How many internships can I use to fulfill the Professional Experience Requirement (PER)?

Students typically fulfill the PER via a relevant work experience over one semester (i.e. 15-20 hours per week during fall or spring semesters, or 20-35 hours per week in the summer). Students may request up to three semesters of work experience relevant to the PER, approved by Wagner’s Office of Career Services.

As a result, Wagner international students may apply for CPT to complete up to three paid, off-campus internships and must apply for CPT work authorization prior to starting each PER-fulfilling internship. For example, a student could be approved to complete an internship in the summer term at one organization and then be approved to complete an internship at a different organization in the fall semester, spring semester, or both. (concurrent with Capstone).

As a reminder, in order to fulfill the PER, the work experience must be degree-relevant.
 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Timelines
Students who started Wagner in the fall semester

 Students who started Wagner in the spring semester

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Note: Students must complete one academic year prior to be eligible to begin CPT.

Note: If a student is hired for a paid, off-campus internship that only spans a portion of a term or semester (i.e. July and August rather than June through August), it constitutes a full semester. If your internship spans over two semesters (i.e. July through November), this will constitute both semesters and will not be prorated.

Note. If a student chooses to waive their PER (they have completed at least two years of degree-relevant experience prior to starting Wagner), they will forfeit (1) one PER/CPT. Students are advised to discuss their options with an OCS advisor prior to waiving their PER.