Key Advantages
diverse program choices; non-profit (H-1B masters cap)
History and Accreditation
University of the Cumberlands (UC), a private nonprofit institution established in 1888 in Williamsburg, Kentucky, offers over 40 undergraduate and various graduate programs. With a student body of 4,000 undergraduates and 15,000 graduates, UC maintains a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It is one of the fastest-growing institutions in the U.S. for international student enrollment. UC's main campus is located at 6178 College Station Drive, Williamsburg, KY, with a Northern Kentucky branch in Florence. The university is recognized for its safety and online education excellence by NICHE.com.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), UC offers degrees from associate to doctoral levels. Its nursing programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE, and it's designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the NSA and DHS.
- Academic Policy
- CPT Policy
- On-Site Policy
- Tuition and Scholarship
Academic Policy
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There are three semesters at University of the Cumberlands every year: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
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The university requires students to take three courses per semester.
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Each semester is divided into two terms. Students can apply for admission at the start of each term.
CPT Policy
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The Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an integral part of the program.
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Students are required to take three courses per semester. Two of the courses focus on academic training, and the other course involves practical training.
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Steps for Day-1 CPT Application:
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Secure a job/internship directly related to the student's field of study (requires a formal offer letter).
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Complete the CPT application form.
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Submit CPT application materials to the school's DSO, including the employer-signed offer letter (within six months), job description, employer's CPT Authorization Form, and signed CPT Cooperation Agreement.
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Upon CPT approval, you will receive a new I-20. With the new I-20, you can start working from the start of the semester.
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On-Site Policy
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On-Site Frequency : Students must attend one mandatory three-day on-site session each semester, from Friday to Sunday.
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If you missed on-site class:
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Mandatory Attendance: Students must attend each onsite session. Only one missed session is allowed for makeup during the program; a second absence leads to expulsion.
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Make-Up Requirement and Fee: Missing a session a $300 make-up class fee. Students may need to provide documentation to the program department justifying their absence.
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Deadline: Make-up sessions must be completed before the semester ends. Otherwise, you will be expelled from the university.
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Notification: The academic department will contact you to inform you of the location, time, and date for the make-up session.
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Tuition and Scholarship
Program |
Credit Cost |
Total Credits |
Total Tuition |
Annual Tuition |
Master's Program |
$549 |
35 |
$19,215 |
$9,607 |
Executive Ph.D. in Leadership / Executive Ph.D. in Business |
$749 |
66 |
$49,434 |
$12,359 |
Executive Ph.D. in Information Technology |
$749 |
60 |
$44,940 |
$11,235 |
Non-tuition fee:
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Application Fee: $50
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Executive Processing Fee: $250
* day1cptcolleges is official enrollment representative for University of the Cumberlands. Contact us for scholarship application information.
Day 1 CPT Program
- Master's programs :
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Requires completion of 31 credits;
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Typically finished in an average of 20 months;
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Can provide 2-3 additional opportunities for H1B lottery.
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- Doctoral Programs:
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Requires completion of 60-66 credits;
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Typically finished in an average of 3-4 years;
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Can provide 4-5 additional opportunities for H1B lottery.
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Earning an executive MBA from the University of the Cumberlands positions you for upward mobility in business, government, or education sectors. The Robert W. Plaster Graduate School of Business at UC, a leader in graduate business education, provides a hybrid MBA program tailored for enduring success. The curriculum encompasses a range of relevant topics such as contemporary business challenges, leadership skills, management strategies, managerial accounting, and strategic decision-making.
Program Length: 31 credits, completed over a period of 20 months.
Core Courses:
- BACC 531 Managerial Accounting
- BADM 533 Marketing Management
- BADM 534 Managerial Finance
- BADM 535 Managerial Economics
- BADM 577 Business Sustainability, Corporate Governance, and Organizational Ethics
- BADM 582 Business Analytics for Strategic and Organizational Performance
- BADM 638 Strategic Decision Making
Advance your career in artificial intelligence with Cumberlands' streamlined master's program. Designed for completion in just 12 months (three semesters) for full-time students, our hybrid AI program equips you with essential skills in business intelligence, IT management, data mining, and information security. The executive master’s in AI focuses on key areas including AI applications in various sectors like manufacturing, sales, marketing, healthcare, and financial services, along with data visualization, AI in operations management, business transformation through AI, and a one-credit-hour practical project.
The program structure includes two eight-week sessions and one 16-week session across fall, spring, and summer semesters. Full-time students typically enroll in 6-9 credit hours per semester, taking one or two classes each bi-term.
Program Length: 31 credits, completed over a period of 20 months.
Core Courses:
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MSAI 511 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
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MSAI 532 Neural Networks and Deep Learning
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MSAI 536 Natural Language Processing
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MSAI 544 Application of AI in Healthcare
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MSAI 578 Data Visualization
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MSAI 630 Generative AI with Large Language Models
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MSAI 631 Artificial Intelligence for Human-Computer Interaction
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MSAI 632 Application of AI in Risk Management
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MSAI 599 Transforming Your Business with Artificial Intelligence
Designed for professionals with a bachelor's degree in data science, the University of the Cumberlands' Executive Master’s Degree in Data Science enhances your credentials and helps achieve career objectives in just one year (3 semesters). The curriculum delves into essential areas like statistics, mathematics, business, information science, data integration, graphic design, and communication, fostering a comprehensive understanding of data science.
Program Length: 31 credits, completed over a period of 20 months.
This 31-credit program includes 27 credits in core subjects like Statistics for Data Science, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing, complemented by a 4-credit Capstone project. You'll undertake a project in your area of interest, encompassing data collection, preparation, and processing to derive and report business insights. The program also offers the option of an applied learning practicum or internship.
Core Courses:
- MSDS 530 Fundamentals of Data Science
- MSDS 531 Statistics for Data Science
- MSDS 532 Data Science Programming with Python
- MSDS 533 Data Management for Data Science
- MSDS 534 Deep Learning
- MSDS 535 Data Mining
- MSDS 630 Natural Language Processing
- MSDS 631 R Programming
- MSDS 632 Big Data
Enhance your career in combating cybercrime with the University of the Cumberlands' Executive Master’s Degree in Digital Forensics. Tailored for individuals with a baccalaureate degree already working in the field, this program elevates your qualifications and helps you achieve your professional aspirations.
Program Length: 31 credits, completed over a period of 20 months. In this program, you will:
- Master best practices in forensics technology to investigate data compromised by illegal activities.
- Actively engage in data recovery processes.
- Develop essential skills for a career in cyber forensics.
- Prepare for leadership roles in IT across various fields and industries.
Core Courses:
- MSDF 530 – Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques
- MSDF 531 – Windows Digital Forensics
- MSDF 532 – Windows Registry Forensics
- MSDF 534 - Wireless Security and Forensics
- MSDF 535 Network Forensics
- MSDF 630 – Digital Forensics Evidence
- MSDF 631 – Malware Analysis and Mitigation
- MSDF 632 – INFOSEC Leadership and Communications
- MSDF 633 – Computer Crimes and Digital Forensics
- MSDF 634 – Web Browser Forensics
Enhance your expertise in blockchain technology with the University of the Cumberlands' Executive Program in Global Business, featuring a specialized focus on blockchain. This unique program is designed to position you at the forefront of business and IT, two rapidly evolving sectors.
The program offers:
- In-depth understanding of blockchain technology through virtual labs, research, and practical exercises.
- A comprehensive curriculum that explores blockchain applications in a global business setting.
- Skills development in programming for crypto assets, blockchain data mining, and the creation of cryptocurrencies, hyper ledgers, Ethereum, and decentralized applications.
- Analysis of blockchain's impact on various business aspects and strategies to address specific industry challenges and needs in blockchain technology.
Program Length: 31 credits, completed over a period of 20 months.
Core Courses:
- BLCN 531 Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
- BLCN 532 Blockchain Development
- BLCN 533 Finance and Blockchain
- BLCN 534 Fundamentals of Database Systems
- BLCN 535 Cryptography*
- BLCN 631 Blockchain Implementation
- BLCN 632 Data Mining**
- BLCN 633 Global Marketing and Blockchain
- BLCN 634 Human Resource Management and Blockchain
- BLCN 636 Legal & Regulatory Framework of Blockchain
- *BLCN 535 Cryptography is currently taught as ISOL 535
- **BLCN 632 Data Mining is currently taught as ITS 632
University of the Cumberlands' Executive Master of Science in Information Security Systems is a program tailored for IT professionals with a baccalaureate degree, seeking to advance their education and credentials. This program is aligned with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA) cybersecurity education standards, as well as the (ISC)² CISSP Common Body of Knowledge, preparing you for the CISSP certification exam.
The University of the Cumberlands is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the NSA and DHS, placing it among an elite group of just over 200 universities nationwide, and one of only three in Kentucky with this designation.
Program Length: 36 credits, completed over a period of 20 months.
Core Courses:
- ISOL 531 – Access Control
- ISOL 532 – Telecommunications and Network Security
- ISOL 533 – Information Security and Risk Management
- ISOL 534 – Application Security
- ISOL 535 – Cryptography
- ISOL 536 – Security Architecture and Design
- ISOL 631 – Operations Security
- ISOL 632 – Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery Planning
- ISOL 633 – Legal Regulations, Compliance, and Investigation
- ISOL 634 – Physical Security
Elevate your IT career with the University of the Cumberlands' Master of Science in Information Technology. This advanced degree program builds upon your undergraduate studies, offering in-depth knowledge in computer science, data intelligence, analytics, and security, essential for high-level roles across various economic sectors. The curriculum focuses on key areas such as business intelligence, IT management, data mining, and information security. It delves into topics like cloud computing and data mining, emphasizing practical application in real-world scenarios.
Program Length: 36 credits, completed over a period of 20 months.
Core Courses:
- ITS 530 – Analyzing and Visualizing Data
- ITS 531 – Business Intelligence
- ITS 532 – Cloud Computing
- ITS 630 – Organization Leadership and Decision Making
- ITS 631 – Operational Excellence
- ITS 632 – Introduction to Data Mining
- ITS 535 - System Analysis and Design
- ITS 536 - Human Computer Interaction and Usability
- ITS 537 - Information Technologies and Mobile Applications
- ITS 538 - Database Systems
The University of the Cumberlands' Executive Master's in Organizational Leadership is crafted to prepare professionals for advanced leadership roles within their organizations. The program's curriculum goes beyond basic leadership theories and methods, offering insights into specialized leadership areas and diverse organizational contexts, including private, public, for-profit, and non-profit sectors.
Program Length: 31 credits, completed over a period of 20 months.
Core Courses:
- LEAD 530 Foundations of Organizational Leadership
- LEAD 531 Introduction to Non-Profit Management
- LEAD 532 Research Methods and Analysis
- LEAD 639 Organizational Leadership Capstone
- BADM 532 Organizational Behavior
- BADM 632 Advanced Human Resource Management
- BADM 631 Managing in a Global Environment
- BADM 645 Strategic Leadership
The University of the Cumberlands' Executive Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM) program is designed to provide you with essential skills for effective project management, enhancing your ability to excel and stand out in the competitive business landscape. The program focuses on teaching proven theories and practical strategies for managing various projects, both within and outside the corporate setting, ensuring you become adept at overseeing projects from inception to completion.
Program Length: 31 credits, completed over a period of 20 months.
Core Courses:
- BADM 532 Organizational Behavior
- BADM 537 Legal/Ethical/Social Environment
- BADM 623 Project Management Processes
- BADM 627 Project Risk and Quality Management
- BADM 628 Project Human Resources and Stakeholder Management
- BADM 633 Planning the Project
- BADM 634 Initiating the Project
- BADM 635 Executing the Project
- BADM 636 Monitoring/Controlling and Closing the Project
- BADM 637 Strategic Application in Project Management
The Executive Master's in Strategic Management at the University of the Cumberlands blends online learning with a residency component, catering to working professionals seeking a flexible yet comprehensive program. This hybrid format combines online coursework with practical, hands-on training in strategic management theories and applications. The program enhances your existing academic and professional experience, equipping you with advanced strategic management techniques, frameworks, and best practices.
On completing the program, you will have deepened your expertise in strategic management, gaining skills crucial for management and leadership roles. You'll learn to develop effective management strategies and organizational objectives, enhance your analytical and critical thinking for sound decision-making, and understand your ethical and legal responsibilities as a business leader.
Program Length: 31 credits, completed over a period of 20 months.
Core Courses:
- BACC 532 Strategic Management Accounting
- BADM 624 Competitive Strategy
- BADM 625 Mergers and Acquisitions
- BADM 626 Management Consulting
- BADM 631 Managing in a Global Environment
- BADM 632 Advanced HR Management
- BADM 645 Strategic Leadership
- BADM 652 Strategic Organizational Design
- BADM 677 Business Ethics, Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
- BADM 698 Strategic Management*
All students in the Executive Master of Science in Strategic Management program must successfully pass a written Comprehensive Examination, conducted during or after the BADM/BUOL 698 Strategic Management course, to fulfill the degree requirements.
The University of the Cumberlands' online Master of Science in Cyber Engineering (MSCE) program merges various technical disciplines to provide skills essential for excelling in today's competitive job market. This program focuses on analyzing and resolving complex computing challenges, securing critical infrastructures, and maintaining safe operations amidst growing cyber threats. With a flexible learning approach, UC enables you to balance work and study, ensuring professional growth under the guidance of expert instructors.
The curriculum, spanning 31 credit hours with options for 8-week or 16-week courses, encompasses Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science. Key courses include Cyber Engineering and the Network, Cyber Engineering Access Control, Robotics System Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence.
Core Courses:
- MSCE 530 Principles of Cyber Engineering
- MSCE 531 Cyber Engineering and the Network
- MSCE 532 Digital Forensics and Cyber Engineering
- MSCE 533 Computer Interaction and Usability Engineering
- MSCE 534 Principles of Cybersecurity
- MSCE 535 Cyber Engineering Access Control
- MSCE 630 Network System Engineering
- MSCE 631 Robotics System Engineering
- MSCE 632 Artificial Intelligence
- MSCE 690 Cyber Engineering Project
Elevate your financial career with the University of the Cumberlands' Executive Master’s Degree in Finance (MSF), tailored for working professionals aiming for long-term success in the finance sector. Ideal for those with a bachelor's degree in business or a related field, this program builds upon your existing experience and business knowledge to prepare you for new professional challenges.
The MSF program combines online coursework with immersive residency weekends, featuring case studies, simulations, and finance models. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of contemporary financial theories and practices essential in the finance industry. Upon graduation, you will be well-equipped for advanced roles in the finance sector.
Program Length: 31 credits, completed over a period of 20 months.
Core Courses:
- BACC 681 - Financial Accounting & Analysis
- BADM 682 - Quantitative Methods for Finance
- BADM 683 - Financial Services, Regulation, & Ethics
- BADM 684 - Financial Modeling & Valuation
- BADM 685 - Economics Analysis for Decision Making
- BADM 686 - Corporate Finance
- BADM 687 - Financial Planning & Wealth Management
- BADM688 - Big Data & Financial Analytics
- BADM 689 - Global Capital Markets & International Finance
- BADM 691 - Capstone - Strategic Financial Management
The University of the Cumberlands' Executive Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management equips you with advanced skills for business innovation and the competencies required for postsecondary teaching roles. This program, blending business philosophy, critical thinking, and evidence-based practices, is ideal for careers in teaching, research, or business.
Building on your academic background and practical business experience, this hybrid graduate degree covers professional research and core business subjects, including comparative economics, corporate finance, managerial ethics, and social responsibility.
Program Length: 66 credits, completed over a period of 3-4 years.
Core Courses:
- BACC 731 Advanced Managerial Accounting
- BADM 733 Strategic Marketing: Research and Practice
- BADM 734 Corporate Finance: Fiscal Management in a Global Climate
- BADM 735 Comparative Economics
- BADM 737 Managerial Ethics and Social Responsibility
- BADM 838 Strategic Thinking, Decision-Making, and Innovation
The University of the Cumberlands' Executive PhD in Information Technology is a hybrid degree program, comprising 60 credit hours, tailored for professionals seeking to elevate their IT careers. This program includes professional research courses, content specialty courses, and mandatory residencies.
Designed for working professionals and international students with visa requirements, this hybrid format offers the flexibility of online learning combined with essential on-campus residencies. Each semester includes one mandatory residency weekend, complementing the online coursework. The curriculum focuses on advanced leadership and practical technical strategies, covering topics from information governance to emerging threats and countermeasures
Program Length: 60 credits, completed over a period of 3-4 years.
Core Courses:
- ITS 831 – Information Technology Importance in Strategic Planning
- ITS 832 – Information Technology in a Global Economy
- ITS 833 – Information Governance
- ITS 834 – Emerging Threats and Countermeasures
- ITS 835 – Enterprise Risk Management
- ITS 836 – Data Science and Big Data Analytics
The Executive Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at the University of the Cumberlands is a hybrid doctoral program designed for those aiming to lead educational organizations. This program equips you with the necessary skills for empathetic and insightful leadership, inspiring staff and students, and contributing meaningful research in your field. Its online courses and flexible scheduling allow full-time professionals to pursue their Ph.D. and set new career goals. The curriculum includes a comprehensive study of effective leadership and administrative practices, a deep dive into the political aspects of organizational decision-making, program planning, assessment strategies, and global leadership trends.
For educators seeking Kentucky Rank 1 certification, this Ph.D. program, combined with additional coursework from the School of Education, fulfills the requirements. Note that obtaining a Ph.D. or Ed.D. alone does not grant Kentucky Rank 1 certification; it must be accompanied by a planned program from the School of Education, including specific courses. Our advisors are available to guide you through the necessary coursework for both the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies and Kentucky Rank 1 certification.
Program Length: 66 credits, completed over a period of 3-4 years.
Core Courses:
- LEAS 730 The Politics of Organizational Decision-Making
- LEAC 731 Learning in Adulthood
- LEAS 732 Program Planning and Assessment
- LEAS 830 Leadership in Theory and Practice
- LEAS 833 Higher Education in America
- LEAS 835 The Change Process
- LEAC 834 Leadership in Historical Context
- LEAS 836 Current Trends and Issues in Leadership*
In the executive format programs, the applied learning component (internship/practicum) is a crucial element of the curriculum. Consequently, executive format students are required to enroll in INTR during every term of their program. Furthermore, with the approval of the Department Director and/or Chair, completing three (3) hours of INTR 799/899 can substitute for LEAS 836 as part of the degree requirements.
Enrollment Window
Start Date | Application Deadline | |
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Summer 2 2024
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July 26/2024
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August 26/2024
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Winter 2025
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January 06/2025
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December 06/2024
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University of the Cumberlands offers six enrollment windows throughout the year. The application deadlines vary across different programs, most of which adopt a rolling basis for admission. It is advisable to apply at least four weeks before the start of the term.
If you miss this deadline, please contact us. We can assist in expediting your application process and help you get your offer and I-20 in 3 days.
* If you are F-1 transfer student (Valid SEVIS), the application deadline is two weeks before the program start date. Otherwise, the deadline is eight weeks prior to the program start date.
How to apply and waive the application fee?
1. Start the Application: Fill out the form below to receive application instruction and visa advice.
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Contact us to waive the application fee.
2. Submit Application Documents:
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Academic Transcripts: official transcripts from all educational institutions you have attended, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
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Diploma: highest degree diplomas.
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Resume: current personal resume.
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Foreign Transcript Evaluation: provide a foreign transcript evaluation (if applicable).
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English Proficiency Test: can be waived if you hold a U.S. degree.
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TOEFL: 79 or above
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IELTS: 6.0 or above
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Duolingo: 100 or above
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Financial Documentation: a bank statement within the past three months. For a spouse applying for an F-2 visa, add $6,000; for each child on an F-2 visa, add $3,000.
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Master's program: $19,215
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Doctoral program: $22,350
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Immigration Documentation:
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Copy of Passport
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Current I-94
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F-1 Visa (if applicable)
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Current I-20 (if applicable)
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I-797 Notice (if applicable)
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EAD Card (if applicable)
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The admission process typically takes 4 weeks; contact us in urgent cases for premium processing, which can reduce the processing time to 1-3 days.
3. SEVIS Transfer (for OPT students): After receiving your admission letter, reach out to DSO to coordinate the SEVIS transfer timing and complete the required forms to transfer SEVIS to University of the Cumberlands.