Harrisburg University CPT | The Immigration Compass

University Overview

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private, non-profit university with a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) focus. Located in Pennsylvania, the university offers cutting-edge graduate programs that are highly sought after by international students. Harrisburg is known for its rigorous academic standards and its strong emphasis on experiential learning.

Integral CPT Policy

Authorized from Semester 1*: Harrisburg University strictly adheres to federal regulations regarding practical training. CPT is an integral, required component of the university's Master of Science programs, meaning students must secure relevant employment and are authorized for CPT from the first semester.*

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 Analytics Harrisburg, PA

Master's STEM

MS Biotechnology (+ specializations) Harrisburg, PA

Master's STEM

MS Computer Information Sciences Harrisburg, PA

Master's STEM

MS Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management Harrisburg, PA

Master's STEM

MS Healthcare Informatics Harrisburg, PA

Master's Healthcare

MS Information Systems Engineering and Management Harrisburg, PA

Master's STEM

MS Nursing Harrisburg, PA

Master's Healthcare

MS Pharmaceutical Sciences Harrisburg, PA

Master's Healthcare

MS Project Management Harrisburg, PA

Master's Business

MS Human-Centered Interaction Design Harrisburg, PA

Master's Tech

MS Techpreneurship Harrisburg, PA

Master's Tech

PhD Data Sciences Harrisburg, PA

PhD PhD

PhD Computational Science and Engineering Harrisburg, PA

PhD PhD

PhD Information Systems Engineering and Management Harrisburg, PA

PhD PhD

Program Format

Executive Weekend Sessions

Graduate programs at Harrisburg University are delivered in a hybrid executive format. Students must travel to the Harrisburg, PA campus to attend mandatory on-site classes, typically scheduled for two weekends per semester.

Online Learning

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

Tuition

Program	Cost	Billed
Master's Programs
All MS Programs	$5,730	Per Semester
Doctoral Programs
All PhD Programs	$5,730	Per Semester

Tuition applies to all MS and PhD programs offered at Harrisburg University. See Programs Available section for the full list.

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 Harrisburg 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. CPT must be authorized by your DSO in SEVIS before you start work with the new employer.

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 Authorized From*
Spring 2027	December 26, 2026	January 9, 2027	Semester 1*
Late Spring 2027	February 20, 2027	March 6, 2027	Semester 1*
Summer 2027	April 24, 2027	May 8, 2027	Semester 1*
Late Summer 2027	June 19, 2027	July 3, 2027	Semester 1*

Application deadlines shown are estimated at 14 days before each start date for students currently in the US on F-1 status transferring to a new institution. Start dates are subject to change. 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).

Need Help Applying?

Our visa and immigration service team offers end-to-end guidance for your application and CPT authorization.

Start Free Assessment

Harrisburg University

University Overview

Integral CPT Policy

Programs Available

Program Format

Executive Weekend Sessions

Online Learning

Tuition

Frequently Asked Questions

Upcoming Intakes

Admission Requirements

Need Help Applying?

Ready to Gain Experience While Learning?