Executive Program FAQs
What are Executive programs? 

The Executive programs are designed for working professionals interested in advancing their qualifications and learning new skills and gaining a broader perspective. The Executive Programs provide students with knowledge while gaining real world experience and hands on learning outcomes through the required internship or job.
► Executive programs require that you have already completed a U.S. master's degree. 
► Students must have an internship/ job by the program start in order to fulfill the immediate internship requirement for this program**. 
► If you have not yet started an application you may apply here.
 
**Eligible F-1 students will complete their required internship or job through CPT (Curricular Practical Training) authorization. This is an integral part of the Executive program curriculum. Internships or jobs must directly relate to the program objectives of the student’s chosen program of study.

Is a job or internship required? 
 
Yes. A job or internship is required and is an integral part of the Executive program curriculum. Internships or jobs must directly relate to the program objectives of the student’s chosen program of study.

Students who do not have a job or internship lined up at the program start will be unable to continue the program. The job or internship experience throughout the program is vital to the program's learning objectives and outcomes. If you do not have a job, please let your admission counselor know so we can provide you with alternative options.
 
What is the cost for the Executive Master's Programs? 
 
 Program  Delivery Model   Credits/ Terms   Program Duration  Rate per Credit   Fees
  Estimated Total
Cost
 Executive Data Science and Analytics  Hybrid  36 Credits,
5 Terms 		 20 Months  $462  $220/term    $17,732
 Executive Information Technology (IT)
and Cybersecurity		  Hybrid  36 Credits,
5 Terms		 20 Months  $462  $220/term   $17,732
 Executive Information Technology (IT)
and Project Management		  Hybrid  40 Credits,
6 Terms 		 24 Months  $462  $220/term   $19,800
 Executive MBA  Hybrid  40 Credits,
6 Terms 		 24 Months  $462  $220/term   $19,800
What is the program structure for Executive programs? 

Executive programs are considered hybrid. The majority of your coursework will be done online at your own pace with assignments due weekly. Once a term, students are required to be on campus in Henniker, New Hampshire for a full weekend to complete the in-person residency. 
What are residencies and when do I need to attend classes on campus? 
 
One weekend per term, you will come to campus in Henniker, New Hampshire for three days. Each term is 15 weeks long, so students should plan to travel to campus every 15 weeks. On campus residencies consist of classes and student presentations. This is an excellent opportunity to network with classmates and colleagues from all over the world and within the US. The dates will be available on your syllabus at the start of each term.

 
Is accomodation provided at the college during the residency weekend? 
 
No, students are responsible for coordinating their own accommodation for the weekend. However, we have a few local hotels near to the campus we recommend. Please view our Executive Residency page for more information. 
 
What does the course structure look like? 

Each term you will take 2 classes each worth 3 credits, and 1 credit for the required internship/job.
► Each term you will earn 7 to 8 credits.  This is considered full time for F-1 Student Visa compliance.
► Each term is 15 weeks long. 
► Students typically spend 20-25 hours per week on coursework. 
How long is the Executive master's program ?

Executive MS IT Project Management: ​24 months (6 terms, 40 credits)
Executive MS IT & Cybersecurity: 20 months (5 terms, 36 credits)
Executive MS Data Science and Analytics: 20 months (5 terms, 36 credits)
Executive MBA: 24 months (6 terms, 40 credits)

Each term is 15 weeks. There are no breaks between terms, with the exception of the end of the year, when there is a break for the winter holidays.
 

Can the programs be shortened or extended?

Executive programs are a prescribed curriculum. Typically, programs cannot be extended or shortened. 

Program extensions are only granted for extenuating circumstances such as a medical illness.
 

How long will it take for my application to be reviewed?

Please allow 1 to 4 business days for your application review to be complete. Your counselor will email you once accepted, or to let you know if anything additional is required.

 
How long does it take to transfer a SEVIS record?
Every school has its own Transfer Out process. Some schools may take up to two weeks. Therefore, you need to discuss the timeline with the DSO at your current school and follow their instructions to request the Transfer Out to New England College.
 
Once your SEVIS record is transferred to NEC, we will update your I-20 in the next 1 to 5 business days. 
 
When should I transfer my SEVIS? 
Every school has its own Transfer Out process. Therefore you need to discuss the timeline with the DSO at your current school.

Our SEVIS record transfer-in deadline is the Wednesday before the term start by 4:30PM. We cannot accept late SEVIS transfers.
► Any work authorization you currently have ends with a SEVIS transfer. You will have authorization again when your New England College program starts (pending necessary paperwork).
► We can only accept SEVIS records in an Active status. We cannot accept SEVIS records in terminated or completed status.
► You can schedule a SEVIS record transfer in advance. We recommend reaching out to your current DSO to discuss this option. 
 
Can I transfer after my OPT ends?
 
Yes, students have 60-day grace period after OPT/STEM OPT ends to Transfer the SEVIS record.
 
Will NEC help me find a job? 

Students are required to have a job or internship secured prior to enrolling in an Executive program at NEC. The Career Life & Planning Office can help with resume review and interview tips. Your job/internship paperwork will be due by the end of the first week of classes. Students who fail to submit their Employment Agreement Form by the deadline will be asked to leave the program.
What happens if I lose my job?
 
If you lose your job while enrolled, you must let your program director and DSO know. A period of reported unemployment during a term is permissible for no more than 90 days in the aggregate, counted in calendar days for the program. You may remain in the internship course, but must provide logs and reflections to internship instructors with info about job search and professional development related to the program of study.** 

**Additional questions about this process can be directed to International Advising at international@nec.edu.
When is the EAF due?
 
The EAF (Employment Agreement Form) is due by the Friday before your program start.


**Additional questions about this process or the EAF can be directed to International Advising at international@nec.edu.

 
How long will it take to get my EAF approved and then my CPT I-20? 
 
It will take our Career and Life Planning office's EAF Coordinator 72 hours to approve an eligible EAF. You can submit the EAF for approval before your SEVIS record Transfer Release Date. Once your Transfer Release Date arrives, you will submit an approved EAF to your NEC DSO and wait 1-3 days for your I-20 to be returned with CPT authorization.

 
Do I need to renew my CPT work authorization every term?
 
CPT is authorized term by term. Once you start your program, gaps between terms will be covered by your CPT renewal process that your NEC DSO will assist with. There should be no gap once you start your program if you do the CPT renewal process before the end of every term. Your NEC DSO sends reminders and the renewal for, for this process every term.

 
Am I eligible for OPT after this program?
 
You will not be eligible for OPT after an Executive Master’s program. One full year of full time of CPT disallows post completion OPT.
Am I eligible for the Executive program is I only have a US bachelor degree?
 
Yes, as long as you have 3 years of professional US work experience.


If I have an MBA, can I still apply for the Executive MBA program?
 
We do not recommend repeating the same major. Please choose another major that also aligns with your position and career goals but has new course material.

 
What major is recommended for students with a law degree?
 
The MBA is the most suited to cover topics relevant to running a law firm. The MBA will prepare lawyers for the business and managerial side of the law industry. Topics covered include Human Resources, Marketing, and Leadership and Entrepreneurial skills.

 
 
Are payment plans available for paying tuition?

Tuition is due Friday before the term start. Student Financial Services offers payment plans. Payment plans are usually monthly and a deposit will be required the Friday before the term start. 
View Tuition and Fee rates here. 
Can I travel internationally while enrolled in an Executive program? 
 
If you are traveling, you are traveling as an F-1 student, not as a CPT. Students may travel between terms if the Travel Signature on page two is valid and you have a valid F-1 Visa. Students may not travel and continue studies from outside the US, however. You must be inside the US to study and remain in status. Please keep in mind, you may remain in the US with an expired F-1 visa but if you leave the US, you may not return with an expired F-1 visa. Please note, you cannot study from outside the US while waiting to renew your visa.
 

Can I take a term off as a break?
 
You may only take a term off after a full year of studies at NEC (3 terms) if you want to remain in F-1 status and remain in the US. If you are willing to leave the US and temporarily lose F-1 status, you may take a term of Authorized Early Withdrawal at any time. You will have 15 days to leave the US. When you are ready to return to study in the states, you work with your NEC DSO to reactivate your SEVIS record to Active.


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