Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment that 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.” Source: 8 CFR 214.29f(10)9i)
At Jefferson-East Falls, the CPT option available to students is an Internship for Credit – students MUST be registered for an internship for credit in order to work off-campus. The internship for credit program is managed by the Career Services Center in coordination with each academic program.
Types of CPT
There are two types of CPT:
- Required as part of the degree program- The academic program mandates practical work to graduate. Students must be registered for the term to receive CPT authorization.
- Non-required elective- Practical work experience is for credit and directly related to the field of study. The student must be registered for the term in which the internship will take place.
Process to Apply for CPT
- In order to be authorized for off-campus employment (Internship), students must be in full-time student status for one full academic year (defined as two semesters, either fall and spring or spring and fall) prior to working.
- You must also make sure to meet any programmatic and academic requirements – please check with Career Services and your academic advisor.
- CPT authorization is granted on a term-to-term basis only. If you must continue your employment beyond the term you’ve been authorized, complete the request process again, including registering for the appropriate course for the next term so you do not have gaps in employment, and get approval from the advisor/director.
- During required terms, students must enroll full-time and may work part-time (20 hours or less per week). Graduate students may request permission to work beyond 20 hours a week as approved by program director, Career Services, and Office of International Student Programs.
- During non-required terms, students may work full-time, 20+ hours per week.
Effect of CPT on Optional Practical Training
- Part-time CPT does not impact OPT eligibility.
- Full-time CPT that equals or exceeds one full year (365 days or more) will result in losing the ability to request OPT.
International Students can view standards for what constitutes an internship here.
International Students can view for-credit options available to Jefferson–East Falls students, full eligibility requirements, and step-by-step registration procedures and deadlines here.
Please stay alert to information from the International Student Programs office and Career Services Center regarding CPT/Internship for Credit Informational Sessions offered each semester for detailed instruction and best practices in searching for and securing internships.