Most Popular Day 1 CPT Doctoral Programs in DBA Across the US

Most people are familiar with the Master of Business Administration (MBA); hence, the DBA is a degree level higher than the MBA, essentially a doctoral degree in business management. The DBA is designed specifically for business executives, offering a comprehensive and systematic management curriculum that focuses on applying theory to practice, aiming to cultivate business management talents with outstanding capabilities in fierce international competition.

Currently, more and more students are considering DBA programs for these main reasons:

• Many applicants already possess multiple master’s degrees and cannot find a new and job-related master’s program.
• They believe that the likelihood of receiving an RFE (Request for Evidence) may be lower with a doctoral CPT.
• Utilizing this opportunity to earn an easy doctorate degree.

If you are still hesitating about choosing a DBA program, you might want to read the article, ‘Is it Really Necessary to Choose a Day 1 CPT DBA Program? Pros and Cons of Doctoral Level Day 1 CPT Programs”

Why Enroll in a DBA Program?

Integration of Practice and Theory: DBA programs typically emphasize applying theoretical knowledge to real business environments. This combination of theory and practice is highly beneficial for students who wish to engage in internships or work during their studies.

Career Advancement: DBA programs are usually aimed at professionals who wish to develop advanced careers in the business field. By participating in actual work environments through CPT (Curricular Practical Training), students can gain valuable work experience that aids their future career development.

Networking: Participating in a DBA program allows students to establish connections with industry experts, professors, and other professionals. Such networks are crucial for career development, especially for international students.

Advanced Research Skills: DBA courses emphasize research skills, particularly in business strategy and management. These skills are very important in the modern business environment and particularly so for students who wish to enhance their appeal in the business world.

Enhancing Employment Competitiveness: By combining a DBA degree with relevant internship or work experience, international students can increase their competitiveness in the job market, which is crucial for finding employment after graduation.

The Final Option: Having already pursued several master’s programs, including an MBA, the DBA becomes the last resort on the CPT path.

Across the USA, universities offering Day 1 CPT DBA programs suitable for international students are (sorted by tuition from lowest to highest $):

• Ottawa University
• National Louis University
• Sofia University
• Westcliff University

Ottawa University
Founded	1865
Program Duration	3-year full-time program
Enrollment Windows	January, May, August
Total Credits	54
Total Tuition	$49,725
Class Format	Hybrid mode with 2 onsite classes per semester, each lasting 3 days
Location	Ottawa, KS
Advantages	More than a hundred years of history, light coursework, low frequency of onsite sessions, high cost-effectiveness
Disadvantages	Only one campus located in Kansas

National Louis University
Founded	1886
Program Duration	3.5-year full-time program
Enrollment Windows	January, May, August
Total Credits	60
Total Tuition	$49,920
Class Format	Hybrid mode with 1 onsite class per semester, each lasting 3 days
Location	Tampa, FL
Advantages	Low frequency of onsite sessions, high cost-effectiveness, more than 100 years of history
Disadvantages	Only one campus located in Florida

Sofia University
Founded	1957
Program Duration	3-year full-time program
Enrollment Windows	January, April, July, October
Total Credits	54
Total Tuition	$51,300
Class Format	Hybrid mode with 3 onsite classes per quarter, each lasting 6 hours
Location	Palo Alto, CA; Costa Mesa, CA
Advantages	Excellent location, the ability to take a break for one term after three consecutive terms while maintaining CPT
Disadvantages	Slightly higher frequency of onsite sessions

Westcliff University
Founded	1993
Program Duration	3.5-year full-time program
Enrollment Windows	January, March, May, July, August, October
Total Credits	60
Total Tuition	Approximately $65,800
Class Format	Hybrid mode with 3 onsite classes per quarter, each lasting 6 hours
Location	Irvine, CA; Miami, FL; Orlando, FL
Advantages	Excellent locations, the ability to take a break for one term after three consecutive terms while maintaining CPT
Disadvantages	The most expensive DBA program

All four programs support applications for the CISI Student Exclusive Good Status Scholarship:

• Ottawa University – $500
• National Louis University – $600
• Sofia University – $500
• Westcliff University – $1800

If you are looking to apply for a doctoral CPT program more related to CS and IT, Trine University’s Doctor of Information Technology would be more suitable for you.