Westcliff University, Best and most reliable Day 1 CPT university in California

Location: Dallas, TX; San Francisco, CA; 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 year

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.

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

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.
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.
- For each semester, a signature from the employer on the evaluation form is necessary to renew CPT.
- 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).
- The university recommends applying for CPT two weeks before the semester begins.

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.
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

Attendance is mandatory for students; failure to attend onsite courses will result in the loss of F1 status.
International students need to choose one of the following onsite formats:
- Onsite Attendance for Weekly Format: Students need to attend onsite classes weekly. These sessions are scheduled for one weekday from 6:30-8:00 PM.
- Onsite Attendance for Professional Format: Students need to attend onsite classes once each semester. These sessions are held over one weekend (from Friday to Sunday).

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 & Scholarships

Tuition Fee

Programs	Cost/Credit	Credits	Total tuition fees (excluding CPT)	Annual average tuition
Master's Programs - Weekly Format	$819	36	$29,484 (24-28 months）	$14,742
Master's Programs - Professional Format	$855	36	$30,780 (24-28 months)	$15,390
Doctoral Program - Weekly Format	$881	60	$52,860 (36-48 months)	$15,858
Doctoral Program - Professional Format	$940	60	$56,400 (36-48 months)	$16,920

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.

Westcliff University

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.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) [STEM]

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):

General
Strategic and Innovative Leadership
Financial Management
Global Business
Organizational Management
Entrepreneurship
Healthcare Administration
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Digital and Strategic Marketing*
Information Technology Management*
Information Technology Project Management*
Applied AI in Business*
Business Analytics*
Cybersecurity*
Web Development & Design*

MS Computer Science [STEM]

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)
Data Analytics (DATA)
Health Informatics (HIT)
Software Development (DEV)
Mobile Game Development

MS Information Technology [STEM]

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)

MS Engineering Management [STEM]

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)

MA TESOL

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)

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) [STEM]

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)

Doctor of Education

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)

Bridge Program

The Program is the bridge pathway for those who are not qualified for MSCS, MSIT, and MBA Degree
CPT option on day 1 of the program
42 credits ; 3 years

Enrollment Windows

Terms	Scholarship Deadline	Application Deadline	Semester Start Date	CPT Start Date
Summer1	3/12/2025	4/7/2025	5/5/2025	5/5/2025
Summer2		6/2/2025	6/30/2025	6/30/2025
Fall1	7/10/2024	7/22/2024	9/1/2025	9/3/2024
Fall2		9/23/2024	10/27/2025	10/28/2024

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.

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.

Westcliff has 7 programs that offer CPT from day 1, including 5 master's level and 2 doctoral level programs:

Master's

MBA [STEM Options]
MSIT [STEM]
MSCS [STEM]
MSEM [STEM]
TESOL

Doctoral Programs

DBA [STEM]
EdD

Master's Programs range from $28,620 - $30,780 per program; while doctoral-level program will cost you somewhere between $51,300 - $53,700.

Yes. Students with a cumulated GAP of 3.5 and above usually will get a scholarship at Westcliff University.

Depending on the urgency of the case, you might be able to get an offer within 1 business day if you are facing a status maintenance problem.
The usual processing time is 7 - 14 working days.
On average, our students if not in a harry, can get their offer within 1 week.

Certainly, leaving the program is a straightforward process. For students who find it challenging to juggle their professional obligations with their studies upon being selected for H1B status and transitioning to full-time employment, opting out of the program becomes a viable option.

Depending on the specific program, options vary. Some programs offer a certificate of completion for the coursework undertaken, while others provide the flexibility to retain credits for a potential return to complete the program at a later date.

Moreover, Westcliff University takes a step further in supporting H1B visa holders by offering the exclusive "H1B Scholarship." This initiative is tailored specifically for those chosen for H1B, aiming to motivate students to persevere and complete their studies. This not only benefits them academically but also serves as a valuable asset when pursuing green card applications in the future.

Currently, the policy requires students to take on-site classes once per semester (professional format). It is usually during a weekend:

Friday 2 PM -9:00 PM
Saturday 8 AM -8:30 PM
Sunday 8 AM-12:30 PM

At Westcliff University, each semester is constructed by 2 terms. For term one, you are required to take 24 hours of on-site class (conducted during 1 weekend). For term 2, all classes are online, and each session takes about 3 hours.

You don't need to have a job offer to apply to the school. But if you wish to have CPT authorization, a valid job offer is required.

Westcliff University is currently only accepting F1 transfer students with a residency from the following states:

Arizona
California
Colorado
Floridas
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Washington

What if you don't live in these states but wish to go to Westcliff University?

You can use your relative's or friend's addresses that are in those states. You don't need a driver's license to prove your residency, as long as you can provide documents that prove you live there, they can process your application. For details, ask our consultants.

Westcliff University currently does now have housing options for hybrid-format students. But if you need, these two hotels are within walking distance of Westcliff University:

Embassy Suites by Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport
Hyatt House Irvine/John Wayne Airport

If you want to lower your costs, consider finding a roommate by joining Day1cpt.org's Westcliff WhatsApp Group. You can also connect with classmates for carpooling or sharing hotel rooms to save money!

This scholarship is exclusively allocated for tuition fees. Should there be any funds left over, these will not be distributed in the form of cash. Instead, any excess amount will be reserved exclusively for covering tuition expenses for upcoming terms within the same program.

Students may apply for multiple non-athletic scholarships, but if a student is qualified for multiple scholarships, only the scholarship of greatest value will be applied.

The scholarship amount awarded is per academic year and is divided over three semesters.

Yes. Students may reapply each semester however, they should carefully evaluate eligibility requirements, including GPA.

🚨Disclaimer: The term "Day 1 CPT Universities" commonly refers to universities that allow students to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the start of their first semester. However, getting CPT approval on the first day of the program is not automatic or guaranteed and depends on submitting a complete application on time. In most cases, CPT approval takes 5 to 15 business days after the university receives the required documents.

Westcliff University

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Westcliff University Overview

Policies

Academic Policy

CPT Policy

Onsite Policy

Vacation Policy

Tuition & Scholarships

CPT Programs

Enrollment Windows

Application

FAQs

What programs at Westcliff University offer that allow students to use CPT on day 1?

What is the tuition at Westcliff University?

Are there scholarship options?

How long does it take for me to get an offer at Westcliff University?

Can I quit mid-program?

How often do I have to go to the campus?

How many online classes do I have to attend?

Do I have to have a job offer before applying to Westcliff University if I want to use CPT?

What are the unauthorized states?

Can I live on campus when attending on-site classes?

[Scholarship] If the scholarship is more than the tuition do I get the difference in cash?

[Scholarship] Can students apply and receive multiple scholarships?

[Scholarship] Will the awarding of the scholarship be given in lump sum or spread over semesters?

[Scholarship] If not success, can I apply again?

[Scholarship] Will a student lose a scholarship?

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