Benedictine University Integral CPT Programs

University Overview

Benedictine University is a private Catholic institution with campuses in Illinois and Arizona. Known for its values-based education, the university offers specialized Master of Science programs in Data Analytics and Health Informatics. These programs are designed to equip international students with the technical and analytical skills required by today's rapidly evolving healthcare and technology sectors.

Integral CPT Policy

Authorized from First Semester of Enrollment: For the MS in Data Analytics and MS in Health Informatics, practical training is a mandatory curriculum component. Benedictine University authorizes Integral CPT from the first semester, allowing students to immediately apply their coursework in professional settings.

Continuous Authorization: Students maintain continuous CPT authorization for the entire duration of their 2-year master's program. The academic calendar is structured to ensure there are no gaps or breaks in CPT authorization during the academic year.

Regulatory Compliance: The university's Designated School Officials (DSO) manage the SEVIS process strictly in accordance with federal regulations. CPT is officially authorized under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i).

For more information on CPT rules, you can review the official guidelines on the Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States website.

Programs Available

MS Data Analytics Lisle, IL | Mesa, AZ

Master's STEM

MS Health Informatics Lisle, IL | Mesa, AZ

Master's STEM

Program Format

Hybrid Executive Delivery

The graduate programs are delivered via a hybrid executive format. Students complete interactive online coursework and attend required on-campus sessions one weekend per semester at either the Lisle, IL or Mesa, AZ campus.

Online Learning

The remainder of your coursework is delivered entirely online via Blackboard, offering the flexibility needed to work concurrently while fulfilling your academic requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Missing your CPT renewal deadline will result in a gap in your work authorization. You must immediately stop working on the date your current CPT expires and cannot resume until the DSO processes your renewal. Working without active CPT is a violation of your F-1 status.

Yes. As long as you physically travel to the designated Benedictine University campus to attend your mandatory Executive Weekend sessions, you are permitted to live and work in another state during the online portion of your studies.

Graduate students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Falling below this threshold may place you on academic probation and jeopardize your CPT authorization and F-1 status.

Yes, you can change employers. However, you must submit a new CPT request to the DSO with your new employer's information before you begin working. The change must be recorded in SEVIS within 10 days.

Integral CPT allows for full-time work authorization (more than 20 hours per week). Keep in mind that utilizing full-time CPT for 12 months or more will eliminate your eligibility for post-completion OPT.

Upcoming Intakes

Term	App. Deadline	Start Date	CPT Eligible
Summer-1 2026	April 27, 2026	May 11, 2026	Semester 1
Summer-2 2026	June 22, 2026	July 6, 2026	Semester 1
Fall-1 2026	August 17, 2026	August 31, 2026	Semester 1
Fall-2 2026	October 12, 2026	October 26, 2026	Semester 1

Application deadlines shown are for students currently in the US on F-1 status transferring to a new institution. Dates sourced from the University Academic Calendar. Contact us to confirm your specific intake.

Admission Requirements

GPA Requirement: Bachelor's degree with a satisfactory GPA (typically 3.0+ preferred).
English Proficiency: Valid IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo score for non-native speakers. Waiver available for US degree holders.
GRE/GMAT: Not required.
Required Documents: Valid Passport, Highest Degree Transcripts, Updated Resume, Proof of Funds (Bank Statement).

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Benedictine University