Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for CNS International Graduate Students

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as 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 that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. This work cannot violate the terms of your visa.

CPT is available only prior to the completion of your degree program and you must have an internship offer before you apply for CPT. CPT employment may not delay completion of your academic program. Students must have completed two academic semesters in the United States in order to qualify.

CNS international graduate students must register for a one-credit course, 698, in order to participate in any CPT.

After the completion of the internship, the student should submit a one-page reflection statement that addresses the experience and how it enhanced the student’s graduate training. For doctoral students, the statement should address how the experience enhanced their dissertation work. The student should also request their internship mentor provide feedback about the student’s work via email to the graduate program director.

To apply for CPT either for summer or during an academic term, students must complete the following:

After receiving a paid training offer, ensure your job offer letter meets the following requirements:

• Job offer letter on company letterhead (with complete mailing address) containing ALL of the following information:
  • Job title
  • A brief description of job duties
  • Number of hours student will work per week
  • Exact employment start and end dates
  • Location where student will be working
  • Salary and related compensation
• Speak to a faculty member in your department and ask them to be your faculty sponsor for this experience.
• Submit an Experiential Learning Request in SPIRE. Questions regarding the SPIRE Experiential Learning Request should be directed to internships [at] umass [dot] edu (internships[at]umass[dot]edu) 
• Once your SPIRE Experiential Learning Request has been submitted, your faculty sponsor should be able to approve it.
• Then, you can apply for CPT through the Office of Global Affairs. 

Still have questions?

Visit the Office of Global Affairs for more information, or schedule an appointment with an ISSS advisor.