CS/STAT Internship Course 403

COMP SCI/STAT 403 Internship Course in Computer Sciences and Data Science is primarily intended for undergraduate students who must enroll for credit as a part of their internship.  This is mostly international students who need CPT authorization, but some domestic students also have a requirement, from their internship organization, to be concurrently enrolled. Students must be declared in either Computer Sciences or Data Science majors and be in an internship that directly relates to the program to be eligible for the class.

This course is an online asynchronous class and uses Canvas for weekly discussions, journals, and a final project. The course is graded using an A-F scale. For class policies, grading scale, and a sample weekly schedule, you can view the most recent term’s syllabus here: Spring 2023 COMP SCI-STAT 403 Syllabus.  In the fall and spring semester the expectation is 3 hours of work per week outside of the internship hours.  In the summer 10-week term the expectation is 4.5 hours of work per week outside of the internship hours.

Summer term enrollment requests are currently being accepted. If you are interested in taking the course, please follow the instructions based on your declared major. If you are a double major in Computer Sciences and Data Science, select the major which is most closely related to your internship.

Requests are generally processed on Fridays. If your form is approved, you will receive a follow up email as well as notification of permission to enroll in COMP SCI/STAT 403.

CPT FAQs

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What is considered an internship?

  • A short-term, real-world work experience that integrates knowledge from the classroom with practical application and skill development
  • A mutually-beneficial relationship between both you and your employer
  • Involves an ongoing relationship with at least one supervisor or professional at the organization

What is an appropriate employment letter?

As part of your CPT verification, you will need to submit an employment letter.  International Student Services requires very specific information in the employment letter.  If all parts are not included, you will be required to go back to your employer and get an updated letter.  Keep in mind that you can not start your internship until your CPT authorization is approved by ISS.  

Please review information and a provided template on this site: CPT Information for Employers.

What are eligible dates and limits to CPT?

The accumulated number of days a student works in multiple internships can impact their eligibility for post-completion OPT.  Please make sure to review the time limits and date restrictions on this ISS website: CPT Time Limits & Dates.  

ISS has provided a CPT Calculator that can be located on this site.  This is helpful in tracking how much CPT you have used during your time on campus as an undergraduate student.

Instructions to apply for Data Science Majors:

  1. Complete this request form (you will upload your employment letter here for our review if you are applying as an international student)
  2. If you are an international student on an F-1 visa, you begin the CPT application through Terra Dotta and add Sara Rodock (rodock@wisc.edu) in the verification section.
    • You must complete the course request form and the verification section in the CPT application at the same time.
    • Once Sara has reviewed your materials you will be given access to enroll in COMP SCI/STAT 403 so that you may complete your CPT application.
    • Please see the ISS website regarding CPT if you have questions regarding the requirements to qualify for CPT.

Instructions to apply for Computer Sciences Majors:

CS 403 will only be offered during the Summer term.

  1. Complete this request form (you will upload your employment letter here for our review if you are applying as an international student)
  2. If you are an international student on an F-1 visa, you begin the CPT application through Terra Dotta and add Shelby Arkin (samille8@wisc.edu) in the verification section.
  • You must complete the course request form and the verification section in the CPT application at the same time.
  • Once Shelby has reviewed and approved your materials you will be given access to enroll in COMP SCI/STAT 403 so that you may complete your CPT application.
  • Please see the ISS website regarding CPT if you have questions regarding the requirements to qualify for CPT.

In order to apply for CPT with the Computer Sciences department, a student’s internship must meet the following criteria:

    • The internship must be related to the Computer Sciences major.  Internships such as IT Specialist and Business Analyst will not be eligible for CPT through the CS Department.
    • The time frame of the internship must be within the majority of the 10 week summer session dates of the CS 403 course.  
    • If a student has completed CS 403 in a previous semester, the new internship must be a new position within the same company or with a new company.