The landscape for international students in the U.S. is changing fast. For years, many students have relied on a second master’s degree with Day 1 CPT to stay in legal status, continue working, and pursue long-term career goals—especially after OPT ends or an H-1B is not selected.
However, recent policy signals suggest this strategy may no longer be safe.
In August 2025, the Trump Administration proposed a new rule aimed at “ending foreign student visa abuse.” While the rule is not final, it has already created widespread concern among international students enrolled in hybrid and professional programs, particularly those planning a second Day 1 CPT master’s.
So the real question becomes:
The answer may lie in a smarter, more defensible alternative: a Day 1 CPT Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program.
For many international students, the typical path looks like this:
This approach has been common—but it is also increasingly risky.
If USCIS or DHS begins to restrict or challenge second master’s degrees:
For students with:
This is not just inconvenient—it’s career-threatening.
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is fundamentally different from a second master’s degree.
A DBA is a terminal doctoral degree, designed for experienced professionals who want to apply advanced research and theory to real-world business problems.
A second master’s can look repetitive
A DBA represents clear academic progression
Doctoral study aligns with advancing expertise, not extending status
👉 From an immigration perspective, a DBA makes logical sense after a master’s. It supports the narrative of career and academic growth, not degree stacking.
A Day 1 CPT DBA program allows eligible F-1 students to:
Begin Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from the first term
Continue working in a role directly related to their field of study
Maintain legal F-1 status while pursuing a doctoral degree
Unlike traditional PhDs, DBA programs are applied, career-focused, and designed for working professionals.
If policies around second master’s degrees tighten, students need an option that is defensible, strategic, and future-oriented.
A Day 1 CPT DBA checks all those boxes.
This distinction could be critical if new rules limit additional master’s-level study.
Many reputable universities structure their DBA programs to include:
This allows students to:
Most DBA programs are built for students who are already in the workforce. That means:
In general, this structure looks natural, not suspicious.
A DBA is not just a status solution—it’s a career accelerator.
Graduates often move into:
You also build:
DBA programs often allow concentration in areas such as:
This makes your CPT role clearly related to your doctoral studies—an important compliance factor.
A DBA may be an excellent option if you:
It’s especially suitable for students in:
Not many schools offer Day 1 CPT DBA programs, which makes these options particularly valuable.
Below are several well-known universities with DBA pathways for international students.
Westcliff is known for its strong support for international students and practical business education.
Learn more about DBA Program at Westcliff University>
Sofia emphasizes leadership, applied research, and personalized academic support.
Learn more about DBA Program at Sofia University>
Ottawa University offers one of the more affordable DBA options with flexible learning formats.
Learn more about DBA Program at Ottawa University>
NLU is well-known for serving adult learners and working professionals.
Learn more about DBA Program at National Louis University>
Salem focuses on career-oriented programs designed for today’s workforce.
Learn more about DBA Program at Salem University>
It’s challenging, but it’s applied, not purely theoretical like a PhD. It’s designed for professionals.
Helpful, but not always required. Work experience matters more than titles.
CPT is available in eligible programs if you follow school rules and maintain compliance.
DBAs cost more than master’s programs, but many students see them as a long-term career investment