Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but they are highly selective and require a heavy courseload across a total of six years of study.

In a joint-degree program, students begin a graduate program in their fourth year of college, earning both degrees upon graduation.

MBA programs typically last one to two years.

With permission of the International Student Office, international students may work on campus up to 20 hours/week their first year and can apply to work off-campus in subsequent years.

Yes, although you may lose some credits and require extra time to complete your degree.

Search the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Post-secondary Education website to see if an institution is accredited.

For specialized program accreditation, see “Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education,” available from American Council on Education.

Refer to college and university guides to find which institutions are known for excellence in different fields of study.

U.S. universities require an English language proficiency test before admission to ensure you can read, write, and speak fluently. You can submit scores of TOEFL/IELTS or PTE*

A credit is a value assigned to each course which reflects the number of hours the class will meet with the professor each week.

Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numeric indicator for a student's academic performance, calculated on a scale of 4.0.

Letter grades indicate a student's academic performance. Each letter grade has a numeric value which is used to calculate a GPA, on a scale of 4.0.

Grades are typically determined by quizzes, midterms, final exams, papers, projects, class attendance, and class participation.

State universities are funded by the state and are generally larger and less expensive than private universities.

Each U.S. University will want to review an international student's subjects and may ask the student to contact a credential evaluation agency if necessary.

In case you are a student on F1 visa, then you can start work after 9 months from the time of entering the US. It is known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), however after graduation you can work on what is known as the Optional Practical Training for one year (OPT).

On May 10, 2016, DHS replaced the 17-month STEM OPT extension with a new 24-month STEM OPT extension - Eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students with STEM degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) from Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified and accredited U.S. colleges and universities may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Interested F-1 students must apply for and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
*** Source Education USA – United States Department of State.