In the vibrant tapestry of global education, opportunities for hands-on experience are golden threads. At the heart of these is the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – a lifeline for international students seeking practical work experience in the U.S. But what if this lifeline could be thrown from Day 1 of their academic journey? Enter the concept of “Day1 CPT“. Imagine a world where, from the first step into academia, a student could simultaneously dive into their field of study, gaining a foothold in the industry. A priceless chance to knit classroom learning with real-world applications.
Yet, this opportunity is not universally available. The keys to the Day 1 CPT kingdom are held by a select group of universities, each with its unique codes of entry. A labyrinth that leaves many students bewildered.
To shine a light on this path, we’ve taken a deep dive into the world of academia. Sifting through regulations, and combing through criteria, we’ve emerged with a treasure – a list of seven universities offering the prized Day1 CPT.
In the coming passages, we invite you on a journey. We will navigate the corridors of these seven universities, shedding light on the nuances of their programs, the ins and outs of their requirements, and the intricacies of their application processes.
Whether you’re a student teetering on the precipice of this journey or an advisor seeking to guide others, we hope to illuminate the landscape. Our aim? To unravel the mystery of Day 1 CPT, and reveal the universities that offer this golden opportunity.
So, let’s embark on this exploration together. Strap in, as we dive headfirst into the riveting world of Day 1 CPT and the select universities that serve as its gatekeepers.
Day1 CPT - Universities
International Technological University (ITU)
The International Technological University (ITU) is a private institution located in Santa Clara, California. Founded in 1994 by Professor Shu-Park Chan, a former professor and interim dean at the School of Engineering at Santa Clara University, ITU is organized around six academic departments at the undergraduate and graduate levels. With a focus on various fields such as artificial intelligence, bioelectronics, and digital arts, it hosts a multidisciplinary laboratory and research center, including joint labs with Stanford University and Peking University.
ITU emphasizes the integration of education, technological development, and industry demands, offering students Day 1 CPT programs in various disciplines, including MBA, CS Software Engineering, IC, Digital Arts, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Engineering Management. This approach is guided by the university’s commitment to practical experience, where internships and work are integral parts of the curriculum. Over 50% of ITU students earn internship salaries exceeding $80,000 per year, surpassing the national average. This focus, combined with its exceptional geographical location, provides aspiring engineers with a rare opportunity to enter the world of Silicon Valley.
However, there are restrictions on who can access Day 1 CPT at ITU. Specifically, those who have already utilized CPT/OPT with an equivalent degree are not eligible to apply for CPT again. For instance, if OPT has been used at the master's level, students entering ITU's master’s programs cannot obtain a CPT. It is important to note that in 2021, ITU faced allegations regarding its CPT program. In response, the university implemented reforms and standardization measures, and the CPT work authorization has since been fully restored.
Sofia University
Sofia University, based in the heart of Palo Alto, California, was initially founded as the California Institute of Transpersonal Psychology by Robert Frager and James Fadiman in 1975. This for-profit private university changed its academic profile and name in 2012, transitioning from an institute to a university offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. The academic programs at Sofia University are structured according to three main orientations: the Graduate School of Transpersonal Studies, the Graduate School of Clinical & Spiritual Psychology, and the School of Undergraduate Studies. As of 2015, it was reaccredited for an additional seven years by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Among its many programs, Sofia University offers the Day 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT), particularly through its Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. The Day 1 CPT policy at Sofia University is quite flexible and dedicated to supporting international students, allowing them to start work from the first day of their academic program. This is especially beneficial for students in their Computer Science program, as the university's proximity to Silicon Valley allows students to gain practical work experience in tech companies nearby. Furthermore, the university provides personalized support to its international students, even accommodating a gap semester after every three semesters of study, with the CPT remaining valid during this period.
However, Sofia University does have a relatively high on-site study frequency compared to other universities that offer Day 1 CPT. International students are required to take at least 6 credits (2 courses) each semester, with one being an online course and the other requiring on-site attendance. The on-site courses typically occur on weekends, once per month. Despite this requirement, Sofia University still emerges as a popular choice among those needing Day 1 CPT, albeit with the prerequisite of having proof of address in California.
The United States University (USU)
The United States University (USU), a private for-profit institution nestled in sunny San Diego, California, offers an enriching learning environment for international students looking to expand their horizons. The University is known for its diverse array of graduate and undergraduate degrees in health sciences, business, and nursing, and also offers California Teaching Credentials. It is owned by the Aspen Group, Inc., a publicly held, for-profit post-secondary education company based in New York.
One unique feature of USU is its authorization to enroll nonimmigrant F-1 students in the Master of Business Administration (iMBA) program. International students find this program particularly appealing as it allows them to engage with Western culture and American organizations significantly. An integral part of the iMBA program is the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) which can begin from the very first day of the program. This opportunity provides F-1 international students the chance to expand their professional experiences in American organizations from day one, thereby maximizing their exposure and learning.
Westcliff University
Westcliff University, established in 1993, is a private for-profit institution situated in Irvine, California, with additional campuses in Cerritos, CA & Miami, CA. This acclaimed university is recognized for its dedication to delivering high-quality educational programs focused on business, IT, and education fields, as well as its commitment to benefiting its employees, suppliers, the environment, and the community at large.
Westcliff stands out with a student-faculty ratio of 10-to-1, offering 21 areas of study and conferring degrees through its three colleges and one law school. The university is classified as a Special Focus Four-Year: Business & Management School by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education1. Notably, international students make up a significant portion of its community, accounting for 89% of the university’s undergraduate enrollment.
The university is particularly notable for facilitating Day1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) programs. CPT is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 visa holders to gain practical experience in their field of study while they are still pursuing their academic program. Day1 CPT is a program where students can start working right from the first day of their semester. Westcliff University's programs are structured in a way that allows applicants to study while still working full-time, and the university offers a wide range of degrees and programs focused on STEM majors and fields, thereby enabling international students to gain lawful employment while on their F1 visa from Day 1.
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The California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM)
The California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) is a nonprofit educational institution located in Alhambra, California. The institute is committed to offering real-world, hands-on education to foster a new generation of responsible business management, with a focus on people, the planet, and profits. CIAM’s vision emphasizes that business success and social consciousness are not mutually exclusive, and it promotes business solutions that take into account human, economic, and environmental concerns.
CIAM offers programs primarily in business administration and executive management, with concentrations available in business analytics and project management. The institution is known for its small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, high student satisfaction, and a notable 75% placement rate. It has facilitated over 200 student consulting projects and provided more than $350,000 in scholarship aid.
The institution also offers a Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) program to its students. The CPT course is a mandatory part of CIAM’s programs. All students are required to participate in at least one semester of a zero-credit Experiential Internship Course (INT501 or INT599) to graduate. Students may participate in up to six semesters (two years) of internship courses. These internship courses help students to integrate their work environment into the academic environment of their MBA program and balance work, school, and life. Students who have been in F1 status for more than a year are eligible to apply for Day-1 CPT, allowing them to start working from their first semester. To apply for CPT, students need an Employment Letter from the company with a future start date. CPT must be renewed every semester.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private, non-profit educational institution located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The university was established in 2001 and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Harrisburg University is particularly known for its commitment to high-impact education and close-knit academic community, featuring a low student-to-faculty ratio, which enables personalized learning and strong faculty support. A noteworthy aspect of the university is its scholarship program, which aims to make high-quality education accessible to everyone.
In terms of Curricular Practical Training (CPT), the university’s policies are not explicitly available online, therefore more specific information about Day 1 CPT at Harrisburg University could not be found at this time. However, general Day 1 CPT policies indicate that students must participate in an Experiential Internship Course, either INT501 or INT599, as a prerequisite to be eligible for Day 1 CPT. The start date for CPT must be in the future and cannot be retroactive, and an employment letter from the company is required. CPT must be renewed every semester.
Please note that for the most accurate and detailed information about Harrisburg University’s CPT policies, it would be best to contact the university’s international student services or admissions office directly.
Northwestern Polytechnic University (NPU)
Northwestern Polytechnic University (NPU), now known as San Francisco Bay University, is an accredited institution offering programs such as Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, and Bachelor of Science. The university has been continuously accredited since 1998, presently by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC/WASC) and the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for its Intensive English Program.
San Francisco Bay University is also known for its Day 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program. Day 1 CPT programs allow students to work alongside their studies from the first day of their program. These programs must meet certain requirements including the stipulation that the student’s job must be related to their program of study, an internship or work experience must be an integral part of the school’s established curriculum, and the Designated Schools Official (DSO) must approve and authorize CPT in SEVIS.
Additionally, students must have a full course of study, which could be six to nine graduate credits depending on the university policy. Day1 CPT programs are especially beneficial for working professionals who want to further their education. However, students should be aware that using CPT for more than one year while being in full-time employment (more than 20 hours per week) eliminates their eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after they graduate.
Conclusion
In the realm of international education, the concept of “Day 1 CPT” remains a unique offering, a gateway for international students to weave their academic learning with practical experience in the U.S. industry from the very first day of their program. Our exploration has brought to light seven such universities: International Technological University, Sofia University, United States University, Westcliff University, California Institute of Advanced Management, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, and Northwestern Polytechnic University (now San Francisco Bay University). Each of these institutions, while diverse in their academic focus and geographical locations, share the common thread of offering Day 1 CPT programs.
However, these opportunities are not without their caveats. Each university has its specific set of requirements and prerequisites for eligibility, and the implications of enrolling in these programs are considerable. For instance, using CPT for more than one year at full-time employment could lead to ineligibility for OPT after graduation. Thus, it becomes critical for students and advisors to carefully understand these regulations and to choose the most fitting program and institution.
In this evolving landscape of global education, Day 1 CPT emerges as a significant opportunity for international students to gain immediate, hands-on exposure to their chosen field of study. It is a testament to the dynamic nature of academia that adapts to meet the needs of its students and the demands of the industry. As we conclude, we hope this exploration has illuminated the path for students and advisors alike, providing a clearer understanding of the universities offering Day 1 CPT and the details of these programs. In the end, the choice of the academic path lies in the hands of the students, guided by their aspirations, necessities, and the opportunities presented by these unique programs.
