CPT Authorization

CPT Authorization steps flowchart

Once you have secured an internship, there are several required steps to enroll in DTSC 5930 (Professional Internship) for academic credit.

This page outlines the required process and timeline. Please review the DTSC 5930 Course Enrollment Policy (Effective Spring 2025) before beginning.

Important distinctions:

  • International students (F-1): Enrollment in DTSC 5930 is required for CPT authorization in summer, fall, or spring.
  • Domestic students: Enrollment in DTSC 5930 is optional and may be used to receive academic credit for an internship.

The steps below must be completed in order. Skipping or completing steps out of sequence may delay enrollment or CPT authorization.

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CPT Authorization Steps

Step One

Obtain an Internship

Secure an internship related to the Data Science program. Note that CPT can only be authorized prior to your degree completion for work experience in your major field of study.

Questions about your eligibility? Review ISSS' CPT FAQ page.Ìý

Check Dates and Obtain Offer Letter

You must upload your internship or training offer letter when submitting your CPT Request in the MyISSS portal.

Your offer letter must:

  • Be on official company letterhead and addressed to you
  • Include your internship start date
    • The start date must be at least 10 business days after you submit your CPT Request to allow time for program and ISSS processing
  • List the number of hours you will work per week
  • If remote, explicitly state you will be working remote in the state of Colorado
  • Describe your internship duties and expectations

If your offer letter does not describe your internship duties, you must also upload a separate internship description.

ÌýÌýTip: Employers often ask for dates early. Review course dates before requesting your offer letter to avoid reissuing documents.

Important: Offer letters that do not meet these requirements may delay CPT authorization.

Submit Program Forms

* Please allow 48-72 hours after the Qualtrics formÌýis submitted to Graduate Advisor to confirm that your enrollment in DTSC 5930 has been processed.Ìý

Enrollment Processing

Ensure you do not currently have any registration holds. After submitting your required forms, await enrollment processing.

What happens next:

  • Program reviews internship
  • Enrollment in internship course is processed

* Please allow 48-72 hours after the Qualtrics formÌýis submitted to Graduate Advisor to confirm that your enrollment in DTSC 5930 has been processed.Ìý

Submit CPT e-Form (International Students Only)

Form is available on portal under “â€

(You MUST enter 'Mariah Alvarado' as your second approver-- under 'Academic Advisor/ Faculty Advisor' section)

ÌýÌýImportant: Submitting all program forms does not submit your CPT request. The CPT e-Form is a separate, required step in MyISSS.

Receive CPT I-20 (International Students Only)

After you submit your CPT Request, ISSS will review your application. This review typically takes 3–5 business days.

Once approved, it may take an additional 1–2 weeks for your updated I-20 to be issued. Your updated I-20 serves as your official authorization and proof of employment.

ÌýÌýReminder: You may not begin work until you receive your updated I-20 showing CPT authorization.