Curricular Practical Training for F-1 Students

If you wish to accept employment off-campus, you should pursue Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is defined as employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum, including: “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.

If you are interested in pursuing this status, please note that the College of Engineering has moved the enrollment process for the CPT program utilizing ENGR 998 for internships to the Engineering Career Resource Center (ECRC).  Visit the ECRC’s webpage for additional information on the CPT course for graduate students.The new CoE ENGR 998 paperwork and process can be found online.

  • Paperwork must be signed in the department by either your advisor or the graduate program chair (if you do not have an advisor).
  • Once the faculty research advisor or the graduate program chair signs the paperwork, follow the directions within the paperwork to submit it to the ECRC office.

ECRC will:

  • Sign the second page of the CoE version of the International Center’s Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form for CPT (this CoE specific form is part of the paperwork)
  • Conduct the virtual/in-person Seminar (required in person discussion) which will be offered at a minimum once a week, but likely several times a week.
  • Review the paperwork/application/required initial essay.
  • ENROLL THE STUDENT IN ENGR 998!
  • Monitor the student’s progress.
  • Review the final essay.
  • Post the final grade.