Hybrid Program

Launching Summer 2025

(Classes Begin July 7, 2025)

We are proud to introduce our new Hybrid Program model—designed to provide our students with maximum flexibility while maintaining the academic rigor and in-person engagement necessary for success in today’s workforce. Hybrid programs blend the convenience of online learning with the essential value of on-campus instruction.

What Is a Hybrid Program?

A hybrid program combines both in-person classes and online learning components. Students in our hybrid programs attend class on campus for a portion of the week while completing the rest of their coursework through our online learning platform.

Why Choose a Hybrid Program at IIFA?

  • Flexible Schedule: Balance your studies with work, family, or personal commitments.
  • Career-Focused: Programs are designed with real-world outcomes in mind, preparing you for job opportunities in your field of study.
  • Technology-Integrated Education: All students receive training in using modern communication and collaboration tools used in today’s job market.
  • Work Experience through Co-op: Students can choose to participate in a Cooperative Work Experience or “Co-op” that allows them to seek part-time employment (up to 20 hours per week) related to their program while attending classes. (International students must apply for CPT for work authorization)

Structure of Hybrid Programs

Our hybrid programs will follow a quarter system, with each term lasting 10 weeks. Students will attend in-person sessions at least once per week and complete the remaining coursework (up to 3 credit hours for international students) in self-paced online modules using our secure Learning Management System (LMS).

Cooperative Work Experience
(Curricular Practical Training/CPT)

Eligible international students enrolled in our hybrid programs will have the opportunity to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT)* through an integrated Co-op (Cooperative Work Experience). This course allows students to seek paid employment; and apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings while earning credit toward their program.

Key CPT Details:

  • Available after completion of at least one academic quarter of full-time enrollment
  • Must be directly related to the student’s major
  • Requires enrollment in the externship course
  • Employment may be part-time (up to 20 hours per week)

*All CPT placements must be approved by the Designated School Official (DSO) and documented on the Form I-20.

SEVP Guidance for F-1 Students in Hybrid Programs:

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/training-opportunities-in-the-united-states

Are Hybrid Programs SEVP-Compliant for F-1 Students?

Yes. Per SEVP guidelines*, F-1 students may participate in hybrid programs provided that:

  • The student is enrolled full-time (at least 12 credit hours per term)
  • No more than one fully online course (or 3 credit hours) counts toward full-time enrollment per term
  • The student is not on an M-1 visa and the hybrid program is not for English language training

We design our hybrid programs to comply fully with these requirements, ensuring our international students remain in status while benefiting from hybrid learning.

SEVP Guidance for F-1 Students in Hybrid Programs:

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/study/full-course-of-study

Have Questions?

Contact our Admissions Office:

+1 (847) 410-7752

[email protected]