Is it Really Necessary to Choose a Day 1 CPT DBA Program? Pros and Cons of Doctoral Level Day 1 CPT Programs

Common Concerns About DBA/Doctoral Level CPT Programs

• “Is it less likely to receive an RFE if I enroll in a doctoral CPT program?” — There’s no definite connection!
• “I’ve completed a master’s program; does this mean I can only choose a doctoral level DBA for a CPT program?” — Of course not!
• “After completing a doctoral CPT program, can I get up to 3 years of OPT?” — Yes, provided that full-time CPT is limited to one year during the study period!
• “Are doctoral CPT programs very easy? Can I pass just by completing assignments?” — How could that be possible? You need to write a thesis and pass a defense!

Many people are terrified of the RFE, but for most international students, an RFE isn’t that scary. RFE stands for Request for Evidence, meaning the immigration services may request more evidence to verify the legitimacy of your case.

If you can find a new master’s level program that meets the following two criteria, you can confidently enroll without considering a Day 1 CPT program or worrying about RFE:

• The majority of courses required for the new program were not taken in your previous equivalent degree-level program.
• The course content of the new program is highly relevant to your job.

DBA vs. MBA

If you can’t find another master’s CPT program highly relevant to your job, then consider an MBA (provided you haven’t previously completed an MBA) before choosing a DBA.

What are DBA and MBA?

• MBA: Masters of Business Administration
• DBA: Doctor of Business Administration

A DBA is a level higher than an MBA. You can pursue a DBA after an MBA, but you cannot revert to an MBA after completing a DBA.

Common Courses in DBA Programs	Common Courses in MBA Programs
· Leadership and Creative Solutions Implementation· Management Strategy, Planning, and Implementation· Financial Decision Making and Risk Management· Marketing Strategy & Consumer Behavior· Data-Driven Decision Making and Research· Quantitative Research Method· Innovation and Entrepreneurship· Organizational Behavior· Management Science· Organizational Development and Change Management· Strategic Talent Management	· Organizational Leadership· Executive Communication· Managerial Economics and Financial Management· Marketing Management· Managing Information Systems & Technology· Statistics & Data Analysis· Project Management· Lean Six Sigma· Managerial Accounting· Organizational Behavior· Strategic Management in a Globalized Economy· New Product Development & Innovation Strategy· Business Ethics
DBA programs last 3-4 years	MBA programs last 2-2.5 years
DBA programs cost between $50,000 and $70,000	MBA programs cost between $18,000 and $34,000.

DBA and MBA programs have similar course structures, meaning if a DBA is relevant to your work, an MBA could also be suitable and should be the first choice. If you do not secure an H1B visa during your MBA, you can then consider extending your stay with a DBA program. Even if you have a doctoral degree in another field, pursuing an MBA is still a valid option, rather than moving directly to a DBA.

Workload of DBA Programs

Besides the differences in duration and cost, the major challenge of a DBA is the requirement to write a thesis and defend it. In the second or third year of the program, you need to form your Dissertation Committee, choose your thesis topic and direction, and successfully defend your thesis at the end of the program.

Possibly structure of a DBA thesis:

• Title, signature, dedication, acknowledgments, and table of contents pages
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Review of the Literature
• Methodology
• Data Analysis and Results
• Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations
• Reference List
• Appendices (e.g., survey instruments, interview guides, consent forms)

For example, at Westcliff University, the expectation for DBA candidates’ final theses is: “High-quality dissertations likely exceed 150 pages in length. Dissertation chairs ensure that only high-quality dissertations move forward to the final defense.”

How schools grade a DBA thesis:

• Pass: The dissertation committee agrees the thesis meets doctoral graduation standards.
• Pass with Revisions: The student must make necessary revisions and resubmit to the dissertation committee for final review and approval.
• Fail: The dissertation committee identifies critical flaws, possibly preventing degree conferral.

The Last Choice—DBA

Consider DBA as a last option in your CPT journey. If you still do not secure an H1B during your DBA program, you might not have other CPT options to extend your stay.

Something else to Consider

If you secure an H1B within the first two years of your DBA program, you face a tough choice—continue with significant time and financial commitment or drop out, which might too obviously indicate a strategic extension of stay, presenting a dilemma.

How We Can Help

At CISI, a non-profit organization, we offer free one-on-one consultations to assist you in navigating the complexities of choosing the right school and the right program. We promise to not charge any penny from our students. Contact us via WhatsApp or email for personalized support and guidance. We also offer application fee waivers for most Day 1 CPT schools. Contact us today to find out if we could at least help you waive your application fee!