McDaniel College

Reminder

The term “Day 1 CPT universities” generally refers to institutions that allow eligible students to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) beginning in their first semester of study, provided that the program includes an integrated practical component. While some schools may support early CPT access, approval is not guaranteed on the first day and depends on the timely and accurate submission of required documentation. CPT authorization typically takes 5 to 15 business days after the complete application is submitted and reviewed.

McDaniel College is a private college in Westminster, Maryland. Established in 1867, it was known as Western Maryland College until 2002 when it was renamed McDaniel College in honor of an alumnus who gave a lifetime of service to the college. McDaniel College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Founded as one of the nation’s first independent, coeducational institutions of higher learning, McDaniel College’s evolution is characterized by academic excellence, extraordinary administrative and faculty dedication and resourcefulness, and increasing student selectivity and diversity.

Intakes: 3 per year

Jan / May / August

Tuition: from $12,474 / year

Monthly payment available

Onsite Campus:

Westminster, MD

Onsite Frequency:

as low as 1 per semester

🧭 Day 1 CPT Policy at McDaniel College

CPT may be authorized when an internship is a requirement of the degree program (i.e., all students in the program must complete the internship to obtain the degree). CPT can be authorized for full-time employment or part-time employment, but please note that if 12 months or more of full-time CPT is used, a student forfeits his or her OPT eligibility. Proof of course enrollment for this type of CPT is not required. Follow the application procedures to request CPT based on degree requirements. Authorization is granted on a per academic year basis.

The MS Data Analytics program matches the above criteria. This means that international students enrolled in this program will be eligible for CPT authorization and must work in a field related to their study to satisfy the degree requirements of the program. In order to ensure that the selected internship/practical training experience is appropriate, all CPT must be approved both by an academic advisor and a Designated School Official (DSO).

How to apply for CPT authorization at McDaniel College?

A student must complete and sign the CPT Application and provide the following to both the student’s academic advisor and your international student advisor for approval:

A completed and signed Cooperative Agreement from the employer, along with one of the following
- A current, official signed offer letter from the employer to the student on company letterhead that contains a detailed job description;
- Or a current, dated detailed job description on company letterhead listing the job title and responsibilities for the CPT position

Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions with questions and for the specific forms and details on the approval process.

If you have more questions about Day 1 CPT at McDaniel College, please contact us immediately!

There are 3 semesters in a year for Day 1 CPT Programs at McDaniel College: 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). Students may take one semester off after three consecutive semesters.

Onsite frequency: once a semester for on-site sessions of hybrid courses, these will take place on weekends (Friday to Sunday).

If you apply through us, you will get a $100 enrollment credit from us.

💳 Tuition & Scholarships at McDaniel College

MSDA Tuition

Credit hours are billed at $693/credit
Total Semester Estimate: $4,158 (6 credits)
Total Annual Estimate: $12,474 (3 semesters)
Total Program Estimate: $20,790 (30 credits)

Other Fees

Administrative Fee: $108 / semester
Practicum Fee: $204 / practicum
Residency Fee: $208 / semester

If you have more questions about tuition for the MSDA program at McDaniel College, please contact us immediately!

Scholarships

Contact us for help securing scholarships at McDaniel College!

📅 Important Dates at McDaniel College

Program Start Dates

Spring 2025
1/21/2025

Summer 2025
5/27/2025

Fall 2025
TBA

Every semester is open for enrollment (3 enrollment windows in an academic year).

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 McDaniel, we can help you accelerate your application.)

The MS Data Analytics program at McDaniel College is eligible for CPT authorization form day 1.

The MS Data Analytics program at McDaniel College is STEM-certified.

Eligible students can look forward to an extended OPT period, lasting up to 36 months, post-graduation.

International students in the MS Data Analytics program is required to attend one on-site session every semester. These sessions will take place on weekends (Friday to Sunday).

There are no scholarships available at McDaniel College. Contact us for help securing other scholarships for Day 1 CPT programs!

Yes, students can apply to McDaniel College without a job offer, but will only become eligible for CPT authorization after acquiring a job offer. If no job offer is secured, students can satisfy degree requirements with practicum courses instead of CPT.