University of the Cumberlands – Day‑1 CPT Overview
University of the Cumberlands (UC), a private, SACS-accredited institution located in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It offers a true Day‑1 CPT program through its hybrid Executive and graduate degree programs. The Day‑1 CPT option allows international F‑1 students to begin practical training related to their field of study. They can start from the very first semester.
UC’s academic offerings include a wide range of programs such as Executive MBA, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Forensics. Other Programs include Information Technology Security, Organizational Leadership, Project Management, Finance, and various Ph.D. tracks. This allows students to gain hands-on work experience while pursuing their degrees.
Key Features:
- Start Working from Day One: CPT is considered an essential part of the academic program. Therefore, it allows students to begin employment from the first term itself.
- On‑Site Requirement: Students are required to attend on-campus sessions usually one weekend (Friday to Sunday) per semester. This is because it helps them comply with F‑1 visa residency requirements.
- Full‑Time or Part‑Time CPT: Students can opt for part-time CPT (20 hours per week) indefinitely. However, engaging in full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) for over 12 months will eliminate eligibility for OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation.
- Rolling Admissions: UC offers six enrollment periods each year in January, March, May, July, August, and October, providing flexibility for applicants.It is recommended to apply at least four weeks in advance. This ensures timely processing before the intended start date.
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- Affordable Tuition: The approximate tuition cost ranges from $9,600 to $12,400 per year for graduate or Ph.D. programs.
Requirements:
- Applicants must hold a valid F‑1 visa and an active SEVIS record.
- They must have a job or internship offer directly related to their field of study.It must be supported by an official offer letter. Specifically, the letter should be obtained within the past six months.
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- The admission process includes applying to the university and receiving acceptance. Students must transfer SEVIS, if applicable. They also need to submit the CPT application through UC Global. This includes documents like the employer letter, job description, and cooperation agreement.
- A deposit fee is required (approximately $50 for the application and $250 for executive processing).
- Students must maintain full-course enrollment, typically three courses per semester.
Caution & Visa Compliance:
It’s important to note that Day‑1 CPT programs may draw additional scrutiny from immigration authorities. This is due to the hybrid learning model. However, the University of the Cumberlands ensures compliance by including mandatory on-campus sessions and a structured academic curriculum.