Welcome to University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands, located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, is a private, non-profit university affiliated with the Baptist faith, known for its commitment to affordability and accessibility. It offers a wide array of programs, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, including many popular online and hybrid graduate programs that cater to working adults and international students. The university has gained significant attention for its cost-effective tuition model, particularly for its various online Master's degree tracks. Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Location
- Williamsburg, Kentucky
- Private Non-Profit
On-Site Frequency
- Once per Semester
Annual Tuition
- $9,882
Program Duration
- 20-24 months
Why Choose University of the Cumberlands for CPT?
The University of the Cumberlands (UC) is a popular choice for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) among international F-1 students, primarily because its Executive Master's programs are explicitly structured to integrate immediate work experience with education.
Key Advantages for CPT Students at UC
Day 1 CPT Eligibility & Continuous Enrollment
- Immediate Authorization: UC's Executive Master's programs are designed to allow eligible students to apply for CPT authorization from the first day of their program, as the practical training is an integral and required part of the curriculum.
- Required Practicum: Students must enroll in the Applied Learning Practicum (INTR 599) course every semester, which is the mechanism for authorizing continuous CPT throughout the program's 20-24 months duration.
- Three Semesters Annually: UC runs on a three-semester calendar (Fall, Spring, Summer), which allows students to maintain CPT and make faster progress toward their degree.
Affordability and Inclusiveness
- Low Cost: UC is highly competitive on price, offering a per-credit-hour rate that makes the total program cost very affordable compared to many other universities.
- "One Price Promise": The university's tuition model often includes textbooks, technology, and other fees within the per-credit rate, eliminating many potential unexpected costs.
- No CPT Fee: There is typically no separate fee for the CPT application or the CPT course itself beyond the standard tuition and executive fees.
Program Flexibility and Structure
- Low On-Site Requirement: Students are typically required to attend just one mandatory three-day intensive residency weekend on the Williamsburg campus per semester. The rest of the coursework is completed online, offering maximum flexibility for maintaining full-time employment.
- Nationwide CPT: UC places no geographical restrictions on where students can work for their CPT, allowing them to pursue job opportunities anywhere in the U.S.
- STEM-Designated Programs: Many popular Executive Master's programs, such as the MS in Information Technology and MS in Project Management, are STEM-designated, which makes graduates eligible for the STEM OPT extension after graduation.
Location
Programs
Executive MS in Information Technology (MSIT)
The Executive MSIT program provides a high-level strategic overview of information technology management, preparing students to lead complex digital organizations. The 31-credit STEM-designated curriculum focuses on IT governance, project management, and the integration of emerging technologies into corporate infrastructure. Delivered via a flexible executive hybrid format, the program allows students to balance their professional careers with residency requirements in a collaborative environment. Graduates emerge with the technical and managerial skills necessary to excel as IT directors, systems architects, and technology consultants in a global market.
Executive MS in Data Science
This Executive program is designed for professionals who wish to master the analytical and computational techniques required to handle large-scale datasets. Students dive deep into machine learning, data mining, and predictive modeling while exploring the ethical implications of data-driven decision-making. The 31-credit STEM curriculum combines rigorous mathematical theory with hands-on applications in statistical programming and big data architecture. By completing this degree in the executive hybrid format, graduates are prepared for high-demand roles like Data Scientists and Business Intelligence Managers in diverse industries.
Executive MS in Cyber Engineering
The Executive MS in Cyber Engineering blends traditional engineering principles with advanced cybersecurity protocols to protect critical hardware and software infrastructures. Students focus on the design of secure systems, exploring topics such as cryptography, secure embedded systems, and network vulnerability assessment. This 31-credit STEM program emphasizes a proactive approach to defense, training engineers to build resiliency into the core of digital architectures. The program’s executive format facilitates networking with industry experts, preparing graduates for leadership roles in national security and private sector engineering firms.
Executive MS in Information Systems Security
Designed for aspiring security leaders, this program focuses on the strategic protection of information assets through risk management and incident response frameworks. The curriculum covers essential security domains including access control, disaster recovery, and compliance with global regulatory standards. As a STEM-designated degree, it provides students with the technical acumen to implement robust defense strategies while managing the human elements of cybersecurity. Graduates are well-equipped for senior leadership positions such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Lead Security Auditor within high-stakes environments.
Executive MBA
The Executive MBA at the University of the Cumberlands offers a comprehensive business leadership education tailored for mid-to-senior level professionals seeking executive growth. The program emphasizes strategic management, financial analysis, and organizational behavior, all through the lens of data-driven decision-making. With a flexible hybrid schedule that includes residency weekends, the curriculum allows students to apply classroom concepts directly to their current workplace challenges. Graduates leave with a refined executive mindset, ready to lead organizations through complex market changes and drive sustainable long-term success.
Executive Ph.D. in Information Technology
The Executive Ph.D. in IT is a research-intensive doctoral program designed for scholar-practitioners who aim to reach the highest level of expertise in the technology field. Students engage in advanced coursework covering IT research methods, data analytics, and information security before embarking on a rigorous dissertation process. The program fosters a community of elite professionals who contribute original research to address real-world challenges in technology leadership and innovation. This 60-credit doctoral pathway prepares graduates for distinguished careers as university professors, high-level consultants, or chief technology officers.
Tuition Fees
The tuition for the Executive Master’s Programs (which are commonly used for Day 1 CPT) at the University of the Cumberlands (UC) is among the most affordable options, utilizing a competitive per-credit-hour rate with many inclusions under its “One Price Promise.”
Total Semester Estimate: $3,294
Total Annual Estimate: $9,882(3 semesters)
Total Program Estimate: $17,019 (6 semesters)
CPT Fee (Per Semester): $0
- Application Fee: $30 – $75
- STRF Fee: N/A
- Textbook Cost: $0
Academic Calendar
Westcliff University operates on a system with multiple intakes, enabling CPT authorization to be processed frequently throughout the year. CPT is often authorized to start on the first day of the academic session
| Term Name | Semester Start Date | Application Deadline (F-1 Transfer) | CPT Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 1 2025 | 9/1/2025 | 9/1/2025 | 9/1/2025 |
| Fall 2 2025 | 10/27/2025 | 10/27/2025 | 10/27/2025 |
| Spring 1 2026 | 1/5/2026 | 1/5/2026 | 1/5/2026 |
| Spring 2 2026 | 3/2/2026 | 3/2/2026 | 3/2/2026 |
| Summer 1 2026 | 5/4/2026 | 5/4/2026 | 5/4/2026 |
| Summer 2 2026 | 6/29/2026 | 6/29/2026 | 6/29/2026 |