Indiana Wesleyan University｜Hybrid Professional Programs near Chicago

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Indiana Wesleyan University Overview

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), the largest private university in Indiana, has a rich history rooted in its evangelical Christian values and commitment to academic excellence. Founded in 1920 as Marion College, IWU began as a teacher education institution established by the Wesleyan Methodist Church on the former site of the Marion Normal Institute. Over the decades, it evolved into a liberal arts college, offering Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees starting in 1921. In 1988, the university adopted its current name to reflect its broader mission and growing reach. The creation of IWU—National & Global further expanded its impact, offering flexible education options for working adults through evening, weekend, and online programs. Today, IWU educates nearly 14,000 students, with more than 10,000 enrolled in its online and regional education centers, and has become a leader among evangelical Christian universities.

IWU is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and holds specialized accreditations for many of its programs. The School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), while business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). These accreditations ensure that IWU maintains rigorous academic standards and provides students with recognized and respected credentials in their chosen fields.

One of IWU’s standout offerings is the hybrid professional program located in Merrillville, Indiana, which allows international students to gain practical work experience alongside their studies. Merrillville’s strategic location offers excellent connectivity to major cities. Chicago is just 40 miles away by car or one hour by bus. Detroit, approximately 270 miles northeast, can be reached in 4.5 to 5 hours by car or 8 hours by bus. Indianapolis, 150 miles south, is about 2.5 to 3 hours by car. With its deep historical roots, strong academic reputation, robust accreditation, and convenient location, IWU remains a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded education and career advancement opportunities.

Academic Policy

Indiana Wesleyan University offers three semesters annually for its Hybrid Professional Programs: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
International students are required to enroll in a minimum of two courses per semester, totaling 6 credits, which includes one online and one hybrid course.

CPT Policy

CPT Activation Timing: Indiana Wesleyan University allows students to activate their work authorizations on the start date of each semester (with three semesters per year, totaling six enrollment windows). There is no gap between working authorizations.
CPT Application: To apply for CPT, the employer's signature is required on the CPT Agreement, which must be submitted before the CPT application deadline.
Students can apply for CPT at any time during the program.
Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above is essential for students. Failure to do so may result in the termination of your CPT.
CPT requires approval before it can be used. If you use CPT without approval, it will be considered illegal work, resulting in the loss of your student status and the accumulation of unlawful presence in the U.S., which can lead to serious consequences. You must wait for CPT approval before starting work. The official start date of your CPT is determined by the start date on the second page of your i-20.

Onsite Policy

Friday and Saturday - 9 AM - 4:30 PM
1st residency includes Thursday afternoon (Students can provide docs to take a leave)
The On-site location is at the Education Center in Merrillville, IN campus.

Vacation Policy

Currently, IWU does not offer vacations.

Tuition and Scholarship

Tuition Fee

Programs	Cost/Credit	Credits	Total tuition fees (excluding CPT)	Annual average tuition
Master's - Artificial Intelligence - Data Analytics [STEM]	$575	30	$17,250 (16-20 months)	$10,350
Master's - Data Analytics [STEM]; Computer Information Systems - Artificial Intelligence [STEM] ; Information Technology and Project Management [STEM]	$499	30	$14,970 (16-20 months)	$8,982

Other Fees:
- Course UNV-501 Tuition (*UNV-501 is a required course each term for all Master's level F1 students): $400/Term
- Technology Fee: $85/Course
- Educational Resource Fee: $25/Course
- Enrollment Fee: $500
- Books: Depends on the courses

Indiana Wesleyan University

Hybrid Professional Programs

Master's programs :

Requires completion of 30 credits;
Typically finished in an average of 16-20 months;
Can provide up to 1-2 additional opportunities for H1B lottery.

MS Data Analytics [STEM]

Our Master of Science in Data Analytics program prepares students for leadership in data-driven business transformation. The curriculum focuses on using data to make precise decisions, leveraging big data and analytics to generate insights, and guiding organizations through market changes. The program emphasizes practical skills, data ethics, and responsible decision-making, supported by experienced faculty and student services.

To graduate, students need to complete 10 core courses (30 credits).

Core Courses: TBD

MS Computer Information Systems - Artificial Intelligence [STEM]

Transform your business with our MS in Computer Information Systems specializing in AI. This program equips graduates to leverage AI, offering technical depth for those with a background in computer science. It includes practical labs and real-world insights from experienced faculty. Students will learn programming, machine learning, and AI model development, preparing them to apply AI solutions in the workplace.

To graduate, students need to complete 10 core courses (30 credits).

Core Courses: TBD

MS Artificial Intelligence - Data Analytics [STEM]

As the knowledge economy becomes increasingly digitized, data analysts are essential for boosting productivity and value. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum to teach students how to use data for quick, accurate decision-making, leveraging big data, analytics, and AI to turn unstructured data into insights. Graduates will be equipped to lead in dynamic markets by predicting trends and maximizing value. With AI rapidly growing, this program helps graduates adapt to technological changes. The IWU Data Analytics Master’s program combines a strong analytic foundation with practical business applications, emphasizing data ethics and decision-making from a Biblical perspective.

To graduate, students need to complete 10 core courses (30 credits).

Core Courses: TBD

MS Information Technology and Project Management [STEM]

The information technology industry, offering authentic assignments designed by experienced IT professionals. Resources are available to help you excel, from tech support to tutoring, along with faith-based guidance to help you grow academically and personally. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. IWU’s student-centric master’s in IT leadership is offered 100% online and can be completed in as little as 18 months. You’ll also benefit from our tuition guarantee, letting you lock in your tuition cost at the beginning of your program.

Enrollment Windows

Terms	Semester Start Date	Program Start Date	Application Deadline	Earliest Working Start Date
Winter 2025 A Start	1/1/2025	1/6/2025	12/9/2024	1/6/2025
Winter 2025 B Start		2/3/2025	1/10/2025	2/3/2025
Winter 2025 C Start		3/3/2025	2/7/2025	3/3/2025
Summer 2025 A Start	5/5/2025	5/5/2025	4/2/2025	5/5/2025
Summer 2025 B Start		6/2/2025	5/2/2025	5/5/2025
Summer 2025 C Start		6/30/2025	5/30/2025	5/5/2025
Fall 2025 A Start	8/25/2025	8/25/2025	7/25/2025	8/25/2025
Fall 2025 B Start		9/22/2025	8/22/2025	9/22/2025
Fall 2025 C Start		10/20/2025	9/20/2025	10/20/2025

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 IWU and can help you accelerate your application.

Application

1. Start the Application (Contact us to learn more details about the hybrid professional programs)

Note: International students cannot select 100% online courses.

2. Submit Application Documents:

I-20
Passport
Resume
Official Transcript (GPA above 2.5)
English Proficiency Scores (Waivable for Those with a U.S. Degree)
- TOEFL 85+
- IELTS 6.5+
Bank statement showing a deposit of $28,000 or more in the last three months (equivalent amounts in other currencies are acceptable).

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

3. Post-Admission Instruction: After receiving your admission letter, reach out to the DSO to coordinate the SEVIS transfer timing and complete the necessary form to transfer SEVIS to IWU.

Indiana Wesleyan University

FAQ

How many credits can be transferred from other universities?

Master's: 6 credits for graduate programs (Must match course objectives for a course being replaced)
Bachelor's: Students must complete major and core requirements for graduation.

Does the university offer tuition payment plans? Yes!

If I miss the on-site class, can I make it up?

Students who miss the residency must attend a make-up session at the Merrillville, IN, location.
- A $300 fee applies for the make-up session.
- A 15% academic reduction applies to residency assignments for students who do not provide prior notification or documentation.
Professors hold synchronous sessions weekly for all courses. The purpose and format of these meetings vary by instructor.

Does the university provide any career support? IWU has been ramping up career services.

Does the university provide support for students facing Requests for Evidence (RFE)? Yes, in general, IWU supports students facing an RFE. The most common RFE IWU has encountered with hybrid students requests a letter verifying attendance. IWU provides students with a standard letter format.

If students have a U.S. master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree from another country, do they need to provide both official transcripts upon enrollment? For master's program admission, only the bachelor's completion documentation is required. A U.S. graduate transcript is required if the student wishes to transfer graduate credits.

How many enrollment windows does IWU have? 3 per semester, so there are 9 enrollment windows each year.

🚨Disclaimer: 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 on the first day 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.

Indiana Wesleyan University

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Indiana Wesleyan University Overview

Policies & Tuition

Academic Policy

CPT Policy

Onsite Policy

Vacation Policy

Tuition and Scholarship

Hybrid Professional Programs

Enrollment Windows

Application

FAQ

Other Schools

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