Click on the links to visit the respective program pages for more information.

• Master of Information Systems Management *
• Master of Healthcare Administration *
• Master of  Management *
• Master of Business Admninistration
• Master of Sports Management

* Denotes STEM Approved program with potential for 3 years of Post-completion OPT

• Successful completion of all required program courses (see program links above)
• One weekend residency each semester (Friday-Sunday)
• Successful completion of curricular practicum training (CPT)
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required for program completion

Residency weekend sessions are mandatory every semester of enrollment. Each student must attend one full residency weekend per semester.

• F-1 visa students must attend all scheduled days to recieve credit and meet the in-person attendance requirement for maintaining F-1 status.
• Missing any portion of hte residency (late arrival, early departure, or partial attendance) will be counted as an absence for the entire session.
• Late arrival or early departure requests cannot be approved.
• Missing a residency will result in dismissal from the program and termination of the SEVIS record (I-20).

To be considered for admission, please submit the following:

• Graduate International Application for Admission
• Proof of English language proficiency for non-native speakers (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score report)
• Copy of your current passport (required for students applying for residency and an F-1 visa)
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
• Transcripts from schools outside of the US must be evaluated by a NACES member such as IEE, WES, ECE, IERF, EP, or InCred.
• Financial documentation showing you can cover tuition and living expenses, as required for F-1 visa eligibility

Process for Initial I-20s

(For applicants who are currently outside the U.S. without an F-1 Visa)

1. Submit your application for admission and all required supporting documents.
2. Recieve your official acceptance letter from the Department of International Graduate Studies.
3. Submit the completed Income Verification Form (provided when you apply) along with all required financial documentation.
4. I-20 issuance: Once all steps are completed, I-20s are typically issued within 7 business days.

Process for Transfer Student I-20s

(For applicants who currently hold a valid F-1 visa and are studying at another U.S. institution)

1. Apply for admission, submit all required documents, and recieve your acceptance letter from the Department of International Graduate Studies.
2. Submit the completed Income Verification Form and all required financial dicouments.
3. Request a SEVIS Transfer-In Form from your Union enrollment advisor.
4. Provide the completed transfer form and your Union acceptance letter to the Designated School Official (DSO) at your current school.
5. Ask your current school's DSO to electronically transer your SEVIS record to Union Commonwealth University.
6. After the SEVIS record has been transferred to Union, we will issue your transfer I-20.

$3,310 per semester

Breakdown:

• Residency (3 credit hours) & CPT (1 credit hour) courses: $550 per credit hour — $2,200 per semester
• Required online course (3 credit hours): $370 per credit hour — $1,110 per semester
• One optional overload online course (3 credit hours): $370 per credit hour

Additional Fees:

• Application fee: $0
• Graduation fee: $50

Documents Needed Before Applying

• Union Commonwealth University acceptance letter and I-20
• I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt.
• Instructions for paying the SEVIS fee and obtaining the receipt: Department of Homeland Security - Form I-901

F-1 Application Process

1. Complete the DS-160 online: Nonimmigrant Visa – Instructions Page
2. Schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate

• It is recommended to apply in your home country rather than a third country if possible.
• Find the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate here: Official list of embassies from the U.S. Department of State
• Check local visa appointment wait times here: Visa Appointment Wait Times

Visa Interview Appointment Information

• Attend your appointment at the assigned location and time.
• Bring the following documents:

1. I-20
2. SEVIS fee receipt (I-901)
3. DS-160 confirmation page
4. copy of financial support documents
5. valid passport
6. Passport-size photographs (uploaded with DS-160)
7. Required visa application forms (available on the U.S. Consular websites)

• Check the website of your U.S. Embassy/Consulate for any additional requirements.
• Pay the visa application fee and attend the interview.
• Helpful Tips: 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa | NAFSA

1. Apply and recieve acceptance to Union Commonwealth University (UCU).
2. Obtain an initial Form I-20 from the university. The Designated School Official (DSO) will list “Change of Status” in the Issue Reason section of the I-20.
3. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee: Department of Homeland Security – Form I-901.
4. File Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS: USCIS Form I-539.

Visa categories not eligible for Change of Status:

• C, D, K, M, WT/WB visitor, and ESTA
• J-1 status holders subject to the 212(e) two-year home-country physical presence requirement cannot change status in the U.S. unless a waiver has been granted.

Requirements for Utilizing CPT

• Must be enrolled full-time, including the Applied Learning Practicum (ALP) course.
• Must have an employment offer directly related to your major field of study.

Documentation Needed

• Completed CPT Application (available once enrolled in the ALP course)
• Detailed training description, which must include:

1. Written on company letterhead
2. Job title and detailed job description
3. Employer contact information: Address, phone, email, and direct supervisor's contact
4. Number of hours per week
5. Start and end dates of employment
6. Relationship of work to program of study/how it relates to major coursework

Steps for CPT Approval

1. Submit the completed CPT Application and training description to your school DSO.
2. The DSO reviews the documents for compliance with USCIS requirements.
3. The DSO issues approval or denial.
4. If approved, a new I-20 with CPT authorization will be issued.
5. Important: Engaging in employment before recieving CPT authorization or without an updated I-20 violates U.S. federal law.

Part Time vs. Full Time CPT

• Part Time CPT: Fewer than 20 hours per week
•  Full Time CPT: 20 hours or more per week
• Note: Accumulating 12 months of full-time CPT eliminates eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).