Curricular Practical Training (CPT) stands as a cornerstone of the American higher education experience for non-immigrant foreign students on F-1 visas. This distinctive program extends temporary employment authorization to these students as they pursue their college-level degrees. It’s a gateway for them to participate in both paid and unpaid roles integral to their academic endeavors, such as internships and major-related job experiences. Over the years, CPT has witnessed remarkable growth, underlining its significance in offering invaluable real-world exposure to international scholars. In this article, we are going to dive into the best Day 1 CPT Universities in the US.
In 2018, a staggering 151,525 international students were engaged in CPT employment, a jaw-dropping 147.7% surge from a decade ago, when the figure was 61,171. The momentum persisted, with 2021 recording 91,352 employed CPT participants, a 47% increase compared to the past decade.
The momentum did not wane in 2022, as 129,849 CPT employment authorizations were granted, reaffirming the upward trajectory of this program. In this article, we’ll dive into the diverse dimensions of CPT, its perks, the distinctions between CPT and Optional Practical Training (OPT), and a spotlight on the foremost Day 1 CPT universities in the United States.
Unraveling Types of CPT
CPT materializes in three distinctive forms: degree-based, course-based, and cooperative.
- Degree-based CPT: This strand mandates that all degree-program students fulfill an internship as an indispensable element of their academic coursework and degree prerequisites.
- Course-based CPT: Under this category, students have two avenues. They can earn academic grades through employment relevant to a specific course, or construct research projects rooted in their employment experiences.
- Cooperative CPT: This variant gains authorization when employment weaves into a pre-existing cooperative educational pact between a department and a specific employer.
Glimpsing Day 1 CPT Universities
Navigating the CPT realm requires a nuanced understanding of the governing rules, practices, and procedures. Though most universities tend to refrain from offering CPT during the initial semesters, a green light for practical training can be granted post one academic year of enrollment. If the curriculum mandates it, students might even receive authorization for practical training on the very first day of their academic voyage.
However, adherence to CPT work authorization closely hews to the student’s academic discipline. While these principles are upheld as norms, some exceptions arise. For instance, initial semester CPT offerings could be extended when coursework necessitates it or graduate students could be exempted from the one-year academic requirement for practical training.
Distinguishing CPT from OPT
Within the sphere of international student employment, CPT’s counterpart is Optional Practical Training (OPT). Whereas CPT sanctions on-campus employment integral to academics, OPT empowers F-1 visa holders to engage in off-campus work for up to 12 months in roles relevant to their study fields. Eligibility requires the completion of one academic year and no more than 12 months of prior CPT or OPT at the same degree level.
Pros of CPT Visa
CPT yields a plethora of advantages for international scholars. At its core, it furnishes an avenue to acquire hands-on experience that directly correlates with their chosen fields. This practical exposure bolsters their understanding and readies them for their impending careers. Notably, several institutions mandate that CPT experiences count toward academic credit, cementing the role of work exposure as an intrinsic and accredited segment of the student’s academic journey.
Understanding Academic Credit
Academic credit constitutes a foundational element of higher education, quantifying students’ learning encounters and the effort channeled into their courses. It’s a reflection of instructional hours, coursework, and assessments that collectively contribute to students’ knowledge and skill development. In the context of CPT, academic credit underscores the importance of valuing and acknowledging practical work experiences as pivotal components of students’ educational paths.
Day 1 CPT: What It Encompasses
Day 1 CPT emerges as an exclusive and advantageous opportunity for international scholars embarking on their U.S. education journey. This initiative bestows eligible students with authorization to undertake off-campus work in internships, cooperative education schemes, and other roles pivotal to their academic pursuits. Eligibility hinges on the requirement that the work aligns with the student’s primary field of study and information outlined in their Form I-20. Many institutions emphasize the significance of CPT experiences carrying academic credit, further fortifying their integration within the academic curriculum.
Leading Day 1 CPT Universities
Let’s delve into some remarkable institutions that stand at the forefront of offering Day 1 CPT programs, granting international students the invaluable opportunity to engage in off-campus employment from the very beginning of their academic journey.
Harrisburg University: A Beacon of STEM Education
Situated in the heart of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, fondly known as Harrisburg University, shines as a private university with a dedicated focus on STEM fields. Born in 2001 as Harrisburg Polytechnic Institute, this institution boasts a rich offering of STEM-focused degree and certificate programs that equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills.
The university’s connection to Harrisburg, a city steeped in history, is a blend of tradition and modernity. Traditional architectural marvels harmonize with contemporary attractions, culminating in an enticing urban environment. In recognition of its allure and quality of life, Harrisburg claimed the #35 spot on the Best Places to Live list by the U.S. News & World Report.
Harrisburg University – CPT Program
At Harrisburg University, the CPT program is seamlessly woven into the fabric of academic pursuits. Each semester, students embark on a journey of learning, taking two 3-credit courses. This academic balance entails one course with face-to-face instruction and the other conducted fully online. Over the course of the program, a total of 36 credits are accumulated, with a consistent distribution of 6 credits per semester. The degree programs offered span a wide spectrum, encompassing areas such as MS Analytics, MS Biotechnology, MS Computer Information Sciences, MS Healthcare Informatics, and MS Learning Technologies & Media Systems. With campuses in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, students have the privilege of exploring these vibrant cities while pursuing their academic aspirations.
Ottawa University: A Legacy of Learning
Established in 1865, Ottawa University has a storied history and a steadfast commitment to education. Over its remarkable 150-year journey, the university has dedicated itself to nurturing students from diverse backgrounds, guiding them towards enlightened faith, exemplary service, inspired leadership, and personal significance.
Ottawa University – CPT Program
The university’s CPT program stands as a testament to its dedication to holistic education. Offering 2-year, 6-semester, full-time programs, Ottawa University shapes students through a dynamic blend of coursework and practicum experiences. Each semester, students engage in two 3-credit courses, each spanning 8 weeks. Additionally, two .5-credit practicum courses enrich the experience, fostering hands-on learning. This comprehensive approach results in a total of 42 credits, thoughtfully distributed across 7 credits per semester.
Ottawa University’s commitment to advanced education is further underscored by the DBA Program, a 3-year, 9-semester, full-time endeavor. Each semester, students immerse themselves in two 3-credit courses, each lasting 8 weeks, culminating in a total of 54 credits with a consistent distribution of 6 credits per semester.
The university’s expansive range of degree programs, including EMBA-IT, EMBA-Business Data Analytics, EMBA-Healthcare Management, and EMBA-Cybersecurity for Managers, cater to a diverse array of student aspirations. The campus locations, spanning Surprise, AZ, Overland Park, KS, Brookfield, WI, and Ottawa, KS, ensure accessibility to these enriching opportunities.
Humphreys University: Nurturing Career Excellence
Humphreys University, grounded in a rich legacy, has journeyed from its roots as a secretarial and vocational school to a regionally accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Guided by a commitment to high-quality education rooted in the liberal arts, Humphreys University shapes students for meaningful careers across diverse ethnic, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
Humphreys University – CPT Program
The MBA-IT program at Humphreys University unfolds as a 52-credit, 27-month, full-time hybrid venture. Over each quarter, spanning 11 weeks, students partake in two 4-credit courses simultaneously. A 2-week break between quarters provides a moment of reflection.
The unique hybrid format, combining mandatory face-to-face, in-person learning with other components, ensures a comprehensive educational journey. By the end of the program, students will have amassed 52 credits, distributed across 8 credits per quarter, with a total of 3 quarters per year. The program’s anchor in Stockton, CA, further enhances its appeal. The offerings within the Master of Business Administration (MBA-IT) empower students with the knowledge and skills demanded by the modern business landscape.
National Louis University: A Global Hub of Excellence
National Louis University stands as a testament to the power of education transcending borders. Hosting students from over 50 countries, this university is a true melting pot of cultures, ideas, and academic pursuits. Guided by a commitment to innovative teaching, scholarship, community engagement, and exceptional service, National Louis University sets the stage for students to achieve academic and personal greatness.
National Louis University – Day 1 CPT Program
Within National Louis University’s offering, the Day 1 CPT Program is a hallmark of its commitment to students’ success. The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) program, a 60-semester hour, full-time hybrid endeavor, exemplifies this commitment.
Each semester, students embrace two 3-credit courses, with one course delivered fully online and the other featuring a face-to-face, on-campus weekend session. This dual approach ensures comprehensive engagement and mastery of the subject. With each class taken one at a time, the program accumulates to a total of 60 credits, inclusive of the dissertation component. The credit distribution maintains a consistent pattern of 6 credits per semester, with a total of 3 semesters per year.
This program is a testament to National Louis University’s dedication to nurturing global leaders and scholars.
In these esteemed institutions, education becomes a transformative journey, intertwining academic excellence with practical experiences that set students on a trajectory towards personal and professional triumph.
Conclusion
In an era where global experiences hold heightened significance, the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program stands as a pivotal bridge spanning classroom teachings and real-world applications. Its unparalleled flexibility and opportunities empower students to immerse themselves in paid or unpaid internships, cooperative programs, and work experiences that seamlessly merge with their academic journey. As the program’s growth over the years highlights, CPT is not a mere choice; it’s a strategic step towards sculpting a triumphant and fulfilling career.
At Visa Franchise, our commitment resonates with offering a diverse gamut of master’s and postgraduate programs in alignment with the evolving needs of students. Should you harbor an interest in delving deeper, seize the chance to reach out and complete the form for additional information. Your voyage toward a rewarding blend of education and profession commences right here.
