Ottawa University CPT | The Immigration Compass

University Overview

Founded in 1865, Ottawa University is a distinguished, historic institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. With over a century and a half of academic excellence, Ottawa has continuously evolved its curriculum to meet the demands of the modern workforce.

Ottawa University is widely recognized for its career-focused approach and highly flexible executive learning models. This makes it a particularly strong fit for F-1 international students who need to balance rigorous academic coursework with concurrent professional experience. By integrating practical training directly into the degree requirements, Ottawa ensures that international students are thoroughly prepared for competitive industries upon graduation.

The university offers specialized graduate and doctoral degrees - including the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) - that feature Integral CPT, allowing students to gain authorized work experience right from the start.*

Integral CPT Policy

Authorized from Semester 1*: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an integral, required component of the EMBA, MSCS, MSN, and DBA programs at Ottawa University. Because participation is required to fulfill degree objectives, CPT is authorized from the first semester of enrollment.*

Continuous Authorization: Students maintain continuous CPT authorization for the entire duration of the 2-year master's or 3-year doctoral program. Ottawa's 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

EMBA – Information Technology Surprise, AZ | Brookfield, WI | Overland Park, KS

Exec. Master's STEM

EMBA – Business Data Analytics Surprise, AZ | Brookfield, WI | Overland Park, KS

Exec. Master's STEM

EMBA – Operational Effectiveness Surprise, AZ | Brookfield, WI | Overland Park, KS

Exec. Master's Business

EMBA – Health Care Management Surprise, AZ | Brookfield, WI | Overland Park, KS

Exec. Master's Healthcare

MS Nursing – Nurse Leadership Surprise, AZ | Brookfield, WI | Overland Park, KS

Master's Healthcare

MS Computer Science – AI / Machine Learning Overland Park, KS

Master's STEM

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) Surprise, AZ | Overland Park, KS

Doctorate DBA

Program Format

On-site Sessions

Ottawa University programs follow an Executive Weekend Format. You are required to attend on-campus classes for one full weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) per semester.

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.

Tuition

Program	Cost	Billed
Master's Programs
EMBA – Information Technology	$5,370	Per Semester
EMBA – Business Data Analytics	$5,370	Per Semester
EMBA – Operational Effectiveness	$5,370	Per Semester
EMBA – Health Care Management	$5,370	Per Semester
MS Nursing – Nurse Leadership	$5,370	Per Semester
MS Computer Science – AI / Machine Learning	$5,370	Per Semester
Doctoral Programs
Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)	$5,525	Per Semester

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 Ottawa 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 28, 2026	January 11, 2027	Semester 1*
Spring-2 2027	February 22, 2027	March 8, 2027	Semester 1*
Summer 2027	April 19, 2027	May 3, 2027	Semester 1*
Summer-2 2027	June 14, 2027	June 28, 2027	Semester 1*
Fall 2027	August 9, 2027	August 23, 2027	Semester 1*
Fall-2 2027	October 4, 2027	October 18, 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).

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Ottawa University