Harrisburg, near Chicago and in Penn, providing 10+ Day 1 CPT programs

Harrisburg University Overview

Harrisburg University, located in Pennsylvania's capital, Harrisburg, with an additional campus in Philadelphia, is a renowned institution specializing in STEM-related undergraduate and graduate programs. Established on December 12, 2001, the university has quickly gained a reputation for its high academic quality, largely due to its excellent faculty members, many of whom are industry executives. This connection to the industry allows faculty to bring the most up-to-date knowledge and extensive professional networks into the classroom, enhancing the practical application of academic learning through real-world projects and internships.

Harrisburg University operates as a non-profit organization under the 501(C)(3) status and was accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) on June 22, 2009. The university's emphasis on STEM education has made it a top choice for international students, particularly from India and China.

With a diverse student body of 6,469 students, over 70% of whom are international students from 110 different countries, Harrisburg University fosters a global learning environment. The university employs 200 full-time faculty members, ensuring a strong support system for its students. The success of Harrisburg University's graduates is evident, with 92% securing employment within six months of graduation. The university's Project Management program has been ranked among the top 25 in the country by AffordableCollege.com, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in STEM education. Additionally, Corporate LiveWire named Harrisburg University the #1 STEM university in the U.S., and according to Higher Education Review, it is the 2nd most popular college for Indian students in the U.S.

Academic Policy

The school adopts a Trimester System, with three terms per year.
All master's students must complete 36 credits, equivalent to 12 courses, to meet graduation requirements.
Regulations for International Students:
- F-1 visa holders must enroll in no more than one online course per semester.
- H-1B or H-4 visa holders may register for more than one online course each semester.
Degree Program Structure:
- Core Coursework: 15 credits (5 courses) required.
- Specialized Electives: 15 credits (5 courses) in chosen specialization.
- Experimental Courses/Thesis: 6 credits (2 courses) focused on research and thesis work.

CPT Policy

CPT is a crucial component for obtaining a master's degree at Harrisburg University. Students must complete at least two semesters of CPT internships to graduate.
CPT Application: Employers must complete a CPT Verification Form and submit an offer letter to the International Student Office for approval. The university will then issue an I-20 form with the employer's information.
- Alternatives like Employment Verification are acceptable. Contact us for more information.
CPT requires renewal every academic year. There is no gap between CPT authorization.
Restrictions for Pre-Master's Degree Holders: Students without a master's degree before joining Harrisburg University can only participate in up to 12 months (less than 364 days) of full-time CPT. This allows students to be eligible for 12 months of OPT and even an additional 24 months of OPT Extension after degree completion.

Onsite Policy

Graduate students are required to take two courses per semester, including one online and one onsite course.
The online course involves weekly engagement in discussions, completion of writing tasks, and participation in quizzes.
The onsite course is held at Harrisburg's main campus, with sessions scheduled for the first day, mid-semester, and the final day of each semester (three times per semester), requiring an average weekly commitment of 6-8 hours to all coursework and assignments.
Onsite sessions are scheduled for Saturdays: from 8 AM to 12 PM in the morning, or from 1 PM to 5 PM in the afternoon.
Onsite course attendance is mandatory for F-1 students; failure to attend may result in the termination of F1 student status.

Tuition and Scholarship

Tuition Fee

Programs	Tuition Per Semester	Credits	Total Program Cost	Annual average tuition
Master Program	$5,730	36	$34,380	$17,190

Other Fees:
- Tuition for each semester must be paid one week before the start of courses. Failure to do so will result in a late charge of $250 by the university.
- Non-refundable deposit: $1,000 (will be applied directly to the tuition fees).
- I-20 Fee: $200 (the university will issue within two weeks of payment).
- Program Fee: $500
Scholarships: Harrisburg University offers scholarships exclusively for undergraduate students; there are no scholarships available for graduate programs.

Harrisburg University

Day 1 CPT Programs

Master's programs:

Requires completion of 36 credits;
Typically finished in an average of 24 months, with the option to extend up to a maximum of 2.5 years for graduation;
Can provide up to 2-3 additional opportunities for H1B lottery.

MS Analytics [STEM]

This program equips students with comprehensive analytics knowledge in the first year, followed by specialized functional study in the second year. This approach is designed to be applicable across various disciplines and interdisciplinary fields. The program requires 36 semester hours: 15 semester hours from the core courses, 6 semester hours from experiential courses, and 15 semester hours from concentration courses.

3 Concentrations (15 semester hours):

Healthcare Informatics
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Individualized

Core Courses (15 semester hours):

- ANLY 500 Analytics I: Principles and Applications (3 semester hours)

- ANLY 506 Exploratory Data Analysis (3 semester hours)

- ANLY 510 Analytics II: Principles and Applications (3 semester hours)

- ANLY 512 Data Visualization (3 semester hours)

- ANLY 620 Ethics for Data Analytics (3 semester hours)

Experiential Courses (6 semester hours):

- GRAD 695 Research Methodology and Writing (3 semester hours)

- ANLY 699 Applied Project in Analytics (3 semester hours)

- GRAD 699 - Graduate Thesis (3 semester hours)

MS Computer Information Sciences [STEM]

This Computer Information Sciences program offers a versatile course of study tailored to the student's background and goals. Graduates will gain computational, interpersonal, and team skills for professional employment or doctoral studies. The program covers computing systems architecture, data structures, cluster computing, collaborative software development, and methods for managing large data sets. To graduate, students need to complete 36 semester hours: 15 semester hours from core courses, 6 semester hours from experiential courses, and 15 semester hours from concentration courses.

3 Concentrations (15 semester hours):

Scientific Computing (15 semester hours)
Software Engineering and Software Testing (15 semester hours)
Cybersecurity (15 semester hours)

Core Courses (15 semester hours):

- CISC 520 Data Engineering and Mining (3 semester hours)

- CISC 525 Big Data Architectures (3 semester hours)

- CISC 530 Computing Systems Architecture (3 semester hours)

- CISC 603 Theory of Computation (3 semester hours)

- CISC 610 Data Structures and Algorithms (3 semester hours)

Experiential Courses (6 semester hours):

- GRAD 695 Research Methodology and Writing (3 semester hours)

- CISC 699 Applied Project in Computer Information Sciences (3 semester hours)

- GRAD 699 Graduate Thesis (3 semester hours)

MS CONSUMER BEHAVIOR AND DECISION SCIENCES [STEM]

This MS program in Consumer Behavior and Decision Sciences meets industry demand for insights into human behavior. It prepares students for careers like Consumer Insights Manager and Market Research Analyst. Graduates will skillfully assess consumer preferences and turn insights into actionable strategies using diverse research methods. To graduate, students need to complete 36 semester hours: 24 semester hours from core courses, 6 semester hours from experiential courses, and 6 semester hours from concentration courses.

Core Courses (15 semester hours):

- ANLY 512 Data Visualization (3 semester hours)

- ANLY 518 Statistical Methods for Behavioral Researchers (3 semester hours)

- CBDS 520 Judgement and Decision Making (3 semester hours)

- CBDS 535 Quantitative Research Methods (3 semester hours)

- CBDS 545 Qualitative Research Methods (3 semester hours)

- CBDS 550 Sampling and Segmentation (3 semester hours)

- CBDS 620 Marketing Applications (3 semester hours)

- CBDS 680 Special Topics in Applied Behavioral Research (3 semester hours)

Experiential Courses (6 semester hours):

- CBDS 695 Advanced Behavioral Research Methods (3 semester hours)

- CBDS 699 Applied Behavioral Research Project (3 semester hours)

Concentration Courses from One of the Following 3 Concentrations (15 semester hours):

- ANLY 520 Natural Language Processing: Text Summarization and Classification (3 semester hours)

- ANLY 530 Principles and Applications of Machine Learning (3 semester hours)

- HCID 510 Theories of Human Interaction (3 semester hours)

- HCID 520 Users and Populations (3 semester hours)

- PMGT 510 Principles of Project Management (3 semester hours)

MS CYBERSECURITY OPERATIONS AND CONTROL MANAGEMENT [STEM]

This MS program in Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management focuses on computer network security architecture and engineering. Students will gain skills in securing network information, designing security architecture, data security engineering, and leadership, along with ethics and compliance knowledge. To graduate, students need to complete 36 semester hours: 15 semester hours from core courses, 6 semester hours from experiential courses, and 15 semester hours from concentration courses.

Core Courses (15 semester hours):

- CYOM 503 Principles of Computer Networking (3 semester hours)

- CYOM 521 Cybersecurity Architecture and Resiliency (3 semester hours)

- CYOM 535 Principles of Cloud Security (3 semester hours)

- CYOM 569 Securing Software and Application Environments (3 semester hours)

- CYOM 599 - Leadership, Ethics, and Compliance in Cybersecurity Industry (3 semester hours)

Experiential Courses (6 semester hours):

- GRAD 695 Research Methodology and Writing (3 semester hours)

- CYOM 699 Applied Project in Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management (3 semester hours)

- GRAD 699 Graduate Thesis (3 semester hours)

Concentration Courses (15 semester hours):

Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare Concentration

- CYOM 661 Principles of Cybersecurity & Cyber Warfare (3 semester hours)

- CYOM 662 Ethical Hacking Development Lab (3 semester hours)

- CYOM 663 Cyber Risk Assessment and Management (3 semester hours)

- CYOM 683 Special Topics in Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management (3 semester hours) or Elective (3 semester hours)

- CYOM 693 Current Topics in Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management (3 semester hours) or Elective (3 semester hours)

MS HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS [STEM]

This MS program in Health Informatics prepares students to select, implement, and optimize healthcare IT systems. It aims to improve health outcomes, patient care, and clinician-patient relationships, emphasizing communication, informatics practice, analytics, and data management. These skills are essential for effective change and knowledge management in healthcare. To graduate, students need to complete 36 semester hours: 15 semester hours from core courses, 6 semester hours from experiential courses, and 15 semester hours from concentration courses.

Core Courses (15 semester hours):

- HCIN 500 Healthcare Informatics (3 semester hours)

- HCIN 515 Essential Skills (3 semester hours)

- HCIN 520 Essential Informatics Skills II (3 semester hours)

- HCIN 545 Healthcare Data (3 semester hours)

- HCIN 550 Introduction to Modeling, Optimization and Decision Making (3 semester hours)

Experiential Courses (6 semester hours):

- GRAD 695 Research Methodology and Writing (3 semester hours)

- HCIN 699 Applied Project in Healthcare Informatics (3 semester hours)

- GRAD 699 Graduate Thesis (3 semester hours)

Concentration Courses (15 semester hours):

Individualized Concentration

- Students are allowed to select five courses from a wide range of graduate-level courses to complete the requirement.

MS Human-Centered Interaction Design (MSHCID) [STEM]

The 36-semester hour graduate program in Human-Centered Interaction Design is designed to promote the human-centered collaborative mindsets that are required for careers in the research, specifications, and development of technologically-driven experiences. The program is interdisciplinary, bringing together the application of knowledge drawn from the social and behavioral sciences, information science, software engineering, and project management. The student is taught a balance of theories, methods, skills, and processes.

Complete the following Core courses - 18 semester hours:

HCID 500 - Design Perspectives (3 semester hours)
HCID 504 - Qualitative Discovery Research (3 semester hours)
HCID 510 - Theories of Human Interaction (3 semester hours)
HCID 520 - Users and Populations (3 semester hours)
HCID 540 - Design Tools and Processes (3 semester hours)
HCID 570 - Design Patterns and Contexts (3 semester hours)

Complete the following experiential courses - 6 semester hours:

GRAD 695 - Research Methodology and Writing (3 semester hours) and
GRAD 699 - Graduate Thesis (3 semester hours)

HCID 695 - Design Research Studio (3 semester hours) and
HCID 699 - Applied Project in Human-Centered Interaction Design (3 semester hours)

Complete the following Concentration:

Individualized Concentration (12 semester hours)

MS Information Systems Engineering & Management (MSISEM) [STEM]

The MS in Information Systems Engineering and Management bridges technology and management, ideal for engineers aspiring to management roles and managers seeking technical knowledge. The program trains leaders to collaborate with stakeholders, understand business challenges, and devise solutions. To graduate, students need to complete 36 semester hours: 15 semester hours from core courses, 6 semester hours from experiential courses, and 15 semester hours from concentration courses.

Core Courses (15 semester hours):

- ISEM 500 Strategic Planning for Digital Transformation (3 semester hours)

- ISEM 530 Systems Engineering Principles (3 semester hours)

- ISEM 540 Enterprise Architecture and Integration (3 semester hours)

- MGMT 510 Business Strategy and Management Principles (3 semester hours)

Plus one of the following courses:

- ISEM 502 User-Centered Design (3 semester hours)

- ISEM 534 Database Design and Management (3 semester hours)

- ISEM 551 Web-based Software Engineering (3 semester hours)

- ISEM 570 Principles of ITIL for IT Quality (3 semester hours)

- MGMT 511 Digital and Global Enterprises (3 semester hours)

Experiential Courses (6 semester hours):

- GRAD 695 Research Methodology and Writing (3 semester hours)

- ISEM 699 Research or Applied Project in Information Systems Engineering and Management (3 semester
hours)

- GRAD 699 Graduate Thesis (3 semester hours)

Concentration Courses from One of the Following 5 Concentrations (15 semester hours):

- Individualized Concentration (15 semester hours)

- Artificial Intelligence for Business (15 semester hours)

- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency (15 semester hours)

- Cloud Computing for Business (15 semester hours)

- Management Science, Strategy and Technology (15 semester hours)

MS Learning Technologies & Media Systems [STEM]

This MS program equips students with advanced skills in applying learning technologies. It offers immediate career benefits and prepares students for future industry needs, developing leaders in business and education with expertise in instructional design, learning theory, technology application, and critical issues. To graduate, students need to complete 36 semester hours: 15 semester hours from core courses, 6 semester hours from experiential courses, and 15 semester hours from concentration courses.

Core Courses (15 semester hours):

- LTMS 500 Macro Instructional Design (3 semester hours)

- LTMS 510 Learning Technologies and Solutions (3 semester hours)

- LTMS 514 Media Selection, Design and Production (3 semester hours)

- LTMS 518 eLearning Development (3 semester hours)

- LTMS 525 Learning Theories and Instructional Strategies (3 semester hours)

Experiential Courses (6 semester hours):

- GRAD 695 Research Methodology and Writing (3 semester hours)

- LTMS 698 Learning Technologies Internship (1 to 6 semester hours)

- GRAD 699 Graduate Thesis (3 semester hours)

- LTMS 699 Applied Project in LTMS (3 semester hours)

Concentration Courses (15 semester hours):

- Individualized Concentration (Students are allowed to select five courses from a wide range of graduate-level courses to complete the requirement.)

MS Pharmaceutical Sciences [STEM]

This program provides advanced training in drug action and disposition, covering a wide range of topics from established paradigms to emerging technologies. Emphasizing scientific communication and professional development, the program prepares graduates for careers in research, industry, or further education. Courses in genomics and biopharmaceutics offer insights into personalized medicine, with electives allowing students to tailor their studies to their career goals. To graduate, students need to complete 36 semester hours: 18 semester hours from core courses, 6 semester hours from experiential courses, and 12 semester hours from concentration courses.

Core Courses (18 semester hours):

- BTEC 625 Pharmacogenomics (3 semester hours)

- BTEC 635 Clinical Pharmacology (3 semester hours)

- PHAR 520 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (3 semester hours)

- PHAR 525 Drug Transport (3 semester hours)

- PHAR 540 Drug Metabolism (3 semester hours)

- PHAR 690 Ethics and Trends in Pharmaceutical Science (3 semester hours)

Experiential Courses (6 semester hours):

- GRAD 695 Research Methodology and Writing (3 semester hours)

- PHAR 699 Applied Project in Pharmaceutical Sciences (3 semester hours)

- GRAD 699 Graduate Thesis (3 semester hours)

Selective Courses (12 semester hours):

- Students can select four courses from a wide range of graduate-level courses to complete the requirement.

MS Project Management [STEM]

This MS program in Project Management provides a rigorous, applied experience in creating, developing, implementing, and assessing projects. It prepares students with the technical knowledge and strong leadership skills needed to manage complex modern projects. Graduates are equipped for career advancement and roles such as project manager, project coordinator, lead project engineer, enterprise project manager, or IT project manager. To graduate, students need to complete 36 semester hours: 18 semester hours from core courses, 6 semester hours from experiential courses, and 12 semester hours from concentration courses.

Core Courses (18 semester hours):

- MGMT 520 Professional Communication (3 semester hours)

- MGMT 560 Organizational Leadership (3 semester hours)

- PMGT 510 Principles of Project Management (3 semester hours)

- PMGT 530 Risk, Procurement and Contracts (3 semester hours)

- PMGT 540 Planning and Executing Projects (3 semester hours)

- PMGT 570 Agile Project Management with Scrum Methodology (3 semester hours)

Experiential Courses (6 semester hours):

- GRAD 695 Research Methodology and Writing (3 semester hours)

and

- GRAD 699 Graduate Thesis (3 semester hours)

- PMGT 695 Applied Project Management I (3 semester hours)

and

- PMGT 699 Applied Project Management II (3 semester hours)

Concentration Courses from One of the Following 6 Concentrations (12 semester hours):

- Individualized Concentration (12 semester hours)

- Agile Lean (12 semester hours)

- Biotechnology (12 semester hours)

- Cybersecurity (12 semester hours)

- Healthcare Informatics (12 semester hours)

- Human-Centered Interaction Design (12 semester hours)

MS Techpreneurship [STEM]

This MS program in Techpreneurship combines technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Students learn to build start-ups, innovate within existing organizations, and support innovation in any environment. The flexible program allows students to choose electives from any graduate program, leveraging their previous education and work experience, while providing access to a network of mentors for guidance. To graduate, students need to complete 36 semester hours: 15 semester hours from core courses, 6 semester hours from experiential courses, and 15 semester hours from concentration courses.

Core Courses (15 semester hours):

- ENTP 500 Entrepreneurship and Innovation (3 semester hours)

- ENTP 510 Entrepreneurship: From Traction to Scale (3 semester hours)

- ENTP 520 Economics of Innovation (3 semester hours)

- ENTP 530 Financial Sustainability (3 semester hours)

- ISEM 500 Strategic Planning for Digital Transformation (3 semester hours)

Experiential Courses (6 semester hours):

- GRAD 695 Research Methodology and Writing (3 semester hours)

- ENTP 699 Applied Project in Techpreneurship (3 semester hours)

- GRAD 699 Graduate Thesis (3 semester hours)

Concentration Courses (15 semester hours):

Individualized Concentration

- Students are allowed to select five courses from a wide range of graduate-level courses to complete the requirement.

MS Biotechnology [STEM]

This MS program in Biotechnology provides a comprehensive curriculum covering industrial, medical, and regulatory aspects of biotechnology. It focuses on industry-relevant projects and real-world scenarios, preparing graduates for careers in research, leadership, management, and marketing. The program's flexibility allows students to customize their coursework to meet individual career goals. To graduate, students need to complete 36 semester hours: 18 semester hours from core courses, 6 semester hours from experiential courses, and 12 semester hours from concentration courses.

4 Concentrations (12 semester hours)

Biotechnology Business and Management (12 semester hours)
Biomanufacturing (12 semester hours)
Medical Biotechnology (12 semester hours)
Individualized Concentration (12 semester hours)

Core Courses (18 semester hours):

- BTEC 502 Biomaterials (3 semester hours)

- BTEC 508 Omics for Life Sciences (3 semester hours)

- BTEC 522 Graduate Biotechnology Seminar (3 semester hours)

- BTEC 540 Biostatistics (3 semester hours)

- BTEC 550 Instrumentation in Biotechnology Industry (3 semester hours)

- BTEC 560 Design of Experiment (3 semester hours)

Experiential Courses (6 semester hours):

- GRAD 695 Research Methodology and Writing (3 semester hours)

- BTEC 699 Applied Project in Biotechnology (3 semester hours)

- GRAD 699 Graduate Thesis (3 semester hours)

Enrollment Windows

Terms	Semester Start Date	Application Deadline	CPT Start Date
Summer1	5/4/2024	4/20/2024	5/4/2024
Summer2	7/13/2024	6/29/2024	7/13/2024
Fall1	8/24/2024	8/10/2024	8/24/2024
Fall2	11/2/2024	10/19/2024	11/2/2024
Spring1	1/4/2025	12/21/2024	1/4/2025
Spring2	3/8/2025	2/22/2025	3/8/2025
Summer1	5/3/2025	4/19/2025	5/3/2025
Summer2	7/12/2025	6/28/2025	7/12/2025

Initial F1 Students: 3 months before the first day of the term.
If you missed the deadline, please get in touch with us. We are the official recruitment partner of HU and can help you accelerate your application.

Application

1. Start the Application: Fill out the form below.

2. Upload personal application information, including:

Passport and Visa: Submit copies of your passport and visa.
I-20 Form: Provide the I-20 form from your previous school.
Financial Proof: Bank statement or proof of financial resources showing a minimum of USD $27,040.
Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from undergraduate or graduate studies.
Personal Statement: Required unless you have a U.S. degree.
Resume: Attach your current resume.
Language Proficiency: This requirement can be waived for applicants with a U.S. degree and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 80.
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 105.

The processing of an application typically takes 2-3 weeks; contact us in urgent cases for expedited processing, which can reduce the processing time to 1-3 days.

Harrisburg University

Harrisburg University Overview

Policies & Tuition

Academic Policy

CPT Policy

Onsite Policy

Tuition and Scholarship

Day 1 CPT Programs

Enrollment Windows

Application

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