International Technological University (ITU) – Day 1 CPT Highlights

International Technological University (ITU) is located in Silicon Valley (Santa Clara, CA). It is a private, WASC-accredited institution. ITU offers a variety of STEM and business master’s and doctoral programs that include Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training). This allows eligible F‑1 students to begin paid internships (part‑time or full‑time) from the first day of their academic program. This is an invaluable advantage in today’s competitive U.S. job market.

Accreditation & Credibility

ITU holds accreditation from WSCUC, with its business school also recognized by ACBSP. While there were some historical concerns, including a WASC “show cause” issue and a False Claims Act settlement in 2021, the university remains fully accredited and has since resolved previous CPT-related compliance matters.

Program Structure & Eligibility

ITU offers Day 1 CPT as an integrated part of its graduate and doctoral programs in fields such as MBA (with STEM concentrations), MS in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Digital Arts, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, DBA, and Ph.D. in STEM disciplines. Internship courses are built directly into the curriculum, enabling students to gain practical experience alongside their studies.

Typically, students start with part‑time CPT (up to 20 hours per week) and may transition to full‑time CPT (up to 40 hours per week) after proper evaluation. To maintain CPT eligibility, students must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 and fulfill all internship requirements.

Internship Performance & Earnings

More than 50% of Computer Science students at ITU report internship earnings exceeding $80,000 annually. Around 88% of students secure paid internships while still enrolled. This makes ITU an attractive option for international students aiming for real-world experience.

Advantages & Cautions

Day 1 CPT allows students to begin working immediately. This is crucial for maintaining F‑1 visa status and gaining U.S. work experience. That experience could lead to OPT or H‑1B opportunities. However, students must ensure full compliance with academic and immigration regulations. CPT misuse can lead to visa issues or increased scrutiny from USCIS.

Application

➡️ Application Link: https://discover.itu.edu/