Graduate International Programs

Why Union?

Click the video to hear about the features and benefits of our program from graduate international students earning their masters.

Thank you for your interest in Union Commonwealth University’s Graduate International Program.

Highlights include:

  • SEVP-certified
  • Day 1 CPT
  • Designed specifically for F-1 visa holders
  • All degrees include Post-completion OPT
  • Fully accredited by SACSCOC
  • Affordable yet in-demand degrees for a rapidly changing international job market


Our Graduate International Admissions Teams is eager to support you on your academic and professional journey. Please review the information below and reach out to our admission counselors to find out what Union Commonwealth University has to offer. We look forward to hearing from you!


We accept applicants who are currently studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, but welcome those who are applying for or plan on changing their current visa to an F-1. 

Benefits of our program are:

  • You are free to live anywhere in the United States while enrolled
  • The ability to work in your discipline of study while obtaining an advanced degree
  • Degree completion in as little as 5 semesters
  • Opportunity to complete a dual master’s degree in 8 semesters by combining two of Graduate International program offerings
  • All programs are offered in a hybrid format and meet all USCIS and SEVIS regulations to help you maintain F-1 visa status
  • A mandatory weekend residency each semester which allows students to network with each other and faculty members

  • Graduate International Degree Programs

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


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


  • Program Requirements

    • Successful Completion of required program courses (as detailed by program in links above)
    • (1) weekend residency session per semester (Fri-Sun) 
    • Successful completion of curricular practicum training
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA exit requirement

  • Residency Attendance

    Residency weekend sessions are mandatory every semester of enrollment.  Each student must attend (1) residency weekend per semester.  


    • F-1 Visa holders must attend all days to receive credit and fulfill immigration in-seat class component to retain F-1 status

    • Failure to any part of full session will result in being counted absence for the entire residency

    • No requests for late arrival or early departure will be approved

    • Missing a residency will result in being dismissed from the program and SEVIS record (I-20) termination.


  • Admissions Process

    To be accepted you must submit the following:

    • Graduate International Application for Admission

    • Documentation of language fluency for non-native speakers of English such as a score report from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo

    • Students applying for residency and an F1 visa must provide a copy of their current passport. 

    • Provide official transcripts of all attempted credit from previously attended colleges and universities (transcripts from schools outside of the US need to be evaluated from WES, ECE, IERF, EP, or InCred

    • Complete a signed curriculum contract 


  • Tuition

    $3,310 PER SEMESTER

    • Residency (3hrs) & CPT (1hr) courses: $550 per credit hour or $2,200 per semester
    • Online required course (3hrs): $370 per credit hour or $1,110 per semester
    • One overload online course (3hrs) available each semester at $370 per credit hour
    • Application fee $0
    • Graduation fee $50

To view and download more information about our Graduate International Program, including additional requirements, curriculum practical training and tuition, please click the following button.

Learn More About Union College

Union Commonwealth University is a small, spirited, independent liberal arts college in the Appalachian Mountain range. The College, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, was founded in 1879 - a time when simple survival, not higher education, was the top priority of most of the country. But for the citizens of Barbourville, a town of 450 souls and three brick buildings, establishing a college for their children was essential. The name they chose reflected the unity of purpose they felt: To a man (and woman), they believed education was the path to leadership. While our passion for our region remains unchanged, our reach now exceeds Southeast Kentucky and into the greater world.   

Contact Us


Graduate International Admissions

Phone: (606) 546-1620


Union College

310 College Street

Barbourville, KY 40906



gradonline@unionky.edu