CPT for EMEM Students

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a temporary employment authorization for international students to work in the United States on work related to their capstone project or coursework. The department guidelines are over and above the guidelines set by the Center for International Services (CIS).

International students in the EMEM program are eligible for Day-1 CPT(Part-time) because of the applied nature of the Executive Master's program. In addition to that, international students can pursue 11 months of full-time CPT upon completing 30 credits.

Note

• Exceeding 365 days of full-time CPT will render students unable to access OPT. Students should keep track of CPT days used and restrict full-time CPT to 11 months.
• Part-time Day-1 CPT (less than 20 hours per week) has no time restrictions and can be pursued throughout the program without affecting OPT eligibility.

CPT Eligibility

A student on an F1 visa must meet specific requirements to be eligible for CPT. To qualify for full-time CPT, students must complete 30 EMEM course credits, excluding capstone project and ESL/EAP courses. Day-1 CPT is allowed starting from the first semester, allowing students to work up to 20 hours per week, provided they are in good academic standing and follow the recommend course registration for full time students – 4 courses in Spring and 3 in Summer and Fall.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for all CPT applications; students on academic probation with a GPA below 3.0 will not be eligible. Additionally, full-time CPT applicants must register for the EM 699 or EM 696 Capstone Project. All CPT employment must be directly related to the EMEM curriculum.

CPT Process

Visit the CIS website, review the process, and apply from there. For Full-Time CPT, you will need to upload your transcript showing completion of 30 EMEM course credits and Enrollment of EM 699/696 to avoid delays to your CPT applications. For Part-time Day-1 CPT, you will need to upload a transcript that shows the enrollment of at least course credits to avoid any delays to your CPT applications. CPT applications are processed one time per week in the department between Wednesday and the following week's Tuesday.

St. Cloud State University’s Engineering Management Programs are certified by the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM). ASEM is the lead society for Engineering Management Program certification worldwide.

St. Cloud State University is a 2024 ASEM Founder's Award recipient, a recognition of exemplary academic leadership and commitment to excellence in Engineering Management Education.