Curricular Practical Training for SEAS Undergraduates

Curricular practical training (CPT) may be pursued by Penn Engineering international undergraduates before their graduation. CPT is intended to provide work experience in the U.S. in situations where the work serves as an integral part of a student’s academic program and an established curriculum, usually undertaken in the summer. CPT must be undertaken on a registered for-credit basis during the CPT period as an integral part of the student’s degree requirements. The means by which to do this is through EAS 0099 CPT Independent Study (0.25 CU, P/F Grade Type only). EAS 0099 requires a student to produce a tangible, academically-based product for a grade and credit at the end of the internship. Students must identify a member of the SEAS Faculty who is willing act as the CPT Independent Study Advisor, and take responsibility for issuing the final grade.

Note that EAS 0099 may be used as Free Elective only, in fulfillment of the student’s degree requirements. If the student fails to fulfill the terms of the course/proposal, the student will be issued an “F” for the course. (This may potentially have serious impact on the student’s visa status as well as requests in the future.)  It is imperative that the student completes the work as proposed/outlined for the course during the CPT authorization period.

To apply for EAS 0099 CPT Independent Study, please complete the CPT Independent Study Form.

Upon approval, the student will be registered accordingly. Please check your registration record for the summer that you are requesting registration to verify that you are approved and properly registered.

Simultaneously, via your iPENN portal, apply for your CPT papers directly with Penn’s International Student and Scholar Services. (ISSS).

Written CPT authorization (i.e. CPT I-20) from ISSS must be obtained prior to commencing internship to maintain valid immigration status.

SEAS undergraduates may apply for CPT Independent Study more than once.

Note: For SEAS graduate students, CPT application procedures may be found here.