Welcome to Dallas Baptist
located in Dallas, Texas. It is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). DBU's Day 1 CPT programs are integrated into its graduate curriculum through a hybrid format, allowing eligible F-1 students to obtain CPT authorization from the beginning of their studies, with specific restrictions for new students.
Location
- Dallas, Texas
- Private Non-Profit
On-Site Frequency
- Once every 1-2 weeks (typically evenings or weekends)
Annual Tuition
- $24,858 (Based on 18 credits/year)
Program Duration
- 1.5 – 2.5 Years (3 to 6 semesters)
Why Choose Dallas Baptist University for CPT?
DBU's program offers a combination of non-profit stability and valuable STEM designations, balanced by a relatively higher cost and more frequent on-site requirement.
- Non-Profit Status: As a non-profit university, DBU graduates are eligible for the H-1B Master's Cap in the visa lottery, which is a major advantage.
- STEM Designation: Multiple programs, including the MS in Information Technology and Management and various MBA/MS concentrations (like Finance and Supply Chain Management), are STEM-certified, allowing graduates to apply for the 24-month OPT extension.
- Day 1 CPT for Select Programs: For new F-1 students, only the Master of Science in Information Technology and Management (MSITM) Professional Track offers Day 1 CPT. Other programs are typically available for Day 1 CPT only to F-1 transfer students or those already under OPT.
- Course Quality: DBU is known for having a high ratio of regular graduate students, which can contribute to a robust academic environment and lower RFE risk in subsequent visa applications.
- Location: Being in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex provides access to a booming job market across various high-tech and corporate sectors.
Location
Programs
Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Technology and Management (ITM)
The MSITM at DBU is a 36-hour, STEM-designated program designed to equip "servant leaders" with future-proof technical and managerial skills. Students master critical areas such as systems architecture, database management, and cloud computing while choosing from concentrations like AI, Fintech, or Cybersecurity. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through industry collaborations, enabling students to solve real-world business problems using disruptive technologies. Graduates are prepared for high-impact roles as Technology Strategists and IT Managers, benefiting from a flexible hybrid format that supports Day 1 CPT for international professionals.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
DBU’s Christ-centered MBA program focuses on preparing ethical leaders to navigate organizational complexity within a diverse, global business environment. This 36-credit-hour degree offers numerous concentrations, including Business Intelligence, Finance, and Health Care Management, allowing for extensive career customization. The program utilizes a "Hy-Flex" delivery model, giving working professionals the choice to attend classes in-person or online interchangeably to fit their busy schedules. Graduates emerge with a strong professional community and the critical thinking skills necessary to lead creatively and build strong, value-driven customer relationships.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Finance
The MS in Finance is a STEM-designated degree that provides a rigorous quantitative foundation in economic analysis, investments, and modern portfolio theory. Students gain specialized expertise through concentrations in Financial Analysis or Financial Technology, exploring emerging trends like blockchain and artificial intelligence. The 36-hour curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for the Level I CFA exam and for high-level careers in corporate financial management or risk analysis. This program can be completed in as few as 18 months, offering the academic preparation needed to influence global financial markets with integrity.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Management
This specialized STEM program focuses on operations research, data analysis, and innovative leadership to challenge students to develop forward-thinking business solutions. The 36-credit curriculum integrates core topics like managing risk and technology innovation with concentrations in General Management or Technology Strategy and Consulting. Students learn to apply big-picture perspectives to strategic decision-making, ensuring that organizational performance is optimized through ethical and effective leadership. Graduates are equipped with the tools to become strategic change agents, ready to lead highly skilled teams in both traditional and disruptive organizations.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Organizational Change and Project Management
The MS in Organizational Change and Project Management is a STEM-designated degree that emphasizes the synergy between operational methodology and strategic implementation. Students master sound project management principles and organizational development strategies to lead large-scale change initiatives while winning the support of key stakeholders. The 36-hour curriculum focuses on creativity and data analytics, providing graduates with the skills to organize and execute effective project strategies that ensure successful results. This program is ideal for leaders who must think strategically and act ethically to optimize resources in rapidly changing corporate environments.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Leadership
DBU’s MA in Leadership is a 30-hour practitioner-focused program designed to empower individuals with the core skills needed for effective leadership in business, government, or nonprofit sectors. The curriculum emphasizes "relational leadership" and emotional intelligence, training students in vision casting, conflict resolution, and collaborative team building. Grounded in the biblical concept of servant leadership, the program offers customizable concentrations that allow students to direct their learning toward specific professional goals. Delivered 100% online in flexible 8-week sessions, this degree enables busy professionals to balance academic scholarship with their personal and professional commitments.
Tuition Fees
DBU’s graduate tuition is charged per credit hour and is comparatively higher than many other Day 1 CPT schools. The cost includes the tuition for the required CPT/Internship course.
- Tuition Per Credit Hour : $1,381
- Minimum Required Credits/Semester: 9 Credits
- Tuition Per Semester (9 Credits): $12,429
- Annual Estimated Tuition (3 Semesters): $24,858
- Total Program Tuition (36 Credits): $49,716
- Technology Fee: $190 per semester
- International Student Fee: $125 per semester
Academic Calendar
DBU operates on a traditional semester system with three intakes per year, with a more frequent on-site requirement than many competitors.
| Policy Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Terms | 3 per year: Fall (Aug), Spring (Jan), Summer (Jun). |
| On-Site Requirement | Once every 1–2 weeks (Hybrid format). Sessions are usually held in the evenings or on weekends at the Dallas campus. |
| Enrollment Requirement | Full-time enrollment (9 credit hours in Fall/Spring, including the 3-credit internship course). |
| New F-1 Student CPT Eligibility | Day 1 CPT is limited to the MSITM Professional Track. Other programs require new students to wait until their third semester to begin CPT. |
| Transfer Student CPT Eligibility | Eligible F-1 transfer students may apply for Day 1 CPT across all listed graduate programs. |
| CPT Renewal | CPT authorization must be renewed every semester/term. |