When your OPT is ending, the H-1B lottery doesn’t work out, you get laid off, or your job still feels unstable, going back to school can feel like the simplest option.
But lately, the conversation has shifted. With recent discussions around possible changes to F-1 policies, more students are asking a very practical question:
If policy direction becomes stricter, will a second master’s still be as smooth and predictable as it used to be? And if it becomes harder to justify, what are the alternatives that still make sense academically and professionally?
One path more people are seriously evaluating is a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) - especially programs that allow eligible students to use CPT for work authorization immediately after enrolling.
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To be clear, the discussion isn’t “students shouldn’t study.”
The concern is more specific: repeated degrees at the same level, especially when the academic progression is difficult to explain.
And this is where second master’s can become tricky: If the new program isn’t meaningfully different from the first master’s, the academic rationale can feel weak, which may make it seem like the goal is primarily to gain more time in the U.S. under student status.
That’s the heart of why so many students are suddenly paying attention. Even if nothing changes overnight, the overall signal feels different than it did a few years ago: the “story” behind your degree choice may matter more, and the margin for “this is just the easiest backup plan” may get smaller.
Important note: As of now, second master’s programs are still possible in many cases. The point is not that the door is closed—it’s that the uncertainty is higher, and a plan that relies on one assumption can feel fragile.
When a second master’s starts to feel harder to defend, a natural next question is: Instead of repeating a master’s… what if I move up a level?
That’s where the DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) comes in.
DBA is not a new concept. It’s a professional doctorate designed for experienced, working professionals. The focus is typically applied research—using academic tools to solve real business and leadership problems—without requiring you to step out of the workforce the way many traditional research PhD paths do.
From a progression standpoint, DBA has one clear advantage:
Master’s → Doctorate is a straightforward academic step-up.
It’s not “another master’s at the same level.” The purpose can sound more coherent: deeper specialization, leadership development, applied research, long-term career positioning.
In other words, when someone asks “Why are you studying again?” it’s often easier to answer when your education is clearly moving forward.
A very real challenge is that many traditional DBA programs aren’t designed for international students who need to keep working in the U.S.
That’s why some schools have built DBA structures that align with Day 1 CPT compliance, allowing working international students to:
For many people, that combination feels like a more complete narrative than “Master’s #2”—especially in an environment where academic justification and continuity may be under more scrutiny.
Below is an overview of several schools currently offering DBA programs that are commonly discussed in the Day 1 CPT context. Each program’s pacing and structure is different, so the right choice depends heavily on your work location, schedule, and tolerance for on-site frequency.
Right now, a second master’s hasn’t been officially shut down, and many people can still pursue it successfully - especially when the program change is meaningful and the academic plan is coherent.
But compared to a few years ago, the long-term certainty feels weaker.
And if the broader direction continues to emphasize academic progression and stronger justification, then relying on a second master’s as the “automatic backup plan” may become less comfortable.
That’s why more students are building two tracks at the same time:
Track A: If you need a second master’s soon, move quickly and build a strong academic rationale.
Track B: Understand doctorate-level options (like DBA) that offer clearer progression and may be easier to defend long-term.
The goal isn’t to panic. It’s to avoid being stuck with only one option.
If you want a personalized recommendation, book a free 1 to 1 consultation with us. We will look at your current status, your work schedule, and your long-term plan, then help you pick a school that fits your life, not just your spreadsheet. 👉 Book a free Day 1 CPT planning session