Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) offers an opportunity for students to gain valuable real world experience as a part of their education. However, it must be done in a manner that maintains academic integrity. It must not become a means to avoid immigration laws, and it should not prevent the student from making reasonable progress towards the degree. Please read and closely follow the policies and procedures outlining the responsibilities for both students and supervising faculty developed by USC Viterbi School of Engineering before proceeding further. Tthe Office of International Services provides additional information on their website that all Master's students should also be aware of.

Viterbi CPT Policies

STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A FALL OR SPRING CPT MUST HAVE A GPA OF 3.00 OR ABOVE.

STUDENTS APPLYING FOR A SUMMER CPT MUST HAVE A GPA OF 2.75 OR ABOVE.

REMOTE CPTs ARE NOT ALLOWED. THE STUDENT MUST WORK AT A COMPANY SITE.

DURING FALL AND SPRING CPTs MUST BE IN LOS ANGELES UNLESS YOU HAVE LESS THAN 4 UNITS.

CPTs MUST BE AT LEAST 12 WEEKS DURING FALL AND SPRING.

IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
The following information is for MS Student only.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Complete the CPT Application

1. Obtain the Application for Curricular Practical Training from OIS in Student Union (STU) 300.
2. CPT applications MUST BE PROCESSED IN-PERSON. Do not fax, email, or send a friend!
3. Bring the original offer letter from the company (on the company's letterhead) to the Office of Master's & Professional Programs (MAPP) located at OHE 106. All students must schedule an appointment here.
4. A MAPP advisor will review the offer letter to ensure it is complete (please see below for a checklist). If it is complete, your MAPP advisor will provide you with the ENGR 596 Project Proposal Contract and CPT Approval Form, which you must complete. Please note that a directed research proposal is no longer required.
5. Locate a professor who is willing to supervise you for ENGR 596. It is the student's responsibility to select a professor who is available to supervise the CPT. The student must also go over the ENGR 596 Syllabus with the professor so both parties are aware of all course requirements. The professor must sign the following materials:
   • ENGR 596 Project Proposal Contract
   • CPT Approval Form
   • OIS Application Form

The professor must sign the original forms. A xerox copy or faxed copy of the forms with the professor's signature is NOT acceptable.

1. Locate a professor who is willing to supervBring all CPT-related materials to your MAPP advisor in OHE 106. If the papers are in order, you will receive department clearance (or d-clearance) to enroll in ENGR 596. It is the student's responsibility to register for ENGR 596.
2. Bring all CPT-related materials, along with your ORIGINAL I-20, for final processing by OIS in STU 300. OIS may require at least 5 days to process CPT applications, so students should plan accordingly.

Offer Letter Requirements
The Offer Letter required for CPT approval must feature the company's letterhead. The information given below must be included in the letter. If any information is missing, the offer letter will be rejected by MAPP. Faxed offer letters or addendum to offer letters are not acceptable.

• Name and address of employee (student)
• Location where student will work (company address)
• Detailed description of job responsibilities for the internship
• Hours per week to be worked
• Beginning and ending dates of the internship (time frame must adhere to guidelines given in chart above)
  

ENGR 596 (Internship In Engineering)

The United States Government requires students on CPT to be registered in a regular course in the curriculum. The course approved for graduate engineering students for CPT is ENGR 596. The student must discuss the specifics of the syllabus with the supervising professor. The student must regularly report to the supervising professor throughout the semester and submit a final report. Both student and professor must adhere to the ENGR 596 syllabus. It is the student's responsibility to select a professor who will be available to sign the original CPT Contract. A xerox copy or faxed copy of the contract with the professor's signature is NOT acceptable.

ENGR 596 SYLLABUS

Please print the ENGR 596 Syllabus so you can review its contents and share it with your supervising faculty. The syllabus outlines the course expectations, requirements and grading policy.