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The Department of Computer Science & Engineering encourages all students to apply for internships and bridge their academics to their professional career. While both domestic and international students can participate in the CPT course, this information strictly pertains to international students. If you are a domestic student, please email CSECPT@unt.edu for more information on the internship course.

CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

Eligibility:
  • You must have completed two long semesters; Spring or Fall. Summer is not a long semester.
  • You must be enrolled in the 1-credit hours CPT Course; 4920 for Undergraduates or 5932 for Graduate students. The department will enroll you in the appropriate course upon completion of the CPT application process.
  • If you have completed your degree requirements, you are ineligible for CPT and must apply for OPT.
  • Visit the International Affairs webpage for the full list of CPT requirements and policies.
Application Deadlines:
  • It is recommended that students start the CPT application process two weeks prior to the academic term’s registration deadline. Applications started after this timeframe are not guaranteed to be processed in time for enrollment. UNT Academic Calendars by Semester
  • CPT is approved on a semester-by-semester basis. Students must complete the CPT application each new semester they have an internship.
  • The duration of an internship needs to take place during the academic term applied for.
CSE Departmental CPT Application Process:

(1) Use Handshake, https://unt.joinhandshake.com/login, to find an internship.

    • If you find an internship through another source, you must have your employer registered and verified through Handshake. Employers can register for Handshake here, https://careercenter.unt.edu/handshake-information-for-employers/. Alternatively, you can contact the UNT Career Center for guidance on how to register your employer in Handshake.
    • Please be aware that the verification process may take several days. If Handshake requires any clarification or additional information, they will reach out to the employer directly. You will not be able to proceed in the process until this step is finished.

(2) Begin a Handshake Experience e-form: https://unt.joinhandshake.com/stu/experiences/new

    • Undergraduate students must use the “Computer Science & Engineering Internships (Undergraduate for-credit)” template.
    • Graduate students must use the “Computer Science & Engineering Internships (Graduate for-credit)” template

(3) Attach your internship Offer Letter, Employer Form, and Advisor Form to your Handshake Experience. The Handshake Experience is ready to submit once filled and forms are attached. The Advisor Form should not be signed prior to submission.

(4) Wait for your Handshake Experience to be approved. Approval can take up to 10-15 business days. If your Experience is approved, you will be enrolled in the appropriate 1-credit CPT course. Your signed Advisor Form will be emailed to you after enrollment.

(5) Obtain a new I-20 from ISSS. Visit iNorthTX to complete the Curricular Practical Training - NON-Music Majors eForm under the F-1 Student Services tab.

(6) Begin your internship! You can only begin working once the above process has been completed. Working prior to completing this process is a violation of your F-1 Visa status.

Following CPT Completion:

Report your Experience after you complete an internship. By reporting your internship experience, you may be eligible to receive a special graduation cord to help celebrate your accomplishment!  See the UNT Career Center for more information. 

Contact Information:

Help with CSE CPT Application: CSECPT@unt.edu

Help with Handshake and Employer Verification: Jazmyne.Dixson@unt.edu

Help with International CPT Policy: internationaladvising@unt.edu