Harrisburg University
STEM-only university in Pennsylvania with Day 1 CPT and mandatory internship components.
About Harrisburg University
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, founded in 2005 in Pennsylvania's capital, is one of the few U.S. universities exclusively devoted to STEM graduate education. With nearly 7,000 students from 102 countries and accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Harrisburg University integrates experiential learning into every major — each undergraduate program requires a formal internship. This makes it particularly well-aligned with F1 students pursuing Day 1 CPT as part of their degree requirements.
Programs Offered at HU
MS in Computer Science
MS in Data Science
MS in Cybersecurity
MS in Electrical Engineering
CPT at Harrisburg University
CPT Availability
Harrisburg University publishes a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) process for eligible F-1 students. Earliest published timing: Day 1. A DSO must approve each request, and employment cannot begin before the student receives the CPT-endorsed I-20.
Academic Format
Published in-person attendance: Bi-weekly (PA campus). Delivery format can vary by program, campus, and student status; confirm the exact schedule and location with the university before enrolling.
Academic Integration
CPT employment must be integral to the curriculum and directly related to the student's major. Published renewal timing: Each semester. Confirm the required course and approval criteria with the DSO.
Student Responsibilities
F-1 students must maintain lawful enrollment, work only for the employer and at the location and dates authorized on page 2 of the I-20, and obtain DSO approval before beginning or changing employment. School-specific rules are listed below when the university publishes them.
Investment Overview
How to Apply to HU
Required Documents
- Online application
- Official transcripts (all degrees)
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- Passport and visa copy
- GRE scores (if applicable)
- English proficiency test scores
Application Process
- Review Program RequirementsConfirm the program, campus, delivery format, attendance schedule, tuition, and current application deadline with the university.
- Gather DocumentsPrepare the academic, identity, immigration, English-proficiency, and financial documents listed for your applicant type.
- Submit ApplicationApply online for one of the intake dates: January, May, August.
- Complete F-1 Onboarding and Apply for CPT SeparatelyAdmission and CPT authorization are separate decisions. After completing the university’s F-1 onboarding steps and obtaining a qualifying offer, submit the CPT request and wait for a DSO-issued CPT I-20 before working.
Common Questions about HU
Yes. Harrisburg University authorizes Day 1 CPT for all eligible F1 STEM graduate students.
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