Wharton offers support for students seeking Curricular Practical Training (CPT) through coursework that allows international students to comply with regulations while completing a summer internship in the U.S.¹ Please note the following:
- Internships may be paid or unpaid.
- Coursework supportive of CPT through Wharton is only available in the summer.
- Students must obtain CPT authorization before beginning employment authorized by CPT, which must be completed before the student graduates from their academic program.
Eligibility
Students must meet the below requirements to apply for summer coursework to facilitate CPT:
- You have declared a concentration.
- Your summer internship is clearly related to the study of business.
- MGMT 3910: You are a rising junior or senior in Wharton who has not previously taken MGMT 3910.
- MGMT 3980: You are a rising senior in Wharton who has completed MGMT 3910.
Application & Process
- Consult with ISSS regarding CPT basics and visa regulations.
- Secure an internship offer letter that includes the company name, full worksite address/location, dates of employment, number of work hours per week, job title, and job duties.
- Declare a concentration via Path@Penn, if you have not done so already.
- Apply for MGMT 3910 or MGMT 3980 through the appropriate Wharton form, including all information requested. You will receive an email from the Wharton Undergraduate Division in early March when applications for both courses open.
- After you have been registered for MGMT 3910/3980, apply for CPT in iPenn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rising sophomores apply for CPT through Wharton?
No. Wharton does not offer coursework to facilitate CPT coursework for students with internships in the summer following their first year. Students will need to have declared at least one concentration to apply for CPT, and Wharton undergraduates cannot declare concentration(s) until spring semester of their sophomore year.
Can students take CPT-supporting coursework in the fall and spring semesters?
No. Wharton does not offer any CPT courses in the fall or spring semesters. Students engaging in internships during fall or spring semesters need to consult with ISSS about visa regulations and compliance.
I am a Wharton student who wants to take an internship that isn't related to business study, but it relates to my minor or non-business study. Can I have CPT support from Wharton?
No. Students are only eligible for Wharton-supported CPT coursework with internships that clearly relate to the study of business. Wharton CPT courses and supported internships have to be aligned with the BS in Economics. Even if a student is pursuing a STEM-designated Wharton concentration such as Business Analytics or Statistics or an engineering-related minor such as Computer Science, they are not eligible for enrollment in either for MGMT 3910 and MGMT 3980. This rule is related to ISSS compliance with US Federal Government regulations for CPT.
What happens if I do not complete MGMT 3910/3980 by the designated deadline?
Both courses are pass/fail by default. If you do not complete the course by the deadline, you will receive an F grade, which will be factored into your cumulative GPA. More importantly, failing the CPT course(s) will negatively affect eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
If I complete both courses, what can I use the 0.5 CU credit for?
Students who complete both MGMT 3910 and MGMT 3980 may count the combined 0.5 CU toward their unrestricted electives only. These courses cannot be applied to Business Breadth or Concentration requirements.
Who should I contact with questions about my visa?
For information related to visa regulations and compliance, students should consult their ISSS advisor.
¹ These courses can also be used by U.S. citizens/permanent residents who wish to pursue an unpaid business summer internship.