Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) offers an opportunity for international students to gain valuable, real world experience as a part of their education in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.  
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is designed for students with F-1 visa status.  It is designed to provide students with an opportunity to gain actual employment experiences in your chosen profession for a maximum of one year, before or after completing a degree program, to complement your academic work.

Students who are in their final semester and working outside of the greater Los Angeles area may have their Verification of Graduation form processed remotely by the Office of Master’s & Professional Programs (MAPP) if the following are met:
1)       Student is participating in a CPT outside of the greater Los Angeles area.
2)       Student has no activity restrictions on their record.
3)       Student has an updated STARS report with no outstanding academic concerns (examples include MG, IN).
4)       Student has a GPA of 3.00 or better.

To remotely process a Verification of Graduation form please follow these steps:
1)       Send an e-mail to vmapp@usc.edu with the following:
          a.       your full name
          b.       your 10-digit ID number
          c.       your Major
          d.       state that you wish to have another student obtain MAPP approval for the OPT Verification of Graduation
2)       You will receive a reply to let you know if the remote request is approved.
3)       Have a friend bring your Verification to Graduate form to Olin Hall of Engineering (OHE) 106
          a.       make sure your friend brings his/her USCard
          b.       your friend will sign that he has received the approved form from MAPP