University of the Cumberlands
SACSCOC-accredited Kentucky university with the largest graduate enrolment of any school in this directory, delivering executive hybrid master's and doctoral programs through seven U.S. residency locations, with CPT available from the first semester of graduate study.
About University of the Cumberlands
University of the Cumberlands opened in 1889 as Williamsburg Institute and took its present name in 2005. Based in Williamsburg, Kentucky and accredited by SACSCOC, it enrols roughly 22,000 students — about 14,500 of them graduate students, the largest graduate population of any university in this directory. Its Executive Programs are built as a hybrid model: coursework is delivered online, and students attend mandatory three-day weekend residencies at one of seven locations across the United States. Cumberlands states that graduate students may request CPT in their first semester of enrolment, because practical training is treated as an integral part of the executive curriculum — students in executive programs are expected to participate in related work or internship experience every semester.
Campus locations
- Dallas, Texas
- Detroit, Michigan
- Newark, New Jersey
- Northern Kentucky
- San Francisco, California
- Seattle, Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- Main campus — Williamsburg, Kentucky
Academic calendar: Fall, spring, and summer terms; three courses per semester, one of which is residency-based
Programs Offered at UC
Executive Master of Business Administration
Executive Master of Science in Information Technology
Executive Master of Science in Project Management
Executive Master of Science in Information Systems Security
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business
Master of Science in Data Science
Executive doctoral programs (business, IT, leadership)
CPT at University of the Cumberlands
CPT Availability
University of the Cumberlands publishes a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) process for eligible F-1 students. Earliest published timing: First semester of graduate enrolment. 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: Mandatory 3-day weekend residency per semester at your assigned location. Delivery format can vary by program, campus, and student status; confirm the exact schedule and location with the university before enrolling.
Academic Integration
Published curricular requirement: A residency-based course each semester; the program advisor assigns discipline-specific academic credit to the training experience. Renewal timing: Per term and per employer — a request does not carry over to the next term. Approval is not automatic.
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.
UC CPT Rules in Detail
Drawn from University of the Cumberlands’s own published policy pages. Confirm details with the university’s international office before relying on them.
- Curricular mechanism
- Executive Programs (practical training treated as integral to the curriculum)
- Required course
- A residency-based course each semester; the program advisor assigns discipline-specific academic credit to the training experience
- Authorization length
- Specific to one term and one employer; a new application is required each term
- When to apply
- Apply once you hold a qualifying offer letter; you must have a CPT-endorsed I-20 in hand before working
Eligible programs
Restrictions and conditions
- Graduate students only — undergraduates are not eligible for CPT
- Employment must be directly related to your field of study and identified by your program advisor as integral to the degree
- A CPT-endorsed I-20 must be in hand before you begin employment
- The offer letter must be on company letterhead with an original signature from an authorized representative
- The offer letter must be dated within the past six months and include a detailed job description
- A request approved for one term does not automatically carry over to the next term
- Executive students are expected to participate in related work or internship experience every semester
- Twelve months or more of full-time CPT eliminates OPT eligibility
Investment Overview
Published cost breakdown
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition — executive master's | $549 per credit hour | — |
| Tuition — executive doctoral | $749 per credit hour | — |
| Tuition — standard (non-executive) graduate, part-time | $355 per credit hour | — |
| Residency make-up fee | $300 | Charged per missed residency session |
Figures published by University of the Cumberlands and last checked August 8, 2026. Tuition and fees change — confirm current amounts with the university before applying.
How to Apply to UC
Required Documents
- Passport copy
- Current I-20 (transfer students)
- F-1 visa copy
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Proof of financial support
- Qualifying employment offer letter if applying for CPT
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: Fall, spring, and summer terms.
- 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 UC
Cumberlands states that graduate students may request CPT "in their first semester of enrollment," because practical training is treated as an integral part of the graduate curriculum. Undergraduate students are not eligible. You must hold a CPT-endorsed I-20 before beginning any employment.
Sources & verification
- University of the Cumberlands — CPT, OPT & STEM Employment
- University of the Cumberlands — Executive Graduate Student Resources
- University of the Cumberlands — International Graduate Student Resources
- University of the Cumberlands — Accreditation Information
Last verified: August 8, 2026 against the sources listed above.
Not yet confirmed by the institution. This page is compiled from University of the Cumberlands's published materials and has not been reviewed by the university. Tuition, program availability, and CPT policy change frequently. Always confirm current details directly with the university’s international office and your DSO before making enrolment or immigration decisions. CPTGuru is not affiliated with University of the Cumberlands.
Need help deciding if this university fits your goals?
Our CPTGuru advisors have helped hundreds of international students choose the right university and navigate the CPT process successfully.