Undergraduate curricular and optional practical training (CPT & OPT)

This page contains information for CS&E undergraduate students (Computer Science BS, Computer Science BA, and Data Science BS) pursuing Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Graduate students should review this CPT page instead.

Introduction

International students admitted to our undergraduate computer science programs in CLA and CSE and the data science program in CSE interested in working off-campus must complete specific paperwork with a CS&E Advisor and the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office to work legally.

Departmental rules

The use of CPT is subject to the following departmental rules:

  • The student is currently admitted to one of our department's undergraduate programs.
  • The experience must advance the student's training in the field in which the student is pursuing a degree.
  • CPT is not to delay academic progress.

Eligibility

The student must be in good academic standing to be eligible for CPT. Other government or university-mandated eligibility must be followed, and understanding/adherence to rule sets outside of the department is the student's responsibility. 

CPT approval

Students should take the following steps to get set up for CPT (for more details on CPT, go to this ISSS website):

  1. Receive a job offer
  2. Students should complete the CPT online workshop on MyISSS.
  3. Students should reach out to the listed instructor of OUE 1830 to enroll in the course and secure their signature on the Course Instructor Verification Form.
    1. Students who have a time conflict with OUE 1830 or need more than two terms of registration (CPT extension or new opportunity) can enroll in CLA 3896 or CLA 3996
  4. Students need to register for a CPT course option before submitting final paperwork to ISSS.
  5. Students complete all three sections of the CPT Request in MyISSS.
    1. Upload CPT supporting documents
    2. Enter CPT employment details
    3. Submit a CPT request to the CS&E Departmental Advisor they contacted for the previous paperwork to complete step 3 above.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

CPT is a separate program from Optional Practical Training (OPT) which can be used after graduation and which does not involve academic credit.