University of the Cumberlands Day1 CPT PHD in Texas
If you are looking for University of the Cumberlands Day 1 CPT PhD, you already have a job or you are about to lose work status. This option is used to keep working legally while studying, nothing more. The university allows Day 1 CPT for executive PhD programs through its hybrid structure, including the Irving, Texas location. CPT is semester-based, paperwork heavy, and must match your job. It works only if you follow rules closely.
About University of the Cumberlands
Official University Name
University of the Cumberlands
Common Names Used
UC, Cumberlands
University Type
Private university with Christian / Baptist background
Status
Non-profit (501(c)(3))
Year Started
1889 (Originally called Williamsburg Institute)
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This is full regional accreditation. Not fake, not national level.
SEVIS Certified
Yes, the main campus has SEVIS approval. Irving, Texas is an approved off-site instructional location.
This is a real old university. Not a new CPT shop opened last year.
Irving, Texas Location – Campus Reality Check
Important thing first. The Irving location is NOT a standalone UC campus. It operates inside Dallas College North Lake Campus, Building G.
Campus Address
5001 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75038, Building G – Dallas College North Lake Campus
City & Area
Irving, Texas (Las Colinas). This is a suburban business district, not downtown Dallas.
Nearest Airports
- DFW International Airport: ~10 miles (12–15 mins) - Very close
- Dallas Love Field: ~12 miles (20 mins)
Campus Type & Who It Fits
Suburban setting, best for weekend commuters and out-of-state students. Not good if you want daily campus life.
University of the Cumberlands Day 1 CPT Availability
Does CPT Start From First Semester?
Yes. CPT starts from the first semester. The university uses the exception rule for graduate programs that require immediate practical training.
CPT Type Used
Course-Integrated CPT. You must register every semester for a CPT course like INTR 599, INTR 799, or INTR 899. No course = no CPT.
Is CPT Optional or Mandatory?
For executive programs, CPT is mandatory. If you don’t have a job, you cannot stay long in this format.
Job Offer Requirement
Yes. You must already have a job offer letter. No job = no CPT approval.
Who Approves CPT (Step by Step)
- Academic department checks if job matches studies
- Employer signs CPT cooperative agreement
- DSO gives final SEVIS approval and new I-20
All three must be done. Missing one step breaks CPT.
CPT Eligible Programs
- Executive PhD in Business
- Executive PhD in Leadership
- Executive PhD in Information Technology
Undergraduate programs, pure online degrees, and non-executive graduate programs are not eligible for Day 1 CPT. Those require 1 academic year before CPT.
Cumberlands Day1 CPT PHD Fees and Credits
| Program | Total Tuition | Day 1 CPT | Full-time CPT | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. in Business | $44,940 | 60 | ||
| Ph.D. in Information Technology | $44,940 | 60 |
Academic Calendar – Typical Intakes
Spring 1
January
Summer 2
May
Fall 2
August
CPT application usually happens first week of semester. Late submission causes delays. Delays cause panic. Seen it many times.
On-Site Attendance & Residency Rules
Attendance Frequency
Once per semester only. This is less than many other CPT schools.
Residency Duration
3-day weekend (Friday evening, Saturday full day, Sunday half or full day).
Attendance Policy
Mandatory. Missing residency usually means you fail the course, lose F-1 status, and CPT is cancelled. They sometimes use biometric check-ins (fingerprint or ID scan).
Class Location
All residencies are held at 5001 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX.
Ideal Student Profile – Who Should Choose This
Already working full-time and need CPT from day one.
Students living in other states. Flying once every 4 months is manageable.
Laid off workers, H-1B maxed out, or waiting for lottery or priority date.
Total master’s cost roughly $17k – $20k. Cheaper than many CPT schools.
Pros and Cons – Real Talk
- Only one visit per semester
- Affordable compared to competitors
- Very close to DFW airport
- Long university history since 1889
- Real accreditation, non-profit
- Slow admin replies sometimes
- CPT must be renewed every semester
- Heavy weekly assignments
- Residency weekends can be crowded
- Not a “pay and chill” program - you still need to study.
Compliance, Legal Risk & Warnings
Work Hours Rule
Full-time CPT allowed (20+ hrs)
OPT Warning
If you use 12+ months of full-time CPT, you lose OPT. Part-time CPT does not affect OPT.
GPA Requirement
Minimum GPA: 3.0. If GPA drops, you go on probation. If not fixed, dismissal happens and CPT/F-1 end immediately.
FAQs
No. Admission + job + CPT course + DSO approval needed.
Yes, if CPT is approved.
Once per semester. Missing it is serious trouble.
As per university structure, yes. Final judgment is always USCIS.
Final Straight Note
University of the Cumberlands Day1 CPT in Texas is flexible, affordable, and airport-friendly. But it is strict, paperwork heavy, and risky if you are careless.
Think before joining.