Accredited

University of the Potomac

Located in the heart of Washington D.C., University of the Potomac offers 9 CPT Master's programs and 3 CPT Doctoral programs for international students.

Programs

Day 1 CPT Programs

University of the Potomac currently has 4 non-STEM and 5 STEM master-level programs that support CPT. Programs include MBA, MSAC, MSEd, MHA, MSCS (STEM), MSIT (STEM), MSGIT (STEM), MSHI, DBA, DCS, EdD

University Overview

University of the Potomac was established in 1989. The institution gained regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 2006, recognizing its quality and meeting market demands.

With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and hybrid teaching model, it ensures high academic quality and flexible learning.

Locations

Today, the University offers a broad range of programs including three Doctoral degrees, nine Master’s degrees, sixteen Bachelor of Science degrees, five Associate of Science degrees, and 14 certificate programs, primarily focusing on management, information technology, and business. The Virginia branch moved to Falls Church, VA, in 2019 to continue serving the Tysons Corner area.

📍 Washington DC Campus
1401 H Street, N.W., Suite 100 Washington, D.C. 20005
📍 Virginia Campus
7799 Leesburg Pike., Suite 200 Falls Church, VA 22043

 

Accreditation

University of the Potomac is accredited by several prestigious bodies, including:

  • MIDDLE STATES COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (MSCHE)

  • The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)

  • The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)

  • Student and Exchange Visitor Program

  • National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)

  • Other Accreditations and Certifications

    • Advanced Certificates: General Management, Government Contract Management, and Information Systems Management.

    • General Certificates: General Business, Network Security Management, Office Application Support, Project Management. 

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University of Potomac Quick Guide

University of the Potomac Academic & CPT Policies

University of the Potomac can authorize its international students for a full-time CPT in accordance with USCIS regulations. International students can apply to work on CPT from the first day of enrollment. There is no Gap in CPT authorization during the academic year, and students can use CPT for work 365 days a year.

 

Academic Policy
  • University of the Potomac (UOTP) offers 6 enrollment windows per year.
  • Master's programs require the completion of 36 credits, while doctoral programs require 60 credits.
  • The academic year is divided into three semesters, with students required to complete 6 credits (two courses) each semester.
  • One academic year consists of 3 semesters, each of which includes 2 terms.
Class Format & On-Site Requirement
  • Hybrid Format: most classes can be completed online by watching recorded class videos; besides online classes, students are required to attend on-site classes biweekly.
  • Mandatory Onsite Class for International Students: Failure to attend on-site classes can result in the termination of F-1 student status.
  • You can apply for a semester's leave after 2 consecutive semesters.
CPT Qualification & Renewal Policy
  • Transfer I-20 F1 students (Master's or Above)
  • Students need to renew their CPT annually
CPT Employer
  • Your employer must be 70 miles within the student's home address.
  • Job nature must align with your program.
  • Full-time (40 hours/week) or Part-time (20 hours/week)
  • CPT agreement (including employment start date)

CPT Master's Programs

  • Requires completion of 36 credits;
  • Typically finished in an average of 2 years;
  • Can provide up to 2-3 additional opportunities for H1B lottery.
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MBA

UOTP's MBA program prepares students to become proficient in crucial business areas such as accounting and finance, management, marketing, and operations. Students will be equipped to identify and address challenges in both U.S. and international business contexts and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as managers in U.S. business organizations, non-governmental organizations, and international entities.

Students need to complete 8 core courses (24 credits) and 4 elective courses (12 credits) from a concentration of their choice. The MBA program provides 16 concentrations for students to choose from.

Core Courses (24 credits)
  • BUS 501 Managerial Accounting
  • BUS 502 Managerial Economics
  • BUS 503 Managerial Finance
  • BUS 510 Strategic Management
  • BUS 520 Human Resources and Organizational Behavior
  • BUS 530 Marketing Management
  • BUS 560 Management and Information Systems
  • BUS 570 Business Ethics
16 concentrations (each consists of 4 elective courses)
  • Accounting
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Amazon Web Service
  • Computer Informatics
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Geospatial Intelligence 
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Project Management
  • Public Policy
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MS Data Analytics (STEM)

This program equips students with a range of statistical and quantitative methods, computational tools, and predictive models to assist businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies in forecasting, risk assessment, and critical decision-making, ultimately enhancing their success in various data-rich environments.

Students need to complete 8 core courses (24 credits) and 4 elective courses (12 credits) from a concentration of their choice.

Core Courses (24 credits)
  • MGMT610 Executive Leadership
  • BUS560 Management and Information Systems
  • MCAP520 Enterprise Data Management and Administration
  • COMP470 Database Organization II
  • DACS640 Data Integration, Warehousing, Provenance, and Analysis
  • COMP590 Data Presentation and Visualization
  • COMP605 Optimization and Risk Assessment
  • DACS600 Advanced Data Analytics
6 concentrations (each consists of 4 elective courses)
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Business Analytics
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Financial Analytics
  • Big Data Science
  • Geospatial Intelligence
size64 content several people in front of a board showing data

MS Geospatial Information Technology (STEM)

This MS IT program combines cyber/network training with leadership skills for managing IT professionals and critical computer activities. Graduates will be prepared to work as IT managers or cybersecurity specialists in U.S. businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and international entities.

Students need to complete 8 core courses (24 credits) and 4 selective courses (12 credits) from a concentration of their choice.

Core Courses (24 credits)
  • BUS 510 Strategic Management
  • CBSC 500 Network Defense and Countermeasures
  • CBSC 510 Cloud Computing from the Ground Up
  • CBSC 520 Data Analysis
  • CBSC530 Cyber Crime and Homeland Security
  • MCAP520 Enterprise Data Management and Administration
  • MGMT610 Executive Leadership
  • MPM 610 Project Management Structure and Culture
4 concentrations (each consists of 4 elective courses)
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Information Technology Management
  • Geospatial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
size 64 content auditor dealing with tax, accounting and all auditing paper works

MS Accounting

The Master of Science in Accounting program provides advanced coursework for those looking to continue their careers within the accounting field and/or pursue obtaining a CPA license. The degree prepares students to be competitive in the increasingly cross-disciplinary focus of accounting practice by offering coursework that combines accounting, finance, and management.

Accounting Courses (36 credits)
  • BUS501 Managerial Accounting
  • BUS503 Managerial Finance
  • ACC500 Financial Accounting
  • ACC502 Accounting Information System
  • ACC504 Advanced Auditing
  • ACC555 Systems Auditing
  • ACC563 Advanced Accounting Theory
  • ACC570 Forensic Accounting
  • ACC575 International Accounting Systems
  • ACC580 Advanced Federal Taxation
  • ACC581 Advanced Business Taxation
  • ACC599 CAPSTONE: Accounting
size64 content a teacher in a classroom standing in front of the whiteboard holding a stick, the classroom should be bright and there should be studen

MS Education

Master of Science in Education degree is for students looking to advance their careers in education. The program will provide education focused on how to create more efficient learning environments and study topics such as education reform, personnel administration, school economics, curriculum design, leadership, and specialized education programs.

Students need to complete the 8 core courses (24 credits) and 4 elective courses (12 credits) from one concentration of their choice.

Core Courses (24 credits)
  • HLTH 500 Healthcare Systems
  • HLTH 510 Managing Healthcare Organizations
  • HLTH 520 Healthcare Policy, Law, and Ethics
  • HLTH 530 Decision Analysis for Healthcare Managers
  • HLTH 540 Physician Group Practice Management
  • HLTH 550 Financial Management of Healthcare Organizations
  • HLTH 560 Public Health
  • HLTH 570 Global Health Systems
  • HLTH 690 Capstone Project in Healthcare Systems
5 Concentrations (each consists of 4 elective courses)
  • Elementary Teaching
  • Secondary Teaching
  • English as a Second Language
  • Learning Design Innovation
  • STEM Education
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MS Computer Science (STEM)

This CS program offers individuals a thorough understanding of current trends in computer science, key research issues in specialized areas, and techniques for project management and IT solution design, implementation, and evaluation. It covers a wide range of topics including software engineering, mobile computing, data analytics, and high-performance computing.

Students need to complete 8 core courses (24 credits) and 4 elective courses from a concentration of their choice. The CS program provides 6 concentrations for students to choose from.

Core Courses (24 credits)
  • COMP510 Foundations of Algorithms and Data Structures
  • CBSC 510 Cloud Computing from the Ground Up
  • MGMT610 Executive Leadership
  • COMP520 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
  • MCAP520 Enterprise Data Management and Administration
  • COMP530 Linguistics of Programming Languages
  • COMP540 Computer Systems Architecture
  • CBSC530 Cyber Crime and Homeland Security 
6 concentrations (each consists of 4 elective courses)
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Big Data Science
  • Database Organization
  • Geospatial Intelligence
  • Information Technology
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MS Information Technology (STEM)

This MS IT program combines cyber/network training with leadership skills for managing IT professionals and critical computer activities. Graduates will be prepared to work as IT managers or cybersecurity specialists in U.S. businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and international entities.

Students need to complete 8 core courses (24 credits) and 4 selective courses (12 credits) from a concentration of their choice.

Core Courses (24 credits)
  • BUS 510 Strategic Management
  • CBSC 500 Network Defense and Countermeasures
  • CBSC 510 Cloud Computing from the Ground Up
  • CBSC 520 Data Analysis
  • CBSC530 Cyber Crime and Homeland Security
  • MCAP520 Enterprise Data Management and Administration
  • MGMT610 Executive Leadership
  • MPM 610 Project Management Structure and Culture
4 concentrations (each consists of 4 elective courses)
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Information Technology Management
  • Geospatial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
size 64, content scientist using lab data and computer, background in lab

MS Healthcare Informatics (STEM)

This program enables individuals to gain the necessary expertise to oversee coordination of a complex organization’s healthcare informatics and information management needs. This program covers information technology foundations, research methods for healthcare managers, information management for project managers, and foundations of information security.

Business & Management Courses (12 credits)
  • MGMT610 Executive Leadership
  • BUS560 Management and Information Systems
  • MGMT615 Health Informatics Project Design and Management
  • HLTH625 Health Care Communications Technology and Telematics
Healthcare Courses (12 credits)
  • HLTH605 American Health Care Systems
  • HLTH645 Legal and Regulatory Environment for Health Care and Informatics
  • HLTH650 Health Quality and Safety
  • HLTH655 Research Methods and Data Analytics for Health Informatics
Information Technology Courses (12 credits)
  • HLTH640 Introduction to Health Information Technology
  • MCAP520 Enterprise Data Management and Administration
  • DACS640 Data Integration, Warehousing, Provenance, and Analysis 71
  • HLTH635 Health Data Structures
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MS Healthcare Administration

The goals of the Master of Science in  Healthcare Administration (MHA) program are (1) to prepare managers for leadership positions in the public, private and not-for-profit healthcare sectors and (2) to provide these leaders with the breadth and depth of knowledge necessary to address real-world healthcare challenges effectively. Graduates of the University of the Potomac MHA degree program will be competent in the areas of Management of Health Care Systems; Healthcare Policy, Law and Ethics; Financial Management; Public Health; and Global Health Systems.

Healthcare Courses (27 credits)
  • HLTH 500 Healthcare Systems
  • HLTH 510 Managing Healthcare Organizations
  • HLTH 520 Healthcare Policy, Law, and Ethics
  • HLTH 530 Decision Analysis for Healthcare Managers
  • HLTH 540 Physician Group Practice Management
  • HLTH 550 Financial Management of Healthcare Organizations
  • HLTH 560 Public Health
  • HLTH 570 Global Health Systems
  • HLTH 690 Capstone Project in Healthcare Systems
Elective courses

Students select three elective courses; not all elective courses are offered each academic year.

  • HLTH 600 Healthcare Informatics, Analytics, and Technology
  • HLTH 610 Marketing and Competitive Strategy in Healthcare
  • HLTH 620 Health Insurance and Risk Management
  • HLTH 630 Organizational Behavior in Health Care
  • HLTH 640 Human Resource Management in Healthcare

CPT Doctoral Programs

  • Requires completion of 60 credits
  • Typically finished in an average of 4 years
  • Can provide up to 3-4 additional opportunities for H1B lottery
size 64 content dba, a person wear crown cap and look like a leader giving speech, like graduation ceremony

Doctor of Business Administration

The mission of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree is to prepare scholars and professionals to meet the needs of the rapidly evolving business environment, enhance the skills necessary to advance the practice of business in a diverse global economy, to further the body of knowledge and research, and to balance the pursuit of high impact business practices.

Research & Methods (12 credits)
  • DBEC 700 Principles of Research and Writing
  • DBEC710 Quantitative Research Methodology
  • DBEC725 Qualitative and Case Study Research Methodology
  • DBEC735 Statistical Method and Data Analysis for Research
Organizational Leadership (9 credits)
  • DBA 715 Organizational Dynamics, Ethics and Decision-Making
  • DBA 727 Business Innovation and Sustainability
  • DBA 730 Conflict Resolution and Negotiations
Management & Business Process (9 credits)
  • DBA 740 Accounting and Financial Management
  • DBA 745 Project Management Framework and Processes
  • DBA 750 Human Resources and Risk Management
Global Business Leadership (6 credits)
  • DBA 765 Global Business, Geo-Political and Social Issues
  • DBA 770 International Marketing in Business
Dissertation (18 credits)
  • DBEC 800 Doctoral Research I: Proposal Development
  • DBEC 801 Doctoral Research II: Introduction & Literature Review
  • DBEC 802 Doctoral Research III: Methodology
  • DBA 803 Doctoral Research IV: Results, Findings, and Discussion
  • DBA 804 Doctoral Research V: Discussion and Defense
Dissertation Defense (6 credits)
  • DBA 900 Dissertation Defense
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Doctor of Education

The mission of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership degree is to develop effective leaders in organizational contexts. The program improves students’ skills and increases their knowledge of effective leadership through advanced study. This doctor program focuses on practice, professional engagement, research and theory. Further, the program prepares students to interpret research literature, identify viable solutions and develop contextual applications for areas related to.

Leadership (15 credits)
  • EDUC 700 Self-Insight and Personal Development as a Leader
  • EDUC 710 Leading Change in Educational Institutions
  • EDUC 715 System Thinking and Decision Making
  • EDUC 720 Leading Large Scale Transformation
  • EDUC 725 Case Studies for Educational Leadership; Solving Administrative Dilemmas
Educational Development (9 credits)
  • EDUC755 Technology Integration in Education.
  • EDUC765 Assessment and Learning Outcomes
  • EDUC775 Curriculum Development and Design
Applied Research (12 credits)
  • DBEC 700 Principles of Research and Writing
  • DBEC710 Quantitative Research Methodology 
  • DBEC 725 Qualitative and Case Study Research Methodology
  • DBEC735 Statistical Methods and Data Analysis for Research
Dissertation (18 credits)
  • DBEC 800 Doctoral Research I: Proposal Development
  • DBEC 801 Doctoral Research II: Introduction & Literature Review
  • DBEC 802 Doctoral Research III: Methodology
  • EDUC 803 Doctoral Research IV: Results, Findings, and Discussion
  • EDUC 804 Doctoral Research V: Discussion and Defense
Dissertation Defense (6 credits)
  • EDUC 900 Dissertation Defense
size64 content a person with beard is interacting with a robot and theres a computer on the side

Doctor of Computer Science (STEM)

The mission of the Doctor of Computer Science (DCS) degree is to develop students to be research and development leaders in computer science. The program strives to promote high-quality, high impact research, collaboratively and across disciplines. The goal of the computer science curriculum is to provide students with the knowledge and tools that will allow them to design and implement effective, economical, and creative solutions for the needs of individuals, society, and the high-tech economy.

Theory (9 credits)
  • COMP 710 Data Structures and Algorithms I
  • COMP 711 Theory of Computation
  • COMP 712 Advanced Data Structure and Algorithms
Intelligent Systems (6 credits)
  • COMP 713 Advanced Artificial Intelligence
  • COMP 714 Machine Learning
Programming Systems (9 credits)
  • COMP 716 Programming Languages
  • COMP 717 Program Generation and Optimization
  • COMP 718 Software Design and Architecture
Computer Systems (6 credits)
  • COMP 820 Advanced Operating Systems
  • COMP 821 Distributed Systems Software
Applications (6 credits)
  • COMP 822 Game Engine Programming
  • COMP 825 High Performance Computing
Dissertation (18 credits)
  • DBEC 800 Doctoral Research I: Proposal Development
  • DBEC 801 Doctoral Research II: Introduction & Literature Review
  • DBEC 802 Doctoral Research III: Methodology
  • COMP 832 Doctoral Research IV: Results, Findings, and Discussion
  • COMP 833 Doctoral Research V: Discussion and Defense
Dissertation Defense (6 credits)
  • COMP 900 Dissertation Defense

Tuition & Scholarships

Tuition

Programs Cost/Credit Credits Total Cost
Master's Programs $900 36 without scholarship: $34,200
with scholarship: $22,250 (maintaining 3.0 GPA)
Doctoral Programs $517 60 $35,520

 Other Fees

  • International Application Fee (Contact us to waive): $100
  • I-20 Mailing Fee: $100
  • Registration Fee: $100
  • Portfolio Fee: $100
  • Graduation Fee: $100
  • Each 3-credit graduate course includes a $150 technology fee; each 3-credit doctoral degree course includes a $225 technology fee.
  • Estimated Book Costs: $500 per semester for Master’s degrees; $750 per semester for doctoral degrees.

*no additional fee for CPT

Scholarships

Multiple Family Member University of the Potomac Scholarship

families with more than one member attending UOTP concurrently can get a scholarship equal to a 20% reduction in the credit hour tuition rate in effect at that time.

Good Hope Scholarship 

Recipients will receive $1,000 per year for their studies at UOTP toward costs not covered by other financial aids and the expected family contribution.

International Students Tuition Scholarship Program 

This scholarship covers up to 35% of tuition for new full-time international students; it is renewable annually based on academic performance.

Alumni Graduate Student Scholarship:

Current graduate students who already completed an undergraduate or graduate program at UOTP are eligible for this $2,000 scholarship, which requires a 3.0 GPA.

Alumni Doctoral Student Scholarship 

Current doctoral students who already completed a graduate program at UOTP are eligible for this $2,000 scholarship, which requires a 3.0 GPA.

Application

  • Must have a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in other countries

  • 2 letters of recommendation

  • 1 Statement of Purpose

  • Financial Statement: $24,300 for graduate programs and $25,840 for doctoral programs

  • International students must meet the language proficiency requirement:

    • TOEFL (iBT): graduate 79; doctorate 85;
    • IELTS: graduate 6.5 / doctorate 6.5;
    • Duolingo: graduate 90 / doctorate 100;
    • PTE: graduate 59 / doctorate 59;
    • WAEC: C6 or higher in English subject;
    • TOEIC: graduate 720 / doctorate 720;
    • This requirement can be waived for students who have completed a high school, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from an accredited school in the US.

Academic Calendar 2024 - 2025

Terms Semester Start Date Application Deadline CPT Start Date
Summer2 7/1/2024 6/10/2024 7/1/2024
Fall1 9/3/2024 8/12/2024 9/3/2024
Fall2 10/28/2024 10/1/2024 10/28/2024
Spring1 1/6/2025 12/10/2024 1/6/2025
Spring2 3/3/2025 2/10/2025 3/3/2025
Summer1 4/28/2025 4/3/2025 4/28/2025

Initial F1 Students: 3 months before the first day of the term.

If you missed the deadline, please get in touch with us. We are the official recruitment partner of University of the Potomac and can help you accelerate your application.

Interested in CPT School in Washington DC? Fill the Form NOW!

Editor’s Pick
Shyla
Shyla Grower

Hello! I'm Shyla, the Content Manager at day1CPT.org. At day1CPT.org, we understand that international students often find themselves without guidance after graduation. We are here to fill that void by offering free consultations and expert assistance. Our dedicated team ensures your legal status remains intact, empowering you to pursue your career in the U.S. without worry.

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