National Louis University

University Overview

National Louis University (NLU) is a private, non-profit university known for its career-focused graduate programs. With campuses in Chicago and Tampa, NLU offers international students a dynamic environment to pursue advanced degrees in business and data analytics while gaining valuable U.S. work experience. The university is deeply committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that directly aligns with industry demands.

Integral CPT Policy

Authorized from First Semester of Enrollment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an integral component of the Master's and Doctoral programs at National Louis University. Students are authorized for CPT from their first semester of enrollment, allowing them to apply their academic learning to real-world professional roles immediately.

Continuous Authorization: Students maintain continuous CPT authorization for the entire duration of the 2-year master's or 3-year doctoral 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 Business Data Analytics Chicago, IL | Tampa, FL

Master's STEM

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) Chicago, IL | Tampa, FL

Doctorate DBA

Program Format

Executive Format

Programs at National Louis University are delivered in a hybrid executive format. Students typically attend mandatory on-campus sessions over one weekend per semester, with the remaining coursework completed online through the university's interactive learning platform.

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 National Louis 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
DBA - Summer 2026	April 20, 2026	May 4, 2026	Semester 1
MS - Summer 2026	June 22, 2026	July 6, 2026	Semester 1
DBA - Fall 2026	August 10, 2026	August 24, 2026	Semester 1
MS - Fall 2026	September 7, 2026	September 21, 2026	Semester 1
MS - Winter 2027	January 4, 2027	January 18, 2027	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).

Need Help Applying?

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