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Reminder
The term "Day 1 CPT Universities" is not officially recognized. Instead, it typically refers to universities that allow students to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from their first semester. However, obtaining CPT approval at the day one of the program is not guaranteed and depends on the timely submission and completeness of the application documents. Typically, it takes 5-15 business days to receive CPT approval after the documents have been received.
- All Schools
- Harrisburg University

Founded in 2001, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is the first science- and-technology-focused university in Pennsylvania in over a century. It addresses the region's need for STEM education and aims to attract and retain a diverse workforce. The university offers academic programs aligned with science-and-technology-based experiential learning to drive economic development in Central Pennsylvania.
Type:
Private Nonprofit
Regional Accreditation:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
US News Ranking:
Unranked
🌟 Quick Guide
- FAQs
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🧭 CPT Policy at Harrisburg University
To fulfill the integration of professional work experience into all phases of the MS degree program, students studying on an F1 visa must request to be authorized for CPT, Curricular Practical Training. CPT is defined by the federal government as an alternative work-study, internship, cooperative education employment, or other type of internship or practicum that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Since professional work experience is an assumed integral component tied to each of the Master of Science degree programs offered at Harrisburg University, nonimmigrant students on a valid F1 visa and otherwise maintaining status may be authorized to accept internships and work placements via CPT to position themselves for the same academic success enjoyed by their non-regulated counterparts in the classroom.
An F1 student must be authorized by one of HU's Designated School Officials (DSO) prior to accepting and beginning an alternative work study. For more information on how to apply and when to apply, students should contact the International Student Office (ISO). Students are cautioned to take note: There are SEVP regulations related to off campus employment and training experiences. Failure to maintain status will jeopardize F1 standing and will result in revocation of the I-20. HU's DSOs can point students to resources to help them meet goals without jeopardizing F1 status.
A student's CPT internship experience or employment must relate to the program of study and may be part-time (20 or fewer hours per week) or full-time (21 or more hours per week). HU allows the period of eligible CPT employment to be extended through the short breaks between semesters if the student is pre-registered for the immediate next semester of enrollment. HU limits CPT employment to no more than 40 hours per week and expects academics to be prioritized. CPT may not continue through semester-long breaks.
*Current work experience is a requirement for successful learning during the full course of all MS degree programs at Harrisburg University. If you are an F1 student, eligible CPT authorization is required for work placement. If you cannot work, you must submit a Waiver of Required Work Experience to your program lead.
If you have more questions about Day 1 CPT at Harrisburg University, please contact us immediately!
There are 3 semesters in a year for Day 1 CPT Programs at Harrisburg University: Fall, Spring and Summer.
In each semester, international students must register for at least 2 courses (6 credits; including one online course and one hybrid course).
Onsite frequency: 3 times a semester; the onsite instruction of hybrid courses will take place on Saturday 8am-12pm or 1pm-5pm.
💳 Tuition & Scholarships at Harrisburg University
MS Tuition
Tuition of master programs at HU are fixed per semester.
- Credit hours are billed at $955/credit
- Total Semester Estimate: $5,730 (6 credits)
- Total Annual Estimate: $17,190 (3 semesters)
- Total Program Estimate: $34,380 (6 semesters)
Semester tuition is due in full one week before the start of each semester.
No payment plans available.
Scholarships
Contact us for help securing scholarships at Harrisburg University!
📅 Important Dates at Harrisburg University
Program Start Dates
Fall 2024 - 1 Fall 2024 - 2 |
Spring 2025 - 1 Spring 2025 - 2 |
Summer 2025 - 1 Summer 2025 - 2 |
Every term is open for enrollment. (Up to 6 enrollment windows in an academic year depending on the program.)
Application Deadline:
F1 transfer students (F1/OPT/CPT): 4 weeks before the first day of the term.
Others: 3 months before the first day of the term.
(If you missed the deadline, please contact us. As the official recruitment partner of HU, we can help you accelerate your application.)
Which program offer Day 1 CPT options at Harrisburg Univeristy?
The executive hybrid graduate programs at Harrisburg University allow CPT authorization from day 1 and are available for the following degrees:
- MS Analytics
- MS Biotechnology
- MS Computer Information Sciences
- MS Consumer Behavior and Decision Sciences
- MS Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management
- MS Healthcare Informatics
- MS Human-Centered Interaction Design
- MS Information Systems Engineering & Management
- MS Learning Technologies & Media Systems
- MS Pharmaceutical Sciences
- MS Project Management
Which Day 1 CPT programs are STEM-certified at Harrisburg University?
The following Day 1 CPT programs at Harrisburg University are STEM-certified:
- MS Analytics
- MS Biotechnology
- MS Computer Information Sciences
- MS Consumer Behavior and Decision Sciences
- MS Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management
- MS Healthcare Informatics
- MS Human-Centered Interaction Design
- MS Information Systems Engineering & Management
- MS Learning Technologies & Media Systems
- MS Pharmaceutical Sciences
- MS Project Management
Eligible students can look forward to an extended OPT period, lasting up to 36 months, post-graduation.
How often do I have to attend on-site sessions at Harrisburg University?
Students are required to attend on-site sessions once per month. These sessions take place on Saturdays 8am-12pm or 1pm-5pm.
Are there scholarships at Harrisburg University?
There are no scholarships available at Harrisburg University. Contact us for help securing other scholarships for Day 1 CPT programs!
Can I apply to Harrisburg University without a job offer?
Yes, students can apply to Harrisburg University without a job offer, but will only become eligible for CPT authorization after a job offer has been secured.
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Upcoming Events
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Mar 18 4:00PM PT / 7:00PM ET
OPT to CPT SEVIS Transfer: How to Navigate Every Step?
- OPT to hybrid professional program: how to transition?
- Accreditations, RFE support, scholarships, payment plans
- CPT application steps break down
- Live q&a with international admissions director
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Mar 25 5:00PM PT / 8:00PM ET
Tax Pro Tips for F1(OPT/CPT) and H1B
- Determine your tax status, forms and deductions
- Tax guide for W2 employee, 1099 contractor & Remote Work
- Best tax filling apps for OPT, CPT and H1B
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Mar 27 4:00PM PT / 7:00PM ET
Harrisburg University Executive Hybrid Program Info Session
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Apr 12 10:00AM PT / 1:00PM ET
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