Internships and Practical Training

International students are required to obtain approval from the Office of International Programs prior to engaging in any practical training or internships.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility:

• Internship must either be for course credit OR an integral part of an established curriculum AND must and be related to the student's major field of study. 
• Student must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year before being eligible for CPT, except when early participation is mandated by the program. 
• Student must have a letter from the employer indicating the job title, dates of employment/internship, number of hours of work per week, and a brief description of work to show how the position is related to field of study/major. 
• Student may only work at the internship a total of 20 hours per week when school is in session unless program requirements mandate otherwise (must obtain approval from IPO). 
• Student must continue to maintain a full-time course load of study during the period of employment (if CPT participation occurs on regular semesters, fall and spring). Exception for the summer term.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) - Post-Completion eligibility:

• International students are eligible to apply for OPT during their final semester. 
• International students must have held legal F-1 student status for one full academic year. 
• Employment must be related to the student’s major field of study and appropriate to the student’s level of education.