Westcliff University
Location: Knoxville, TN
TuitionFee: $12,600/year
Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Type: Private Non-Profit
Enrollment Windows: May/Jun/Aug/Sep/Jan/Mar
Onsite Frequency: 1/semester, 3 days every visit
CPT Renew Frequency: Update 1 time per semester
CPT Programs: EMBA, MSBA (STEM), MSPM
Location: Irvine, CA; Miami, FL; Santa Monica, CA; Orlando, FL
TuitionFee: Master's $12,265; Ph.D $12,825
Accreditation: WSCUC
School Type: Private For Profit
Enrollment Windows: May/Jul/Sep/Oct/Jan/Mar
Onsite Frequency: 1/semester, 3 days each visit
CPT Renew Frequency: Update 1 time per semester
CPT Programs: MBA (STEM), MSEM (STEM), TESOL, MSIT (STEM), MSCS (STEM), DBA (STEM), EdD
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Westcliff University Overview
Westcliff University, a prominent institution on the West Coast, has been a leader in education since receiving its initial approval from the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education in 1993. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Westcliff offers a comprehensive educational experience through its College of Business, College of Education, College of Technology & Engineering, and Western State College of Law.
What distinguishes Westcliff University in a competitive academic landscape is its unique focus on both theoretical and practical elements. Unlike some universities that emphasize only theoretical knowledge, Westcliff’s programs are meticulously designed to prepare students for real-world challenges, ensuring they are job-market-ready from day one.
Convenience, flexibility, and affordability are the cornerstones of Westcliff University’s programs. Whether you are an international student looking for eligible CPT programs or a domestic student striving for academic excellence, Westcliff provides innovative, up-to-date, and high-quality education that fosters personal, professional, and academic success.
Established in 1993 and accredited by WSCUC, Westcliff University is recognized as a reputable and popular CPT university. Through its diverse offerings in business, education, technology, engineering, and law, Westcliff blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, making it a top choice for students who want to be prepared for the workforce from the very beginning of their studies.
Westcliff University is more than just an educational institution; it is a launchpad for future leaders and professionals. The university’s commitment to providing a transformative experience equips students to thrive in a dynamic global landscape, making them well-prepared to meet real-world challenges head-on.
Policies & Tuition
- Academic Policy
- CPT Policy
- Onsite Policy
- Vacation Policy
- Tuition and Scholarship
Academic Policy
- Westcliff University offers three semesters annually for its Day 1 CPT 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
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CPT Activation Timing: Westcliff University allows students to activate their CPT work authorizations as early as 30 days before start date of each semester (with three semesters per year, totaling six enrollment windows). There is no gap between CPT authorizations.
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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. Click to view the MBA program's CPT Agreement.
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For each semester, a signature from the employer on the evaluation form is necessary to renew CPT.
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If the current employer does not sign the CPT Agreement, an Employment Verification Letter can be used as an alternative (consult your advisor for this).
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The university recommends applying for CPT two weeks before the semester begins.
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A strict deadline for CPT applications is enforced; if you miss the deadline, you will not be able to apply for CPT until the next semester starts.
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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.
Onsite Policy
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Attendance is mandatory for students; failure to attend onsite courses will result in the loss of F1 status.
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Onsite Attendance for Weekly Format: Students residing within 50 miles of Irvine Campus are required to attend onsite classes weekly. These sessions are scheduled for one weekday from 6:30-8:00 PM.
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Onsite Attendance for Professional Format: Students living beyond 50 miles from Irvine Campus need to attend onsite classes once each semester. These sessions are held over one weekend (from Friday to Sunday).
*From July 1, 2024, the 50-mile rule will be canceled.
Vacation Policy
- Students can take a one-semester break after completing 18 credits consecutively (3 semesters).
- During vacation, students can still choose to take 1 credits of CPT Internship course and work full-time using CPT.
Tuition and Scholarship
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Tuition Fee
Programs |
Cost/Credit |
Credits |
Total tuition fees (excluding CPT) |
Annual average tuition |
Master's Programs - Weekly Format |
$795 |
36 |
$28,620 (24-28 months) |
$12,265 |
Master's Programs - Professional Format |
$855 |
36 |
$30,780 (24-28 months) |
$13,191 |
Doctoral Program - Weekly Format |
$855 |
60 |
$51,300 (36-48 months) |
$12,825 |
Doctoral Program - Professional Format |
$940 |
60 |
$56,400 (36-48 months) |
$14,100 |
- Other Fees:
- Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable, one-time; contact us to waive)
- CPT Fee: Equivalent to 1 credit cost per semester
- Registration Fee: $25 per semester (non-refundable)
- Student ID Card: $10
- Enrollment Fee: $200
- Payment Plan Processing Fee: $50
- Late Tuition Fee for New Students: $50 per week
- Late Tuition Fee for Continuing Students: $35
- Returned Check Fee: $35
- Scholarships:
- Distinguished Scholarships: Up to $10,000
- For a select group of students demonstrating excellence, visionary goals, and a commitment to social responsibility.
- Giving Opportunities for Achievement and Learning (GOAL): Up to $5,000
- For high-performing students committed to academic excellence in master’s/doctorate programs at Westcliff.
- BLEND Scholarships: Up to $2,500
- For outstanding international students aiming to foster inclusivity in their fields of study at Westcliff.
- Warrior Scholarships: $2,500
- To assist students facing financial challenges in achieving academic success at Westcliff.
- Distinguished Scholarships: Up to $10,000
CPT Programs
Master's programs :- Requires completion of 36 credits;
- Typically finished in an average of 2.5 years, with the option to extend up to a maximum of 3 years for graduation;
- Can provide up to 3-4 additional opportunities for H1B lottery.
Doctoral programs :
- Requires completion of 60 credits;
- Typically finished in an average of 3 years, with the option to extend up to a maximum of 4 years for graduation;
- Can provide up to 4-5 additional opportunities for H1B lottery.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program aims to provide individuals with the essential skills and knowledge for thriving in management roles. In the initial year, students concentrate on foundational MBA coursework. As the year progresses, they can select a concentration aligning with their interests and career aspirations. The second year involves an in-depth exploration of this chosen concentration through three specialized elective courses pertinent to their field of interest. To graduate, students need to complete 8 core courses (24 credits) and 4 concentration courses (12 credits).
Core Courses (24 credits) :
- ECO 500 Managerial Economics (3 credits)
- FIN 500 Financial & Accounting Skills for Managers (3 credits)
- LDR 500 Organizational Leadership (3 credits)
- MGT 500 Strategic Management in a Globalized Economy (3 credits)
- MIS 500 Managing Information Systems & Technology (3 credits)
- MKT 500 Marketing Management (3 credits)
- ORG 500 Organizational Behavior (3 credits)
Choose 4 courses from one of the ten concentrations (The concentration marked with “*“ is STEM):
- Digital and Strategic Marketing*
- Strategic and Innovative Leadership
- Financial Management
- Global Business
- Organizational Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Healthcare Administration*
- Data-Driven Decision Making*
- Information Technology Management*
- Information Technology Project Management*
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program is designed to advance the careers of professionals in the technology sector. It offers a up-to-date curriculum that encourages students to employ design principles, critical and algorithmic thinking, as well as innovation, management, and problem-solving skills in computer science. To graduate, students need to complete 6 core courses (18 credits), 1 capstone course (3 credits), and 5 concentration courses (15 credits).
Core Courses (18 credits):
- MIS 500 Managing Information Systems & Technology (3 credits)
- MIS 510 Information Technology Project Management (3 credits)
- MIS 520 Leading Strategic Change with Technology (3 credits)
- MIS 540 Management of Information Security (3 credits)
- MIS 545 Business Architecture and Organizational Transformation (3 credits)
- MIS 550 Big Data Analytics and Visualization (3 credits)
Capstone Courses (3 credits):
- CAP 690 Masters Applied Capstone (3 Credits)
Choose 4-5 courses from one of the five concentrations (15 credits):
- Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Mobile Game Development
- Data Analytics (DATA)
- Health Informatics (HIT)
- Software Development (DEV)
- Web Development
The Masters of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program offers a blending of technical skills and management knowledge, crucial for effectively implementing and managing IT security strategies to protect technological assets, infrastructure, and data analytics. To graduate, students need to complete 6 core courses (18 credits), 1 capstone course (3 credits), and 5 concentration courses (15 credits).
Core Courses (18 credits):
- MIS 500 Managing Information Systems & Technology (3 credits)
- MIS 510 Information Technology Project Management (3 credits)
- MIS 520 Leading Strategic Change with Technology (3 credits)
- MIS 540 Management of Information Security (3 credits)
- MIS 545 Business Architecture and Organizational Transformation (3 credits)
- MIS 550 Big Data Analytics and Visualization (3 credits)
Capstone Courses (3 credits):
- CAP 690 Masters Applied Capstone (3 Credits)
Choose 5 courses from one of the five concentrations (15 credits):
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Emerging Technologies (EMT)
- Information Technology (ITM)
- IT Project Management (ITPM)
- Operations Management (OPM)
The Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program highlights the combination of engineering skills and management knowledge, essential for strategic planning and maintaining a competitive edge. By equipping students with essential skills and knowledge in engineering and management, it enables them to drive innovation, streamline processes, and manage resources effectively, thereby fostering organizational success in the rapidly evolving business world. To graduate, students need to complete 6 core courses (18 credits), 1 capstone course (3 credits), and 5 concentration courses (15 credits).
Core Courses (18 credits):
- MIS 500 Managing Information Systems & Technology (3 credits)
- MIS 510 Information Technology Project Management (3 credits)
- MIS 520 Leading Strategic Change with Technology (3 credits)
- MIS 540 Management of Information Security (3 credits)
- MIS 545 Business Architecture and Organizational Transformation (3 credits)
- MIS 550 Big Data Analytics and Visualization (3 credits)
Capstone Courses (3 credits):
- CAP 690 Masters Applied Capstone (3 Credits)
Choose 5 courses from one of the following concentration (15 credits):
- Technology Engineering Management (TEM)
The Master's in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program aims to train teachers for a variety of roles, both in the United States and abroad. With substantial training in diverse teaching methods, students will gain specialized knowledge and practical skills for teaching English to non-native speakers, preparing them to become proficient and professional educators with notable leadership qualities. To graduate, students need to complete 12 core courses (36 credits).
Core Courses (36 credits):
- TSL 502 Vocabulary Instruction (3 credits)
- TSL 507 Pronunciation Instruction (3 credits)
- TSL 512 Writing Instruction (3 credits)
- TSL 515 Second Language Acquisition (3 credits)
- TSL 520 Grammar Instruction (3 credits)
- TSL 527 Methods of Teaching ESL/EFL (3 credits)
- TSL 532 Listening and Speaking Instruction (3 credit hours)
- TSL 542 The English Language in Society (3 credits)
- TSL 545 Reading Instruction (3 credits)
- TSL 552 Special Topics in TESOL (3 credits)
- TSL 590 Curriculum Design (3 credits)
- CAP 670 Practicum (3 credits)
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed for individuals with a Master's degree aiming to deepen their understanding of global business practices. The program focuses on developing advanced decision-making and leadership abilities, and it extensively explores both theoretical and applied research in the business field. To graduate, students need to complete 60 credits.
Six Concentrations (With "*" is STEM program):
- Strategic Leadership for the 21st Century
- Applied Computer Science (ACS)*
- Business Intelligence & Data Analytics (BIDA)*
- Cybersecurity*
- Information Technology Management*
- Web Development & Applications Management*
Year 1 Courses (19.5 credits):
- LDR 700 Leadership and Creative Solutions Implementation (3 credits)
- MGT 700 Managing People and Organizations (3 credits)
- FIN 700 Financial Risk Management (3 credits)
- MKT 700 Marketing Strategy & Consumer Behavior (3 credits)
- RES 700 Business Research Methods I (4.5 credits)
- RES 701 Doctoral Prospectus (3 credits)
Year 2 Courses (19.5 credits):
- Concentration Course I (3 credits)
- Concentration Course II (3 credits)
- ECO 700 Business in a Global Economy (3 credits)
- ORG 700 Corporate Social Responsibility and Organizational Development (3 credits)
- RES 702 Business Research Methods II (4.5 credits)
- RES 703 Doctoral Literature Review (3 credits)
Year 3 Courses (21 credits):
- Concentration Course III (3 credits)
- Concentration Course IV (3 credits)
- DIS 900 Doctoral Dissertation Course I (3 credits)
- DIS 901 Doctoral Dissertation Course II (4.5 credits)
- DIS 902 Doctoral Dissertation Course III (3 credits)
- DIS 903 Doctoral Dissertation Course IV (4.5 credits)
The Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction is designed to prepare scholar-practitioners for impactful roles in education, focusing on curriculum development and instructional improvement. This program blends educational theories with leadership strategies, providing a solid basis for educational research, adult and child education, and evidence-based evaluation. It merges original research with practical application, nurturing change-makers who emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusivity in educational practices and policies. To graduate, students need to complete 60 credits.
Two Concentrations:
- Leadership (12 credits)
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (12 credits)
Core & Research (18 credits):
- EDU 710 Effective Teaching and Learning Strategies (3 credits)
- EDU 711 Educational Leadership in Theory and Practice (3 credits)
- EDU 712 Curriculum Theory and Design (3 credits)
- EDU 714 Online Blended Learning and Teaching Methodologies (3 credits)
- RES 801 Quantitative Research in Education (3 credits)
- RES 802 Qualitative Research in Education (3 credits)
Core, Concentration, & Research (20 credits):
- EDU 715 Classroom Technology Integration (3 credits)
- EDU 716 Managing Human and Fiscal Resources as an Educational Leader (3 credits)
- Concentration: Select One (3 credits)
- RES 803 Identifying and Planning a Research Project (4 credits)
- RES 804 Educational Research Literature Review(4 credits)
Concentration & Dissertation (22 credits):
- Continue Concentration Selection (6 credits)
- EDU 900 Dissertation Course I (4 credits)
- EDU 901 Dissertation Course II/Preliminary Defense (4 credits)
- EDU 902 Dissertation Course III (4 credits)
- EDU 903 Dissertation Course IV (4 credits)
Enrollment Windows
Terms | Scholarship Deadline | Semester Start Date | Application Deadline | CPT Start Date |
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Fall1 | 7/13/2024 | 9/3/2024 | 7/22/2024 | 9/3/2024 |
Fall2 | 10/28/2024 | 9/23/2024 | 10/28/2024 | |
Spring1 | 11/13/2024 | 1/6/2025 | 12/9/2024 | 1/6/2025 |
Spring2 | 3/3/2025 | 2/10/2025 | 3/3/2025 | |
Summer1 | 3/12/2025 | 5/5/2025 | 4/7/2025 | 5/5/2025 |
Summer2 | 6/30/2025 | 6/2/2025 | 6/30/2025 |
- 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 Westcliff and can help you accelerate your application.
Application
1. Start the Application: Fill out the form below.
- If you have an active SEVIS and are currently on OPT/STEM OPT extension, or studying at a university or language school in the US, choose 'F-1 Transfer On-campus'.
- Initial students in the US (e.g., transitioning from H1b to F1 visa) or those with expired F-1 visas requiring reinstatement should select 'F-1 Initial On-campus'.
- Note: International students cannot select 100% online courses.
2. Online Interview: Contact us for more details about the interview process.
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Note: All transfer students applying from GoElite are exempt from the Admission Interview, which is replaced by an Advisory Session after acceptance.
3. Submit Application Documents:
- I-20
- Passport
- Resume
- I-20 Release Form
- Official Transcript
- English Proficiency Scores (Waivable for Those with a U.S. Degree)
- TOEFL 79+
- IELTS 6.0+
- Duolingo English Test 105+
- Bank statement showing a deposit of $28,000 or more in the last three months (equivalent amounts in other currencies are acceptable).
- Application Fee $75, contact us to waive this fee. If you are F1 initial student applying outside of the US, we will reimburse your application fee as well.
From Feb 28th, 2022, a Personal Statement of Purpose is no longer required for admissions.
The processing of application typically takes 2 weeks; contact us in urgent cases for expedited processing, which can reduce the processing time to 1-3 days.
4. Post-Admission Instruction: After receiving your admission letter, reach out to us to coordinate the SEVIS transfer timing and complete the necessary form to transfer SEVIS to Westcliff University.
Other Day 1 CPT Schools
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East Coast
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Midwest & South
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- North Carolina Wesleyan University
- Texas Wesleyan University
- Ottawa University
- Dallas Baptist University
- Trine University
Editor
Lexi Wu
Possesses extensive cross-cultural work experience across multiple countries, with a strong background in product planning, marketing, and data analysis. Skilled in technical writing and trend analysis, currently serving as a Product Marketing Manager at GoElite.
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