INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International Students are a vital part of the MSCS Program at CSULB. While you are a CSULB student you will have wonderful opportunities to make lifelong friendships and international career contacts. You will have the chance to gain the technological expertise and social skills you need to be successful in both academics and industry in the USA.

Curricular Practical Training

CPT is an employment option available to students who have an F-1 visa.
CPT is a paid or unpaid internship that requires authorization from the Center for International Education (CIE).

CPT Requirements:

• Must be at CSULB for at least 9 months.
• Must be in ‘Good Standing’ (i.e., GPA of at least 3.0) and near completion of your core classes.
• If you take full-time CPT for more than 12 months, you are no longer eligible for OPT.

CPT Application Process:

• Discuss CPT details with CIE Advisor and get an application packet from CIE.
• Complete the CECS CPT Questionnaire.
• Submit your CECS CPT Questionnaire, your Unofficial CSULB Transcript, and CIE CPT application to the CECS Office.
• When your letter and/or signed documents are ready for pickup in the CECS Office, you will be contacted via email or by telephone.
• If applying for full-time CPT, you will need a letter from the MSCS Grad Advisor. Please allow 3-5 working days for preparation of the letter.

Optional Practical Training

OPT is an employment benefit for students in lawful F-1 status who are finishing their degree required coursework and have been maintaining full-time student status for at least one academic year. OPT Allows you to work off-campus in a job related to your degree field anywhere in the U.S. for up to 12 months.

OPT Requirements:

• Must have ALL of your coursework completed for your degree.
• Must be in Advanced to Candidacy & ‘Good Standing’.
• Must have filed for Graduation (e.g., filed for a Grad Check).
• Job must be related to your degree.

OPT Application Process:

• Discuss OPT details with CIE Advisor and get an application packet from CIE
• Complete the CECS OPT Questionnaire.
• Submit your CECS OPT Questionnaire, your Unofficial CSULB Transcript, and CIE OPT application to the CECS Office.
• OPT requires a letter from the MSCS Grad Advisor. Please allow 3-5 working days for preparation of the letter.