International Student Practicum Application

F-1 students may participate in a CPT program with authorization from the school’s DSO. CPT employment must be directly related to the student’s major and must be provided through an approved partnership between the school and an affiliated organization for practical training, internships, cooperative education, or other required experiential learning.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Students must have completed at least one full academic year of lawful full-time study.
  2. The practicum must be required for or constitute a component of the student’s degree program.
  3. The practicum must be directly related to the student’s field of study or research.
  4. The proposed practicum must meet CPT requirements.
  5. Students must be enrolled in and complete the required practicum course during the CPT authorization period.
  6. Students must maintain full-time enrollment throughout their F-1 status and employment.

Application Procedures

1. Submit the Practicum Application Form FE04 or FE05 to the Practicum Office.

  • FE04 — Practicum Application Form
  • FE05 — Short-Term Mission Application Form

2. Submit a verification letter from the host church or organization to the Practicum Office.
If a recommendation letter is needed, students may request one from the Practicum Director. See the following forms:

  • FE09-A — Church Verification Letter (Semester Practicum)
  • FE09-B — Church Verification Letter (Summer Practicum) + FE12 — Summer Practicum Plan

3. Register for the practicum course through the Academic Affairs Office for 0 or 1 credit.

3.1 Master’s Programs (MACS / M.Div.)

Students must independently secure a practicum placement with a church or Christian organization.

  • MACS / MAFM / MAICS: May enroll in Individual Practicum Supervision (FES535/FES536).
  • M.Div.: Must complete the two-semester required practicum courses: FES501 Practicum Education I and FES502 Practicum Education II.
3.2 M.Div. Students

After completing the Seminary’s two required practicum courses, students who continue serving at a church or organization and receive a practicum stipend must register for a 1-credit Individual Practicum Supervision course in the FES53x series. A maximum of 2 practicum credits may be counted toward graduation requirements.

3.3 D.Min. Students

Students completing a practicum at a church or organization must register for a 1-credit Individual Practicum Supervision course in the FES80x series. Practicum credits may not exceed 3 credits in total.

4. F-1 students must report their CPT participation to the International Student Services Office and DSO. Submit a written practicum verification letter issued by the host church or organization. The letter must include the practicum position, start date, weekly hours, and practicum location.

In Populi, go to Home → Links → F-1 International Student Services Application → Service Request → CPT Application. The DSO will update the student’s SEVIS record and I-20.

5. Withdrawal

Students who cancel or discontinue a short-term mission, practicum, or summer practicum must officially withdraw from the course before the end of the semester or by July 31 for summer sessions. Failure to withdraw will result in a permanent NP (No Pass) notation on the student’s academic record.