International Academics

Valparaiso University offers three flexible enrollment options  for international graduate students:

• 100% Online Enrollment: Complete your entire degree remotely- no F-1 visa or travel required.
• Start Online → On-Campus Transition: Begin your studies online, then transition to on-campus learning after obtaining an F-1 visa.
• 100% On-Campus Enrollment: Start at Valpo from day one and study in person under an F-1 visa.

Great news! You may be able to switch from online to on-campus study. Simply contact your program director, who will notify Valpo’s Office of International Programs to begin the I-20 issuance process. Visit our pre-arrival immigration information page  to learn more.

Any international applicant who meets the program’s admission requirements may apply for the fully online option. No I-20 is required, and you can complete the program from anywhere in the world.

Valpo’s 100% online graduate degree offerings include:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science in Sport Administration
• Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Healthcare Administration (MHCA)

• Prestige: Earn a U.S.-accredited graduate degree from anywhere in the world.
• Flexibility: Study on your schedule — perfect for working professionals.
• Affordability: Save on living and travel costs.
• Community: Connect with classmates and professors globally.
• Mobility: Option to transition to on-campus learning later.

No. Students who remain entirely online do not receive an I-20, are not eligible for F-1 visas, and do not qualify for U.S. work authorization, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT), OPT, or STEM OPT.

• Begin Remotely: Start your graduate studies online while living in your home country.
• Transition Later: When ready, contact your program director to begin the I-20 process and transition to campus.
• OPT Eligibility: To qualify for OPT, you must hold F-1 status, be physically present on Valpo’s campus for at least two consecutive semesters (fall and spring), and meet full-time enrollment requirements.
• Supportive Process: Your program director and the Office of International Programs will assist you every step of the way.

Valparaiso University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). However, recognition of online U.S. degrees varies by country, government body, and licensing authority. We recommend confirming recognition requirements with relevant local agencies before enrolling.

Tuition and fees for international students remain the same for both online and in-person formats. Visit the graduate tuition and fees page for detailed cost information.

• A desktop or laptop computer with a current web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari)
• A reliable internet connection.
• Some courses may require additional tools like a webcam or microphone — your professor will inform you of any special requirements.

Yes. With approval from your program director, you may transfer a limited number of previously earned graduate credits from accredited institutions into your Valpo degree program. Transfer credit evaluations are done on a case-by-case basis.

• Academic Advising
• Writing Center
• Career Services
• Christopher Center Library Services
• Technical Support and Help Desk

• Access Your Admission Portal
• Go to Admission
• Log in using the credentials you used when applying.
• Complete Your Intent to Enroll Form
• Your portal will display an updated checklist- Look for the item titled “Intent to Enroll.”
• Click the link to open the form, fill out the required details, and submit

If you are able to secure your F-1 Visa part way through the semester, please inform the Office of International Programs (international@valpo.edu). Students will not be able to transition to on-campus mid-semester and should prepare to travel to the United States and begin their on-campus courses the next semester- Spring 2026. For example, if you are able to obtain a visa after the Fall 2025 semester add/drop date (August 27, 2025) then you will continue your Fall 2025 courses online and expect to begin courses on-campus in Valparaiso the following semester (Spring 2026) on January 14, 2026.

Unless you are on a non-student visa that allows you to enroll in online courses, international students in the United States on a F-1 visa have limitations on their ability to participate in online courses. For students on F-1 immigration status, only one (1) online course (per semester) may be counted toward the full course of study requirement. The remainder of their courses must be on-campus.

If you are enrolling in graduate courses for Fall 2025, on-campus or online, you will need to coordinate with your Program Director/Advisor to discuss your course plan for the semester. Your Program Director/Advisor will work with you to determine the best courses for you and your goals. Please refer to the original email for your Program Director/Advisor’s contact information to begin advising for Fall 2025 course registration.

If you need further assistance, feel free to contact our Admission Office at grad@valpo.edu

The Office of International Programs is only able to provide this service for certain languages. Contact the office for details at international@valpo.edu.

A Social Security Number (SSN) is needed to accurately record your earnings in the United States. Most employees are required to pay a certain percentage of their earnings to the Social Security System through the Federal Insurance Compensation Act (FICA tax). (Some F-1 and J-1 employees are exempt from the FICA tax.)

You must have an SSN in order to work in the United States. However, having a Social Security Number/Card does NOT give you authorization to work off-campus.

You only need to apply for an SSN if:

• you are applying for permission for on-campus employment, OR
• you are working with F-1/J-1 Practical Training (OPT, CPT, AT) authorization

SSNs are NOT legally needed for:

• class registration,
• opening a bank account or cashing a check,
• applying for a driver’s license, or
• renting an apartment.

NOTE: some apartment owners may require an SSN at their discretion as part of their housing application, even if it is not legally required.

Step 1 – Get a Job

The Social Security Administration requires that all F-1 and J-1 students must show proof of employment before they can be issued a Social Security Number. You must be starting an on-campus job, or an CPT/OPT/AT related job, in the near future.

Step 2 – Obtain a letter from International Programs to take to Social Security Administration (SSA) office (for on-campus job)

Go to iValpo and submit the “Social Security Number (SSN) Letter Request” e-form (under the F-1 Student Services tab) to request a SSN letter from International Programs.

Once you submit this e-form, your employer/supervisor will receive a link to verify your employment, and you can expect the letter to be ready for pickup within 3 business days of when your supervisor completes this verification.

NOTE: if you are on CPT or OPT, you do not need the letter from International Programs; your job offer letter will be enough.

Step 3 – Start the application & go to the SSA office

Start your application online by going to ssa.gov/number-card. Once you complete the online portion, you will need to go into the Valparaiso city Social Security Administration office to show your documents & complete the application. Please take the letter issued to you by the International Programs office (or your job offer letter if you are on CPT or OPT), your I-20 or DS-2019, Passport, and I-94 card to the office. The Valpo branch is located at:

3810 Calumet Ave.
Valparaiso, IN 46383

Phone Number – 888.472.6120

Hours: 9AM-4PM, Mon-Fri (try not to arrive later than 3PM so that your appointment can be completed before closing time)

Step 4 – Your Card

It takes approximately two weeks to process the card. Once you receive your card, you are responsible for completing your Valpo Human Resources paperwork online (the HR office will send you an email with a link to complete it).

If you are on CPT/OPT, you are responsible for filling out any paperwork required by your employer.

For more information on Social Security Administration, click here.