Technology and Business Master’s Programs for F-1 Visa Holders

Online, Low-Residency | SEVP-Certified | OPT and STEM OPT Eligibility 

Fall 2026 Start

Stevenson University Online offers low-residency business and STEM-focused graduate programs for F-1 Visa holding students to advance their education while managing their work-life balance. All three programs are Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligible, and our Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics and Digital Transformation and Innovation programs are also Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) eligible. Each program includes a 3-day, 1-credit low-residency course at the start of each term.  

Courses are taught by expert faculty who combine theoretical topics with practical skills to provide a foundation for your career success. Stevenson University is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified and is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). 

Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

Master of Science

Fall 2026 Start
Online, Low-Residency Program | SEVP Certified | Eligible for OPT and STEM OPT 

Stevenson University Online’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics is offered as an online program with a 3-day, 1-credit low-residency course at the start of each term. This program is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified, Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligible, and Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) eligible. During the residency, students work with their professors and peers on the Stevenson University campus in Owings Mills, Maryland. Students earn 1 credit after completing the residency.  

The world’s population is increasingly reliant on electronic and digital devices in all aspects of life—from commerce and healthcare to education and government. As the threat landscape evolves and as cyber-attacks become more difficult-to-detect and defend against, demand for cybersecurity and digital forensics professionals is more significant than ever. However, highly-skilled cyber and digital forensics experts are in short supply, with a global shortage of 3.4 million workers in the field.1 (ISC2, 2023). In the United States alone, 500,000 to 700,000 cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled.2(Cyber Seek, n.d.; “Cybersecurity Jobs Report,” 2018). Further, the number of information security jobs is predicted to grow by 35% between 2021 and 2031.3 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). 

Our Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics program trains students to use the latest professional tools and techniques to prevent and investigate cybercrime. Validated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), students in the program gain a holistic understanding of the field through instruction in network and cloud forensics, e-discovery, incident response, and penetration testing, as well as relevant legal and theoretical topics. 

Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) 
Stevenson University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics is recognized by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). The NSA reviewed and validated the program, ensuring it meets the highest national standards in cybersecurity education and that Stevenson graduates are well-prepared to tackle evolving challenges in the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics.  

1 ISC2. (2023). ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study. https://media.isc2.org/-/media/Project/ISC2/Main/Media/documents/research/ISC2_Cybersecurity_Workforce_Study_2023.pdf?rev=28b46de71ce24e6ab7705f6e3da8637e 

2 Cyber Seek. (n.d.). Cybersecurity Supply and Demand Heat Map. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html 

3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. D. of L. (2023, December 4). Information Security Analysts: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm 


    Gain the Skills Employers Want

    Our low-residency Master’s in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics program focuses on in-demand skills and capabilities, including: 

    • Interpreting and applying applicable laws and statutes 
    • Collecting and preserving digital evidence 
    • Identifying attack vectors and vulnerabilities 
    • Analyzing and auditing information systems for signs of compromise 
    • Producing professional forensic reports 
    • Presenting an oral defense of forensic findings 

    Top Careers for Graduates

    Our Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics program prepares students to pursue diverse career paths, such as:  

    • Chief Data Officer 
    • Cyber Crime Analyst 
    • Cybersecurity Analyst 
    • Cybersecurity Architect 
    • Cybersecurity Engineer 
    • Information System Security Officer 
    • IT Cybersecurity Specialist 
    • Network Engineer/Architect 
    • Supervisory IT Specialist 

    Admissions Requirements

    1. Completed online application.
    2. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a related field (information assurance, computer science, network administration or computer security) and at least two years of related work experience or a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in an unrelated field and at least five years of experience in information technology, telecommunication systems, system administration, network management, or information assurance.
    3. Official college transcripts from all previous academic work. If the transcripts are from an institution located outside of the United States, students must submit an official course-by-course transcript evaluation from an organization that is a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A member list is available on the NACES website.
    4. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in past academic work.
    5. Personal statement.
    6. Proof of English Proficiency: Students must demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency. Any student whose native language is not English must submit Proof of English Proficiency through one of the following methods:
      • If the student’s secondary and/or post-secondary education used English as the official medium of instruction: submit documentation such as a letter from a teacher, counselor, academic advisor, or school administrator confirming that English is the official medium of instruction at their school.
      • If the student attended a school or schools at the secondary or post-secondary level at which English was not the official medium of instruction: submit results of one of the following English proficiency tests. Required scores are as follows:
        • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a score of 90 or higher (internet-based) and have no individual section score lower than 20; or
        • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 and no individual score lower than 6.0; or
        • Duolingo with a score of 125 or higher; or
        • Pearson Test of English with a score of 70 or higher; or
        • Cambridge English with a score of 175 or higher on B1 or B2.
      • All documentation is subject to review and additional information may be requested

    Post-Acceptance Requirements

    In order to receive a Form I-20, please follow the instructions below submitting each official document to the Stevenson University Online Admissions Office. The following documents are due May 1 for fall admission or November 1 for spring admission.

    1. Official Bank Statements: All international students holding or intending to seek an F-1 student visa must submit current official bank statement(s) signed by an official from the banking institution. Statements must be in English verifying the student’s financial resources in U.S. dollars for the total cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, other academic expenses, living expenses, and transportation for the year of intended enrollment. The current year’s Estimated Cost of Attendance Chart is listed on our Financial Aid website.

    International students must show No less than $40,000 as a minimum amount in U.S. dollars.

    2. Financial Resource Statement: All international students holding or intending to seek an F-1 student visa must complete the F-1 Student Declaration of Finances form and the Sponsor Commitment form if applicable.

    3. SEVIS Fee: Accepted F-1 international students are responsible for paying the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee at fmjfee.com.

    Full-time
    Graduate students on an F-1 visa must take a minimum of 6 credits each semester.

    Scholarships
    Federal financial aid programs are available to documented U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and some other eligible non-U.S. citizens. There are no full-tuition scholarships or separately designated scholarships for international students.

    Tuition

    Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics (M.S.)  

    ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-2026 (Based on 12 months) 
    Fall, Spring and Summer Terms: August 2025 – August 2026 

    TypeCosts
    Tuition* (6 credits/term; 18 annual credits) $12,816 
    Living Expenses: housing and food$17,754 
    Books, course materials, supplies and equipment $1,260 
    Health Insurance** Cost Pending 
    Personal (include clothing, telephone, transportation & miscellaneous expenses) $2,792 
    TOTAL $34,622 

    Tuition and Fees*

    This guide reflects the breakdown of costs that will appear on the student’s Form I-20. Tuition is charged per credit hour per term.

    In order to satisfy F-1 visa requirements, graduate students must be registered for a minimum of 6 credit hours per term. 

    Courses

    Students in the online Master’s in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics program can choose from a variety of courses including:

    • Incident Response and Evidence Collection    
    • Malware Detection, Analysis, and Prevention    
    • Mock Intrusion and Response    
    • File Systems Forensic Analysis    
    • Windows Intrusion Forensic Investigations    

    Digital Transformation and Innovation

    Master of Science

    Fall 2026 Start
    Online, Low-Residency Program | SEVP Certified | Eligible for OPT and STEM OPT 

    Stevenson University Online’s Master of Science in Digital Transformation and Innovation is offered as an online program with a 3-day, 1-credit low-residency course at the start of each term. This program is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified, Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligible, and Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) eligible. During the residency, students work with their professors and peers on the Stevenson University campus in Owings Mills, Maryland. Students earn 1 credit after completing the residency. 

    Digital transformation is the process of combining data and information with cutting-edge cloud, hardware, and software technologies and the latest digital techniques to improve business operations, become more efficient and agile, and add value to an organization. Cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things are examples of the technologies businesses are adopting to increase their efficiency, lower costs, and increase productivity and revenue.  

    The Master of Science in Digital Transformation and Innovation (DTI) from Stevenson University Online provides students with the qualifications and confidence to pursue career opportunities at the intersection of technology and business. 

    Our Master of Science in Digital Transformation and Innovation program prepares graduates to interpret hardware and software standards, manipulate the architecture of current and emerging technologies, and interpret and evaluate the impact of these technologies on competition, organizational structure and workflow processes. Students enrolled in the program can choose to pursue one of two distinct program tracks:  

    • Emerging Technology 
    • Innovative Leadership 

    Gain the Skills Employers Want

    Our low-residency Master of Science in Digital Transformation and Innovation program focuses on in-demand skills and capabilities, including: 

    • Analyze the external and internal environment of an organization 
    • Formulate a strategy for digital transformation to create and/or maintain a competitive advantage in the industry
    • Create innovative technology solutions to optimize organizational performance
    • Communicate business information to stakeholders in varied formats
    • Demonstrate professional competencies related to contemporary business careers

    Top Careers for Digital Transformation and Innovation Graduates

    Our Digital Transformation and Innovation program prepares students to pursue diverse career paths, such as:  

    • Business Systems Analyst 
    • Computer and Information Systems Manager 
    • Digital Innovation and Transformation Manager 
    • Digital Strategy Director 
    • Information Technology Officer 
    • IT Project Manager 
    • Supply Chain Manager 

    Program Tracks

    The Digital Transformation and Innovation master’s degree program offers two tracks: Emerging Technology and Innovative Leadership. 

    Emerging Technology 

    Graduates of this track are able to: 

    • Appraise the current and emerging technologies relevant to an organization
    • Formulate recommendations for adopting new software, hardware, and cloud solutions
    • Develop technology transition plans for an organization   

    Innovative Leadership 

    Graduates of this track are able to: 

    • Appraise the current management processes and technology used to support operations.
    • Formulate the organizational needs and goals from a forward-looking perspective 
    • Develop transformative strategies to meet the stakeholders’ needs and goals 

      Admissions Requirements

      1. Completed online application.
      2. Completion of bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
      3. Official college transcripts from all previous academic work. If the transcripts are from an institution located outside of the United States, students must submit an official course-by-course transcript evaluation from an organization that is a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A member list is available on the NACES website.
      4. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in past academic work.
      5. Personal statement.
      6. Proof of English Proficiency: Students must demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency. Any student whose native language is not English must submit Proof of English Proficiency through one of the following methods:
        • If the student’s secondary and/or post-secondary education used English as the official medium of instruction: submit documentation such as a letter from a teacher, counselor, academic advisor, or school administrator confirming that English is the official medium of instruction at their school.
        • If the student attended a school or schools at the secondary or post-secondary level at which English was not the official medium of instruction: submit results of one of the following English proficiency tests. Required scores are as follows:
          • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a score of 90 or higher (internet-based) and have no individual section score lower than 20; or
          • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 and no individual score lower than 6.0; or
          • Duolingo with a score of 125 or higher; or
          • Pearson Test of English with a score of 70 or higher; or
          • Cambridge English with a score of 175 or higher on B1 or B2.
        • All documentation is subject to review and additional information may be requested

      Post-Acceptance Requirements

      In order to receive a Form I-20, please follow the instructions below submitting each official document to the Stevenson University Online Admissions Office. The following documents are due May 1 for fall admission or November 1 for spring admission.

      1. Official Bank Statements: All international students holding or intending to seek an F-1 student visa must submit current official bank statement(s) signed by an official from the banking institution. Statements must be in English verifying the student’s financial resources in U.S. dollars for the total cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, other academic expenses, living expenses, and transportation for the year of intended enrollment. The current year’s Estimated Cost of Attendance Chart is listed on our Financial Aid website.

      International students must show No less than $40,000 as a minimum amount in U.S. dollars.

      2. Financial Resource Statement: All international students holding or intending to seek an F-1 student visa must complete the F-1 Student Declaration of Finances form and the Sponsor Commitment form if applicable.

      3. SEVIS Fee: Accepted F-1 international students are responsible for paying the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee at fmjfee.com.

      Full-time
      Graduate students on an F-1 visa must take a minimum of 6 credits each semester.

      Scholarships
      Federal financial aid programs are available to documented U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and some other eligible non-U.S. citizens. There are no full-tuition scholarships or separately designated scholarships for international students.

      Tuition

      Digital Transformation and Innovation (M.S.)

      ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-2026 (Based on 12 months) 
      Fall, Spring and Summer Terms: August 2025 – August 2026 

      TypeCosts
      Tuition* (6 credits/term; 18 annual credits) $12,456 
      Living Expenses: housing and food$17,754 
      Books, course materials, supplies and equipment $1,260 
      Health Insurance** Cost Pending 
      Personal (include clothing, telephone, transportation & miscellaneous expenses) $2,792 
      TOTAL $34,262 

      Tuition and Fees*

      This guide reflects the breakdown of costs that will appear on the student’s Form I-20. Tuition is charged per credit hour per term.

      In order to satisfy F-1 visa requirements, graduate students must be registered for a minimum of 6 credit hours per term. 

      Courses

      Some of the Digital Transformation Online Courses We Offer:

      • Innovation and Organizational Evolution
      • Cognitive Science for Requirements Analysis
      • Creativity in Information Systems
      • Project Management
      • Cyberlaw: Legal and Regulatory Issues
      • Digital Transformation Strategies
      • Master’s Project

      Healthcare Management

      Master of Science

      Fall 2026 Start
      Online, Low-Residency Program | SEVP Certified | Eligible for OPT and STEM OPT 

      Stevenson University Online’s Master of Science in Healthcare Management is offered as an online program with a 3-day, 1-credit low-residency course at the start of each term. This program is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified and Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligible. During the residency, students work with their professors and peers on the Stevenson University campus in Owings Mills, Maryland. Students earn 1 credit after completing the residency. 

      Nationally, the Healthcare Management field is projected to grow 29% through 2033.* The Master’s in Healthcare Management program from Stevenson University Online is designed to prepare students to succeed in this fast-growing field. The program prepares graduates to plan, lead, and coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care facilities, public health agencies, and similar organizations. 

      Our Master of Science in Healthcare program is accredited through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). This innovative and accelerated program is designed for professionals who want to complete their degree quickly and expand their career horizons by strengthening their credentials as healthcare managers and administrators. Students enrolled in the program can choose to pursue one of two distinct program tracks:  

      • Quality Management and Patient Safety 
      • Project Management in Healthcare 

      * Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm 


      Gain the Skills Employers Want

      Our low-residency Master’s in Healthcare Management program equips graduates with in-demand skills and capabilities, including: 

      • Analyzing the performance of a healthcare system or organization 
      • Evaluating the health status of populations 
      • Addressing service gaps 
      • Adapting organizational operations to evolving health policies 
      • Promoting organizational and clinical excellence 
      • Managing information resources 
      • Effectively communicating with external and internal stakeholders 

      Top Careers for Graduates

      Our Healthcare Management program prepares students to pursue diverse career paths, such as:  

      • Administrative Supervisor 
      • Case Report Writer 
      • Clinical Managers 
      • Electronic Medical Records Analyst 
      • Healthcare Program Administrator 
      • Home Health Administrator 
      • Hospital Administrator 
      • Information Technology Director 
      • Practice Manager 
      • Quality Data Manager 

      Program Tracks 

      The Healthcare Management master’s degree program offers two tracks: Quality Management and Patient Safety and Project Management in Healthcare.  

      Quality Management and Patient Safety  

      Graduates of this concentration are prepared to: 

      • Plan, organize, lead, control, and evaluate quality improvement initiatives in healthcare organizations
      • Coursework focuses on ethical, effective, evidence-based, patient-centric theory and practices  

        Project Management in Healthcare  

        Graduates of this concentration are prepared to: 

        • Plan, organize, lead, control, and evaluate healthcare organization projects from start to finish  
        • Coursework focuses on ethical, effective financial management, innovative leadership, and interdisciplinary teamwork theory and practices

          Admissions Requirements

          1. Completed online application.
          2. Completion of bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
          3. Official college transcripts from all previous academic work. If the transcripts are from an institution located outside of the United States, students must submit an official course-by-course transcript evaluation from an organization that is a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A member list is available on the NACES website.
          4. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in past academic work.
          5. Personal Statement.
          6. Proof of English Proficiency: Students must demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency. Any student whose native language is not English must submit Proof of English Proficiency through one of the following methods:
            • If the student’s secondary and/or post-secondary education used English as the official medium of instruction: submit documentation such as a letter from a teacher, counselor, academic advisor, or school administrator confirming that English is the official medium of instruction at their school.
            • If the student attended a school or schools at the secondary or post-secondary level at which English was not the official medium of instruction: submit results of one of the following English proficiency tests. Required scores are as follows:
              • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a score of 90 or higher (internet-based) and have no individual section score lower than 20; or
              • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 and no individual score lower than 6.0; or
              • Duolingo with a score of 125 or higher; or
              • Pearson Test of English with a score of 70 or higher; or
              • Cambridge English with a score of 175 or higher on B1 or B2.
            • All documentation is subject to review and additional information may be requested
          7. One professional letter of recommendation from a current or past supervisor. Please use the following Recommendation form.
          8. Resume of professional experience.

          Post-Acceptance Requirements

          In order to receive a Form I-20, please follow the instructions below submitting each official document to the Stevenson University Online Admissions Office. The following documents are due May 1 for fall admission or November 1 for spring admission.

          1. Official Bank Statements: All international students holding or intending to seek an F-1 student visa must submit current official bank statement(s) signed by an official from the banking institution. Statements must be in English verifying the student’s financial resources in U.S. dollars for the total cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, other academic expenses, living expenses, and transportation for the year of intended enrollment. The current year’s Estimated Cost of Attendance Chart is listed on our Financial Aid website.

          International students must show No less than $40,000 as a minimum amount in U.S. dollars.

          2. Financial Resource Statement: All international students holding or intending to seek an F-1 student visa must complete the F-1 Student Declaration of Finances form and the Sponsor Commitment form if applicable.

          3. SEVIS Fee: Accepted F-1 international students are responsible for paying the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee at fmjfee.com.

          Full-time
          Graduate students on an F-1 visa must take a minimum of 6 credits each semester.

          Scholarships
          Federal financial aid programs are available to documented U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and some other eligible non-U.S. citizens. There are no full-tuition scholarships or separately designated scholarships for international students.

          Tuition

          Healthcare Management (M.S.)

          ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-2026 (Based on 12 months) 
          Fall, Spring and Summer Terms: August 2025 – August 2026 

          TypeCosts
          Tuition* (6 credits/term; 18 annual credits) $12,456 
          Living Expenses: housing and food$17,754 
          Books, course materials, supplies and equipment $1,260 
          Health Insurance** Cost Pending 
          Personal (include clothing, telephone, transportation & miscellaneous expenses) $2,792 
          TOTAL $34,262 

          Tuition and Fees*

          This guide reflects the breakdown of costs that will appear on the student’s Form I-20. Tuition is charged per credit hour per term.

          In order to satisfy F-1 visa requirements, graduate students must be registered for a minimum of 6 credit hours per term. 

          Courses

          Students in the online Master’s in Healthcare Management program can choose from a variety of courses including: 

          • Healthcare Management and Administration
          • Healthcare Policy, Law, and Ethics
          • Human Resources Development in Healthcare
          • Organizational Behavior in Healthcare
          • Health Care Finance: Challenges
          • Teamwork in Healthcare Settings
          • Patient Satisfaction and Quality Improvement
          • Internship in Healthcare (3-6 credits)

          Have questions? We’re here to help.

          Elaina Owens
          Enrollment Counselor
          eowens2@stevenson.edu
          443-352-4196