Welcome to Sofia University
Sofia University is a private institution with its main campus located in Palo Alto, California (Silicon Valley), and an additional campus in Costa Mesa, CA. The university is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and operates on a quarter system. Sofia is a popular choice for international students seeking Day 1 CPT through its professional hybrid Master's programs featuring a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component.
Location
- Palo Alto, CA
- Private For-Profit
On-Site Frequency
- Once per month (Weekend session, 1 day)
Annual Tuition
- $12,000 - $14,000
Program Duration
- 18-30 months
Why Choose Sofia University for CPT?
Sofia University's programs are structured to offer maximum flexibility and practical experience, which are crucial for F-1 students:
- Silicon Valley Access: Its Palo Alto location places students directly in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering unparalleled access to leading tech companies and high-value CPT opportunities.
- Low Residency Requirement: The hybrid format typically requires only one mandatory on-site session per month (a weekend day), allowing high flexibility for full-time employment. (Note: MSCS may require twice a month in the first term).
- Key STEM Programs: The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) and the MBA with a Data Analytics Concentration are STEM-designated, providing graduates with eligibility for the 24-month OPT extension.
- Quarter System Flexibility: The four-quarter system allows students to maintain CPT authorization 365 days a year. Students who complete three consecutive quarters may take one quarter off (vacation quarter) and remain eligible for full-time CPT during that break.
- Affordable Bay Area Tuition: With annual tuition starting around $12,000 for the MSCS, Sofia offers one of the most cost-competitive Day 1 CPT options in the high-cost Bay Area region.
Location
Programs
Master of Science (MS) - Computer Science (MSCS)
The MSCS program at Sofia University is a STEM-designated degree that blends core computing principles with cutting-edge specializations in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. Students engage in a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) environment, allowing them to apply technical theories to real-world challenges in the heart of Silicon Valley. The curriculum emphasizes "transpersonal" technology, encouraging students to develop emotional intelligence alongside advanced skills in data modeling and software engineering. Graduates are prepared for high-impact roles as software architects and AI researchers who lead with both technical precision and human-centered intuition.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - General
Sofia’s General MBA offers a transformative approach to business leadership by integrating traditional business fundamentals with the principles of transpersonal psychology. The 36-unit curriculum focuses on developing "authentic leadership," where self-awareness and emotional intelligence are treated as essential tools for strategic decision-making. Through the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component, students gain hands-on experience by applying classroom concepts to their professional roles in real-time. This program prepares purpose-driven managers to lead multinational teams with a global perspective and a commitment to organizational well-being.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -Data Analytics
The MBA in Data Analytics is a STEM-certified program designed for leaders who want to master the quantitative side of business without losing sight of the human element. This 48-unit pathway incorporates technical electives from the computer science department, covering high-demand topics like Data Visualization and Mining Massive Data Sets. Students learn to navigate the intersection of AI and business, using evidence-based insights to solve complex operational challenges and drive innovation. Graduates emerge as data-savvy executives capable of interpreting complex analytics to inform sustainable and ethical corporate strategies.
Doctorate (DBA) - Business Administration
The DBA at Sofia University is a professional doctorate focused on "Transpersonal Leadership," designed for experienced executives seeking to solve the world's most complex business challenges. Over a three-year journey, doctoral candidates bring a tangible real-world business project to their learning cohort, applying rigorous academic research to create innovative, sustainable solutions. The program replaces a traditional dissertation with an applied research project and a personalized Leadership Plan, supported by peer mentoring and global networking. Graduates achieve the highest level of professional expertise, ready to serve as transformative change agents, consultants, or professors in the global knowledge economy.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for Master’s programs (like the MBA and MSCS) at Sofia University, located in Palo Alto, California, are structured on a quarterly basis and are highly competitive for a Bay Area institution.
Total Semester Estimate: $4,020 (6 units/credits per quarter)
Total Annual Estimate: $16,080 (4 quarters per year)
Total Program Estimate: $24,120
CPT Fee : $500 per quarter
Student Services Fee: $290 per quarter
Academic Calendar
Sofia University’s quarter system dictates a rigorous and continuous CPT schedule.
| Policy Item | Detail | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Intake Terms | 4 per year (January, April, July, September/October) | ||
| CPT Start Eligibility | Day 1 CPT is authorized from the first day of the quarter for eligible F-1 transfer students, as the WIL component is required. | ||
| Enrollment Requirement | Students must be enrolled full-time (minimum of 6 credits of regular courses) plus the mandatory 1-credit/0-unit Internship (CPT) course every quarter. | ||
| CPT Renewal | CPT must be requested and approved by the DSO every quarter to maintain authorization. | ||
| Residency Structure | Once per month (typically a weekend day). Attendance is mandatory. | ||
| Full-Time CPT & OPT | Utilizing more than 364 days of full-time CPT will lead to the loss of OPT eligibility for that degree level. Students must track their usage carefully. |