Day 1 CPT programs are designed for international students looking to gain work experience from the beginning of their PhD programs. With rising interest in hands-on experience and the limited chances of securing an H-1B visa, many international PhD students are opting for Day 1 CPT programs.
These programs offer work authorization tied directly to a student’s degree, allowing them to gain practical experience in their field while studying. However, the requirements and program structures vary between universities.
Hence in this blog, we’ve enlisted the top six universities in the U.S. providing Day 1 CPT PhD programs. We also made sure that you can choose a program that aligns with both your career goals and legal requirements.
Requirements for Day 1 CPT PhD Programs
In the U.S., about 27 universities provide Day 1 CPT PhD programs. Each university has its specific requirements, but here are some common ones you’ll need to meet:
- F-1 Visa Status: Only students with an F-1 visa qualify for CPT programs.
- Full-Time Enrollment: Most Day 1 CPT PhD programs require full-time enrollment.
- Onsite Attendance: You must attend in-person classes as per the program’s requirements.
- Academic Progress: Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is crucial for continued CPT authorization.
- CPT Justification: You must show that the CPT is a necessary part of your curriculum and directly related to your field of study.
Top 6 Day 1 CPT Universities for PhD Programs
1. Westcliff University
- PhD Programs: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA),
Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Intakes: Jan, Mar, May, Jun, Aug, Oct
- Onsite Frequency: Once per semester
- Campuses: Irvine, CA; Miami, FL; Santa Monica, CA
- Annual Tuition: $14,100
Westcliff University, with campuses across California and Florida. It offers doctoral programs ideal for students looking to blend theory and practice. The DBA program at Westcliff focuses on applying business theories to solve real-world issues. On the other hand, the EdD program emphasizes leadership in educational settings.
Please note that the program requires onsite attendance once a semester, making it manageable for working professionals. Westcliff is known for its comprehensive advisor support and low RFE (Request for Evidence) rate. And thereby, it reassures international students regarding visa compliance.
2. University of the Potomac
- PhD Programs: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA),
Doctor of Education (EdD), PhD in Computer Science
- Intakes: Jan, Mar, Apr, Jul, Sep, Oct
- Onsite Frequency: Every two weeks
- Campuses: Washington, D.C.; Falls Church, VA
- Annual Tuition: $8,880
The University of the Potomac, with a prime location in Washington, D.C., Virginia, offers one of the most affordable doctoral programs with Day 1 CPT options. Its PhD in Computer Science is a rare Day 1 CPT option in the tech field. But don’t take it as a normal program because it is ideal for those interested in advanced IT roles.
The Potomac’s bi-weekly onsite schedule makes it a convenient option for international students. But the best part is that with all the benefits and super helpful programs, the annual change at Potomac is the lowest (less than $9,000) among all the six universities on this list.
3. Sofia University
- PhD Program: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Intakes: Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
- Onsite Frequency: Once per month
- Campuses: Palo Alto, CA; Costa Mesa, CA
- Annual Tuition: $17,100
Located near California’s tech hubs, Sofia University offers a Day 1 CPT DBA program with a strong focus on business application. Accredited by WSCUC, this 54-credit program blends academic theory with practical skills to prepare students for leadership in business.
The university’s Leadership Accelerated Scholarship can reduce tuition by up to 30% in the first year. And the best part is that you can also benefit from a $2,500 scholarship as substantial financial support for you. Moreover, the university’s monthly onsite schedule makes it convenient to balance your work and studies.
4. National Louis University (NLU)
- PhD Program: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Intakes: Jan, May, Aug
- Onsite Frequency: Once per semester (3-day intensive)
- Campus: Tampa, Florida
- Annual Tuition: $14,976
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, NLU offers a 60-credit Day 1 CPT DBA program with a unique three-day onsite intensive format once per semester. This program emphasizes leadership and practical solutions, specially designed for international students seeking career growth.
Additionally, NLU’s focus is on applied business strategies, combined with flexible scheduling. Hence it is also an attractive option for working students.
5. Ottawa University
- PhD Program: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Intakes: Jan, May, Jul
- Onsite Frequency: Twice per semester
- Campus: Ottawa, Kansas
- Annual Tuition: $16,670
Ottawa University’s DBA program combines academic knowledge with decision-making skills. It is an ideal program for students in the central states like Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Illinois, and Colorado. The 56-credit 3-4 year program is designed to provide real-world skills, with a low onsite attendance requirement per semester.
The flexible scheduling and focus on evidence-based business strategies make Ottawa a top choice. You need to attend the physical classes only twice per semester, which allows you to focus on your work as well. However, you must understand that Ottawa University’s charges are slightly higher compared to others.
6. Trine University
- PhD Program: Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)
- Intakes: Jan, Mar, Jun, Jul, Oct
- Onsite Frequency: Once per semester
- Campus: Detroit, MI
- Annual Tuition: $10,550
Trine University is a standout option for students interested in IT and technology. Located in Detroit, the DIT program focuses on developing solutions and designing technologies to address industry challenges.
This 60-credit program is flexible, allowing students to complete it within 3-5 years based on their pace. With a minimal onsite requirement and CPT from day one, Trine University is ideal for working tech professionals.
Conclusion
For international students, Day 1 CPT PhD programs offer an exciting blend of study and work experience. These programs not only enhance your career but also provide additional chances to secure an H-1B visa.
No doubt each of these six universities offers specialized Day 1 CPT PhD programs in various fields like business administration and computer science. However, the best choice always depends on your career goal, budget and the location you prefer.
We hope that this blog will help you find the right university for your Day 1 CPT PhD program in the U.S. to build a successful career.
