and leadership development, NLU is one of only two universities on the east coast providing a Day 1 CPT DBA program.
One notable aspect of NLU's Day 1 CPT DBA program is its flexible on-site schedule, where students are only required to participate in a 3-day on-site session once per semester.
University of the Potomac
Doctoral Programs: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA); PhD in Computer Science; Doctor of Education (EdD)
Intakes: Jan / Mar / Apr / Jul / Sep / Oct
Onsite Frequency: 1 every 2 weeks
On-Site Campus: Washington, D.C.; Falls Church, VA
Annual Tuition (doctoral programs): $8,880/year
Situated in the vibrant East Coast cities of Washington, D.C., and Virginia, University of the Potomac presents an enticing opportunity for international students. Its D.C. campus is located just three blocks away from the iconic White House, students can easily immerse themselves in the dynamic heart of the nation’s capital.
University of the Potomac offers a range of Day 1 CPT doctoral programs including Day 1 CPT DBA, Day 1 CPT EdD, and a unique Day 1 CPT PhD in Computer Science. Particularly noteworthy is the PhD in CS, which stands out as the sole doctoral Day 1 CPT program in this specialized field, making it a distinctive choice for tech professionals.
The tuition fees for Potomac's doctoral programs are the most affordable and competitive among Day 1 CPT universities, coming in at less than $9,000 per year. This makes Potomac an exceptional option for international students seeking advanced academic opportunities.
Trine University
Doctoral Programs: Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)
Intakes: Jan / Mar / Jun / Jul / Oct
Onsite Frequency: 1 per semester
On-Site Campus: Detroit, MI
Annual Tuition (doctoral programs): $10,550/year
Trine University stands out as a top choice for students, with campuses located on the East Coast, West Coast, and Midwest. Among other schools, Trine offers a unique Day 1 CPT doctoral program in Information Technology. The Doctor of Information Technology program entails completing 60 credit hours, allowing students to graduate in as little as three years or up to five years, providing flexibility in timing. This program equips students to advance their careers by delving into the development of solutions, designing cutting-edge technologies, and tackling industry challenges.
Enrollment for the program is currently available at the Detroit campus, with the Phoenix and DC campuses not offering the DIT program. Trine University fully supports Day 1 CPT opportunities for students in the Information Technology doctoral program.
Conclusion
Embarking on a PhD or doctoral program at these schools is a smart move for your academic future, offering extended opportunities for the H1B visa lottery. Pursuing a doctoral degree enhances professional development and competitiveness. The academic rigor and full-time CPT opportunities are vital for success post-graduation.
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