MS-DS Internship Credit and CPT Authorization
Ìý
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. Domestic students do not need complete the CPT authorization process.Ìý
The steps below must be completed in order. Skipping or completing steps out of sequence may delay enrollment and/or CPT authorization.
Ìý
Ìý
MS-DS Program-Specific FAQ
ÌýÌýDisclaimer for International Students: This page explains program and academic requirements only, including internship credit, internal forms, and who to contact in our office. It is not meant to serve as your primary source for information on the Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is an immigration authorization managed by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
For CPT eligibility, authorization rules, timelines, work location requirements, and visa compliance, students must refer to the official ISSS CPT website. ISSS policies may change based on federal guidance, and their website is always the most up to date.
Ìý
ÌýData Science Program & Course Questions
MS-DS students enroll in DTSC 5930: Professional Internship. Students aren't eligible to self-enroll; to enroll in the required course see the steps mentioned above.
You may take DTSC 5930 more than once.
A maximum of 6 internship credits may be applied toward degree requirements.
Even if you qualify for 3 credits in a single semester, you may choose to enroll in 1 or 2 credits instead.
Yes, but with limitations:
- Only 6 credits may count toward your degree
- Any credits beyond 6 still require tuition payment
- Additional credits will not count toward degree completion
International students: Enrollment in an internship course is required to participate in an internship, even if the credits will not apply toward the degree.
Yes. You may always choose to take fewer credits than you qualify for.
However, if you are approved for only 1 credit, you may not enroll for 3 credits.
If you would like to receive academic credit for your internship, you are required to complete all steps listed above except CPT authorization.
If you would not like to receive academic credit for your internship, enrollment in DTSC 5930 Professional Internship is not required.
Ìý
ÌýForms, Advisors, and Internal Process
Please list Mariah Alvarado (mariah.alvarado@colorado.edu).
Yes, but documentation is still required.
- Domestic students: Submit a new internship form, and supplement with an email to describe your new opportunity.
- International students: Submit a new internship form and a CPT E-Form.
You do not need to complete the Qualtrics form again, as enrollment does not need to be processed twice. You will only be enrolled in one DTSC 5930 Professional Internship course for the term.
Note: CPT authorization rules for multiple internships are set by ISSS. Students must review ISSS guidance carefully.
Ìý
ÌýChanges, Updates, and Special Situations
Any MS-DS student who decides to forego their internship should notify your advisor via email as soon as possible. Ensure you dropthe course if within the drop/withdraw deadline (academic calendar).Ìý
ÌýÌýInternational students must notify ISSS immediately of any changes. Dropping your DTSC 5930 course will result in termination of your CPT authorization.
Domestic Students:
This depends on the proposed internship dates:
- Extension within the same term (a few days or weeks, does not end during next term dates):
Email your advisor to let them know of the change. - Extension into a new semester:
Since your internship will span the next semester, complete all steps as if it's a new internship.
International Students:
This depends on the proposed internship dates:
- Extension within the same term (a few days or weeks, does not end during next term dates):
CPT is date-specific. Email your advisor to let them know of the change, and submit a new CPT e-form with your updated information. Select "Extension" when asked. - Extension into a new semester:
Since your internship will span the next semester, complete all steps as if it's a new internship. Complete the full process again (see steps above) and select “New Internship" when completing your CPT e-form.
CPT extension rules are governed by ISSS and must be reviewed before making changes.
No. However, students should ensure the following:
- They are requesting a change prior to the Last Day to Change Variable Credit Hours deadline (usually the term census date).
- See the academic calendar for more information.
- Their internship fulfills the required time worked for their requested credit hours.
- See the DTSC 5930 Course Enrollment Policy (Effective Spring 2025) for more information.
- Email your advisor with a request to alter your internship credit hours. You may be asked to complete a new internship form.
CPT is date-specific, employer-specific, hours-specific, and location-specific. If any details of your current CPT authorization change, you must notify ISSS immediately. They can assist you in making any updates, or offering guidance.