Day 1 CPT Spotlight: McDaniel College

Located in Westminster, MD just outside Baltimore and Washington DC, McDaniel College was established in 1867 and is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. McDaniel College has a total enrollment of 2,900 students. 58% of the total enrollment is at the Undergraduate level and 42% at the Graduate level. McDaniel College was rated #1 for Best Value by US News Report for Regional North Universities in 2021. The College is affordable and is nationally recognized for their educational excellence and the transformative nature of their academic programs.

CPT at McDaniel College:

CPT for F-1 students can be authorized from the start of the MS Data Analytics (Professional Hybrid) program. Working in a related field or enrolling in a research practicum (course that simulates real work experience) is a requirement of the degree. With the program having this requirement and it being integrated into the curriculum, F-1 students are authorized for CPT from Day 1. It’s important to note that F-1 students who take more than 12 months of full-time CPT are not allowed OPT upon graduation (full-time employment is defined as working more than 20 hours a week). The MS Data Analytics (Professional Hybrid) is a STEM degree that allows for 12 months of OPT and an additional 24 month OPT extension.

MS Data Analytics Program (Professional Hybrid) 

• The MS Data Analytics program is structured to offer Day 1 CPT for eligible students.
• This program has one mandatory on-campus session held one weekend (Fri-Sun) each semester with the other coursework done online.

Tuition and Fees

• The MS Data Analytics programs is $19,800 for 30 credits, a 24-month program
  • $660 per credit or $3,960 each semester students take 2 courses

Financial Statement/Solvency Certificate Requirements:

• For McDaniel College to issue an I-20, students must show funds of at least $22,500

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a recommended 2.75 GPA or foreign equivalent
  • Copies of all transcripts (undergrad and grad if applicable required)
• Strong math skills in statistics and calculus
• Personal statement (recommended)
• Demonstrated English-language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, degree delivered in English-language,
• etc.)
  • For applicants currently in the US, English requirements are likely to be waived
• Apply now: https://www.mcdaniel.edu/academics/graduate-professional-studies/data-analytics-ms-professional-hybrid
• Analytics-ms-professional-hybrid
  • Application links for Fall, Summer, and Spring can be found on the University’s program page

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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