Semester-time CPT approval IS DIFFERENT FROM SUMMER CPT. Therefore, read this WHOLE page.
This information is for Fall 2021 ONLY. Summer 2021 information can be found here.
CPT can be authorized by the International Programs Office (IPO) and CICS if the internship is credit-earning, directly related to the student's field of study, and integral to their program curriculum
MS students, NOT a part of the Field Experience Concentration, can only carry out CPT during the semester PART-TIME, less than 20 hours a week, and the work must be remote or local to the UMass area
PhD and MS/PhD students may carry out CPT that is 20 to 40 hours during the semester
CPT for MS/ PhD during the semester can also be in-person, anywhere in the US, not limited to the greater UMass area
MS students WHO ARE in the Field Experience Concentration can do the following during the semester:
carry out up to 40 hours of CPT
can enroll in less than 9 credits, but MUST be enrolled in the mandatory CPT course
can carry out CPT in-person, anywhere in the US, not limited to the greater UMass area
CPT is available only prior to the completion of a degree program
CPT employment may not delay completion of the academic program or appear to delay completion of your program
MS students- If you are entering into your last semester and you have already earned over 30 credits, you cannot do CPT during the semester nor the summer.
MS students, NOT in the Field Experience Concentration, must be enrolled as full-time students (minimum of 9 credits), during the semester. Courses must demand your in-person, on-campus presence. EXCEPT:
Winter Break CPT only requires the needed CPT course
Students in their final semester. If in your final semester, students must be enrolled in one course that meets in person, on-campus.
See important additional CPT details and requirements on the International Programs Office (IPO) website. PHD STUDENTS CLICK HERE
Pre-Approval Steps
Student initiates Experience request on Handshake.
After logging in, click on Career Center > Experiences > Request an Experience
Complete 37 question survey including:
Experience Type = International Graduate Students... (GRAD)
Approver email and name: eparolski@umass.edu Elizabeth Parolski
Faculty Sponsor Full Name = Mark Corner (MS); Andrew McGregor (MS/PhD, PhD)
Faculty Sponsor UMass Email Address = MCorner@umass.edu (MS); amcgrego+@umass.edu (MS/PhD, PhD)
What is the internship Department and Course Number? = CICS 596T (GRAD)
How many credits do you wish to earn? = 1
What is your Academic Project? = Post-internship reflection
Save Experience As a Draft; then scroll down to the New Attachment Button (if you submit before attaching, go back into Edit mode and attach)
Attach the Offer Letter document
Attach the signed Field Experience Risk Acknowledge Form
Once both attachments are attached HIT SUBMIT!
UMass Central Careers reviews after receiving email notification from Handshake; confirms student eligibility in SPIRE, verifies internship is CS-related and offer letter meets requirements (typically reviewed 2-5 business days after submission Saturday & Sunday ARE NOT business days.).
Student receives Handshake email with PDF attachment of Approved Handshake Experience (save email with PDF for later).(typically reviewed 2-5 business days after approval. Saturday & Sunday ARE NOT business days.).
Approval Steps
After Internship
Questions or concerns- email Elizabeth Parolski, MS Advisor- eparolski@umass.edu