Tennessee Wesleyan University

Welcome to Tennessee Wesleyan

Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) is a private, non-profit institution with its main campus in Athens, Tennessee. The university is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). TWU offers executive, hybrid Master’s programs designed specifically for working professionals, including a Day 1 CPT option that integrates mandatory practical training (Internship course) from the start.

Location

Knoxville, TN

Private Non-Profit

On-Site Frequency

1 three-day weekend per semester

Annual Tuition

$14,400

Program Duration

20 Months

Location

Day 1 CPT Programs

Tuition Fees

Academic Calendar

Application

Why Choose TWU for CPT?

Tennessee Wesleyan University's executive programs offer a combination of affordability, flexibility, and key professional advantages for international students:

High Affordability: With a tuition rate of $600 per credit hour and a total program cost of $18,000 (for 30 credits), TWU is one of the most budget-friendly options for Day 1 CPT in the Southeast.
Non-Profit Status: As a non-profit school, graduates are eligible for the H-1B Master's Cap, providing a potential advantage in the annual visa lottery.
Minimal Residency: Students are only required to attend an intensive residency session once per semester (typically a Friday–Sunday weekend) at the Knoxville campus, which is near a major airport (TYS).
STEM Option Available: The Executive Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) is STEM-designated, providing graduates with eligibility for the 24-month OPT extension.
Frequent Intakes: TWU offers six program intakes per year (e.g., Jan, Mar, May, Jun, Aug, Oct), providing maximum flexibility for F-1 transfer dates.

Location

Programs

Executive MBA

The Executive MBA at Tennessee Wesleyan University is a 30-credit-hour program designed to prepare working professionals for high-level leadership and strategic management roles. Offered in a low-residency hybrid format, the curriculum blends online coursework with mandatory on-campus residency weekends held once per semester at the West Knoxville campus. Students can specialize in diverse concentrations such as Accounting, Finance, Healthcare Management, or Information Technology to align with their specific career trajectories. The program emphasizes the practical application of business theory through an integrated Applied Learning Practicum, allowing students to implement leadership strategies in real-time professional environments.

Executive MS in Business Analytics (MSBA)

The Executive MSBA is a STEM-designated program that equips students with the technical and analytical tools needed to transform complex data into strategic business insights. Students explore foundational and advanced topics in data management, visualization, and ethical decision-making while gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard analytics tools. The 30-credit curriculum features concentrations in Information Technology or Marketing, ensuring graduates can lead data-driven initiatives across varied industrial sectors. Designed for flexibility, the program combines asynchronous online sessions with intensive in-person residencies, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking to advance in a data-driven global economy.

Executive MS in Project Management (MSPM)

TWU’s Executive MSPM program focuses on the tactical and quantitative skills required to lead, manage, and coordinate complex organizational initiatives successfully. The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of the project lifecycle, from strategic planning and risk assessment to fulfillment and evaluation. Students learn to align project outcomes with stakeholder needs and organizational goals, mastering the art of effective communication and team leadership along the way. Through its executive hybrid structure, the program facilitates "Day 1 CPT" for eligible international students, allowing for a seamless integration of academic study and professional work experience.

Tuition Fees

Tuition for master programs at Tennessee Wesleyan University is fixed per semester.
Total Semester Estimate: $4,800
Total Annual Estimate: $14,400 (3 semesters)
Total Program Estimate: $18,000

The total cost of the program, including all required CPT fees ($600 x 5 semesters = $3,000) is approximately $21,000

Enrollment Fee: $2,500

Academic Calendar

TWU’s academic calendar is designed to facilitate continuous CPT authorization, running on a three-semester schedule (Fall, Spring, Summer), with two terms per semester.

Policy Item	Detail
Intake Terms	6 per year (Approx. every 8-10 weeks).
CPT Start Eligibility	Day 1 CPT is authorized for F-1 transfer students. CPT authorization can start up to 30 days before the first day of classes.
Enrollment Requirement	Continuous enrollment is required across all three semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer). Students must take at least 7 credit hours (6 academic credits + 1 CPT course) per semester.
CPT Renewal	CPT must be renewed every semester by enrolling in the 1-credit Applied Learning Practicum/Internship course (INTR course).
Residency Policy	Mandatory attendance at one residency weekend per semester. Students are typically dismissed if they miss a second residency session.