F-1 Notices for 2026-27 Academic Policy Updates
Important Update: Fixed-Term Immigration Regulations
Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students will be admitted to the United States for a fixed period of time rather than “Duration of Status (D/S).” Your authorized stay will be based on the program end date listed on your Form I-20, not to exceed four years. Your “Admit Until Date” (AUD) on your I-94 determines how long you are permitted to remain in the U.S.
Key changes to maintain legal status:
- Know your AUD: Keep your most recent I-94 on your person and be aware of your specific authorized stay date. Staying beyond your AUD will result in unlawful presence.
- Completion Timeline: You must complete your program by the date listed on your I-20 and before your AUD. Extensions are costly, involve extensive timelines, and are not guaranteed.
- Reduced Departure Period: After completing your program of study or post-completion OPT/STEM OPT, you have 30 days to depart the U.S. (reduced from the previous 60-day period).
- Changes & Transfers: Undergraduate students must complete one academic year before changing majors or transferring. Graduate students are restricted from changing majors or transferring at any point during their program, unless SEVP authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances.
- Program Changes: After completing a program, you are prohibited from changing to a lower educational level or the same educational level.
Please contact OISS immediately if you need additional time to complete your program,
or if you plan to pursue OPT or a higher-level degree, at least one year in advance.
Admission Information
Pepperdine University is approved to issue Form I-20 and sponsor F-1 student status for eligible programs. International students who will attend any in-person coursework, practicum, clinical placement, or on-campus residency in the United States must obtain an F-1 visa and a Form I-20 issued by Pepperdine University before beginning the program.
Information on requesting a Form I-20, paying the SEVIS fee, applying for the F-1 visa, and entering the United States is available on the Office of International Student Services (OISS) website.
Students who already hold another lawful nonimmigrant status that permits full-time study and any required clinical or curricular training (e.g., H-1B, A, L-2, E-2, etc.) may study in that status instead of F-1. However:
- Not all visa categories allow full-time study or participation in practicum/clinical training.
- Individuals in B-1/B-2 visitor status or ESTA/Visa Waiver are not permitted to enroll in U.S.-based coursework or required residencies.
- Immigration status must allow both study and completion of required training components of the degree (e.g., practicum, fieldwork, clinical hours).
All non-U.S. citizens will be required to provide documentation of their current immigration status for review to confirm eligibility.
You can find 2026-27 Program Eligibility here.
F-1 Visa Eligibility & Alternative Visas: Pepperdine sponsors F-1 visas for eligible programs that require in-person coursework, practicums, or on-campus residencies. Students on other visas (e.g., H-1B, L-2) may study if their status permits full-time study and required clinical training, but B-1/B-2 visitors and ESTA/Visa Waiver holders are strictly prohibited from enrolling in U.S.-based coursework.
Program Modalities:
- Fully Online & Part-Time Programs: These programs are not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship.
- Low Residency/Hybrid Programs: For programs combining online work with required in-person sessions, the Form I-20 is only issued for the duration of the required U.S.-based residential portion. Students generally must depart the U.S. within 15 days of concluding the residency or request a Leave of Absence between multiple required residencies.
Student Responsibilities: It is ultimately the student's responsibility to maintain their lawful immigration status for the duration of their time in the U.S.. The Office of International Student Services (OISS) serves as the primary resource for guidance on immigration regulations and work authorizations.
Funding Requirements: To obtain a Form I-20, students must provide credible evidence of sufficient, readily available financial support for their first year of study and reliable sources for subsequent years. Campus employment cannot be expected to fund tuition or living expenses.
Full-Time Enrollment & Online Limitations: F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment, and only one online class (or up to 3 credits) per term can count toward this minimum. The full time minimums for GSEP is 6 units per term.
*While maintaining the federal minimum course load is required to keep your F-1 visa status, students should prioritize the recommended course load to ensure timely degree completion and avoid the administrative complications and potential extension requirements introduced by the new fixed-term immigration regulations.
Professional Licensure & Credentialing Limitation: Because of U.S. visa regulations and program design, F-1 visa holders may not be able to complete all required clinical or field training hours necessary for certain state licensure, credentialing, or post-degree professional qualifications. Training experiences that require extended or full-time employment authorization—either before or after program completion—may exceed what is permitted under F-1 work authorization options such as CPT or OPT.
Exchange Students: Pepperdine does not sponsor J-1 visas for inbound exchange students; they must apply for an F-1 visa
OBTAIN THE FORM I20
The Form I-20 is the document that you must present at the U.S. embassy or consulate in order to apply for your F-1 visa. Wait times to secure a visa appointment can be weeks to months, so it is important that students submit their deposit as soon as possible to allow sufficient time.
Upon deposit, students will receive an email with login instructions to the OISS portal to submit the required International Student Data form. This form requires passport and visa information, evidence of financial support, etc.
EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Students must demonstrate sufficient and readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of studies through credible documentary evidence. Adequate funds should be available for each additional year of study from the same source or from one or more other specifically identified and reliable financial sources. Programs less than one year will need the full amount.
Designated School Officials are required to assess documentary evidence on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security and the University and therefore, reserve the right to assess whether submitted documentation is deemed credible, reliable and sufficient to issue and sign a Form I-20.
COST OF ATTENDANCE
Official and reliable proof of funding is required for non citizens for the Form I-20 and the visa to be issued. Due to very limited University financial aid for international students, there are limited merit scholarships for students who meet certain criteria. Please note there is no other emergency funding available after enrollment, so students should be prepared to fund the official International Student Cost of Attendance for the duration of their program at Pepperdine, including health insurance and living expenses. Authorized campus employment can only reasonably assist with books and other miscellaneous expenses, so students should not expect a campus job to fund their cost of study and living expenses. Please see more below regarding campus employment.
Students are responsible for maintaining lawful immigration status for the entire duration of their presence in the United States. While Pepperdine can sponsor F-1 status for eligible programs, it cannot guarantee visa issuance or authorization for all practicum or clinical training sites.
International students studying at Pepperdine on an F-1 visa must comply with all federal immigration regulations. Ultimately, F-1 students are responsible for maintaining their visa status. The Office of International Student Services (OISS) is here to guide, advise, and support students in fulfilling that responsibility throughout their studies at Pepperdine. While faculty will help students navigate the requirements of their academic program, their Designated School Officials (DSOs) are students’ primary and direct source of guidance as students navigate their responsibility of maintaining lawful F-1 status. To that end, the OISS is available to support and assist F-1 students in regards to campus resources, immigration regulations, work authorization, and related restrictions under federal law.
The Office of International Student Services can be contacted at oiss@pepperdine.edu or by phone at (310)506-4246.
General information regarding F-1 regulations and limitation can be found below:
- Enrollment deadlines and eligible visas for study
- Program modality & F-1 eligibility
- Full-time enrollment & Reasonable Progress
- Employment/CPT/OPT
- Leave/Transfer/Drop/Withdrawal policies
General information for students enrolling on other visas and immigration statuses can be found here.
Program Modality & F-1 Elgibility
Eligible Visas: International Students are non-citizens of the United States. Most commonly, international students maintain an F-1 student visa. Other visa types may allow study incidental to the purpose of the visa but are subject to the same deadlines and must be approved by the Office of International Student Services (OISS). Please note the visitor visa (B-1/B-2) and visa-waiver visitor status (WB/WT) are prohibited.
Non-Citizens and International (F-1) Applicants:
Hybrid programs that include required in-person coursework may be eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship. However, U.S. immigration regulations require full-time enrollment, limit the number of online courses that may count toward this requirement, and restrict both paid and unpaid work authorization (e.g., CPT or OPT).
International students should be aware that these limitations may affect the amount of training available, their ability to work in certain roles, and progress toward professional licensure while in F-1 status.
F-1 Visa Notice for Low Residency Programs (catalogs and website)
International students required to participate in any in-person or residential coursework in the United States must obtain an F-1 student visa and a Form I-20 issued by Pepperdine University. The Form I-20 will be issued only for the dates of the required U.S.-based residential portion of the program. Instructions for requesting an I-20, paying the SEVIS fee, applying for an F-1 visa, and entering the U.S. are available on the Office of International Student Services (OISS) website.
Applicants who already hold a valid status that permits full-time study (e.g., H-1B, etc.) may use that status. Individuals in visa categories that do not permit study (such as B-1/B-2 or ESTA/Visa Waiver) are not eligible to attend any U.S.-based coursework or residencies.
Low residency programs at Pepperdine include a combination of online coursework and required in-person sessions in the United States. Please carefully review the following important information regarding F-1 visa requirements and eligibility:
- Pepperdine will not issue an I-20 for optional residencies.
- If your program includes periods of online-only study, you must depart the U.S. within 15 days of concluding each residency.
- For programs with a single required residency, Pepperdine issues a Form I-20 only for that period. Students must depart within 15 days of the I-20 end date and submit an "Exit or Transfer Request" before leaving to complete their SEVIS record.
- For programs with multiple required short-term residencies, an I-20 for the full program duration may be possible, but OISS must confirm this option. F-1 students must only remain in the U.S. while actively participating in required in-person coursework. Students must submit a Leave of Absence form between required residencies through the OISS Portal:
- Before leaving the U.S., students are required to submit a Leave of Absence request.
Once processed, your SEVIS record will terminate under Authorized Early Withdrawal.
If you are approved by the OISS to return to the U.S. within 5 months for a required
residency, the OISS will submit a request to reactivate your SEVIS record. Please
note that SEVIS reactivation is not guaranteed, as approval is at the discretion of
the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the student’s responsibility
to notify OISS at least one month prior to their planned return to the U.S. so we
can coordinate the SEVIS reactivation request.
- If a student remains outside the U.S. for more than 5 months, students will need to submit a new International Student Data (ISD) form, receive a new I-20, and pay the SEVIS fee again. We strongly encourage students to plan ahead and stay in close communication with OISS to ensure compliance with F-1 regulations. Please contact the Office of International Student Services (OISS) with any questions.
- For students participating in a Pepperdine study abroad program for at least one full term outside the U.S., a leave of absence must be submitted before departure. Before returning to the U.S., students are required to notify OISS of their return plans and complete all necessary steps to regain an active SEVIS record.
All students are responsible for maintaining lawful immigration status for the full duration of their time in the United States.
Non-Citizens and International (F-1) Applicants:
These programs are designed for working professionals who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise authorized to study in the United States without requiring F-1 visa sponsorship. Fully online programs are not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship, as immigration regulations require in-person enrollment and restrict the number of online courses that can count toward full-time study.
International students may complete a fully online program from outside the United States, but they will not be issued a Form I-20 or receive F-1 visa sponsorship for that program.
These programs are designed for working professionals who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise authorized to study in the U.S. without requiring F-1 visa sponsorship.
International Exchange Applicants:
Pepperdine University is not authorized to sponsor the J-1 visa program. Exchange students must obtain an F-1 student visa for study unless they already hold another immigration status that permits academic enrollment in the United States. To participate, students will be issued a Form I-20 from Pepperdine and must apply for the F-1 visa. Please note that U.S. immigration regulations require full-time enrollment each term, limit the number of online courses that may count toward this requirement.
US Eligibility by School/Program
| Degree & Certificate Programs | Program Modality | Program Start Date (Fall, Spring, Summer) 2025-26 | Time Frame for Completion of Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutritional Science Post-baccalaureate Certification Program (NSCP-ISPP) | Traditional | 8/18/2025 | 6/30/2027 |
| Seaver Undergraduate | Traditional | Fall - 8/18/2025 | 04/27/2029 |
| Seaver Graduate | |||
| Master of Arts in Religion | Traditional | 8/18/2025 | 4.5 Years |
| Master of Divinity | Traditional | 8/18/2025 | 4.5 Years |
| Master of Fine Arts in Screen and Television Writing | Traditional | 8/18/2025 | 4.5 Years |
| Master of Science in Ministry | Traditional | 8/18/2025 | 4 Years |
| Master of Science in Nutritional Health | Traditional | 8/18/2025 | 5 Years |
| Degree Programs | Program Modality | Program Start Date (Fall, Spring, Summer) 2026-27 | Expected Program Completion Date | I-20 Issuance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time MBA 12 Month | Traditional | Fall: 8/22/2026 |
Fall Start: 8/20/2027 |
Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| Full-Time MBA 20 Month | Traditional | Fall: 8/22/2026 | Fall Start: 4/28/2028 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| MS in Applied Finance | Traditional | Fall: 8/22/2026 | Fall Start: 8/20/2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| MS in Business | Traditional | Fall: 8/22/2026 | Fall Start: 8/20/2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| MS in Business Analytics | Traditional | Fall: 8/22/2026 | Fall Start: 8/20/2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| MS in Global Business | Traditional | Fall: 8/22/2026 | Fall Start: 12/17/2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| MS in Real Estate | Traditional | Fall: 8/22/2026 | Fall Start: 8/20/2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| Executive MBA | Traditional | Fall: 8/22/2026 | Fall Start: 4/28/2028 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| Presidents & Key Executives MBA | Short Duration Low Residency | Fall Start: 8/22/2026 | Fall Start: 12/17/2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| MS in Organization Development | Short Duration Low Residency | Residency Start Dates for Fall 2026: 11/12/2026 - 11/20/2026 3/18/2027 - 3/26/2027 6/9/2027 - 6/18/2027 |
Fall Start: 8/18/2028 | F-1 students with an issued Form I-20 are only permitted to remain in the U.S. for required in-person coursework and must depart during periods of online-only study. Students must submit a Leave of Absence before their last class and are responsible for notifying OISS one month prior to coordinate a SEVIS reactivation request, though this reactivation is not guaranteed by SEVP. |
| Part-Time MBA (Hybrid) | Short Duration Low Residency | Residency Start Dates for Fall 2026: 11/12/2026 - 11/20/2026 3/18/2027 - 3/26/2027 6/9/2027 - 6/18/2027 |
Fall Start: 8/11/2028 | Not eligible for F-1. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. |
| Online MBA (with Short Term Residency) | Short Duration Low Residency | Residency Start Dates for Fall 2026: 09/10/2026-09/12/2026 | Fall Start: 8/11/2028 | Form I20 issued for the initial residency only; Students must depart the US within 15 days; |
| Online MS in Management & Leadership (with Short Term Residency) | Short Duration Low Residency | Fall Start Date: August 31, 2026 Fall residency dates - 09/10/2026-09/12/2026 |
Fall Start: December 10, 2027 | Form I20 issued for the initial residency only; Students must depart the US within 15 days; |
| Online MS in Human Resources (with Short Term Residency) | Short Duration Low Residency | Fall Start: August 31, 2026 Fall residency dates - 09/10/2026-09/12/2026 |
Fall Start: December 10, 2027 | Form I20 issued for the initial residency only; Students must depart the US within 15 days; |
| Online MS in Business Analytics (with Short Term US Residency) | Short Duration Low Residency | Fall Start: August 31, 2026 Fall residency dates - 08/26/2026-08/28/2026 |
Fall Start: December 10, 2027 | Form I20 issued for the initial residency only; Students must depart the US within 15 days; |
| Doctor of Business Administration | Short Duration Low Residency |
Program Start Date: 8/22/2026 Residency Dates for incoming fall 2026 cohort: Residency 1: 10/26/2026 - 10/31/2026 Residency 2: 2/22/2027 - 2/27/2027 Residency 3: 6/11/2027 - 6/17/2027 Residency 4: 10/4/2027- 10/9/2027 Residency 5: 2/7/2028 - 2/10/2028 Residency 6: 6/7/2028 - 6/12/2028 |
Fall Start: 8/17/2029 |
F-1 students with an issued Form I-20 are only permitted to remain in the U.S. for required in-person coursework and must depart during periods of online-only study. Students must submit a Leave of Absence before their last class and are responsible for notifying OISS one month prior to coordinate a SEVIS reactivation request, though this reactivation is not guaranteed by SEVP. |
| Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM) | Not eligible for F-1. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. | |||
| MBAJ (Joint BSM + MBA) | Short Duration Low Residency | N/A | N/A |
| Degree Programs | Program Modality | Program Start Date (Fall, Spring, Summer) 2026-27 | Program End Date | I-20 Issuance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Policy | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/31/2026 | Fall Start: 4/21/2028 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| Master of Middle East Policy Studies | This new program has not been approved by SEVP and therefore ineligible for issuance of an F1 visa. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. |
| Degree Programs | Program Modality | Program Start Date (Fall, Spring, Summer) 2026-27 | Expected Program Completion Date | I-20 Issuance *Extensions Likely Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | ||||
| MA in Teaching (with preliminary teaching credential) | This program has paused its enrollment of F-1 students for the time being | |||
| MA in Teaching (with preliminary teaching credential) | Distance Education | Not eligible for F-1. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. | ||
| MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) | Hybrid | Not eligible for F-1. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. | ||
| MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change | Hybrid | Fall Start: 9/8/2026 | Fall Start: 4/14/2028 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| MS Education (online) | Distance Education | Not eligible for F-1. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. | ||
| Psychology | ||||
| MA in Psychology | Traditional | Fall Start: 9/1/2026 | Fall Start: 8/1/2028 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| MA in Psychology (Online Format) | Distance Education | Not eligible for F-1. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. | ||
| MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (Daytime Format) |
Fall Start: 9/8/2026 | Fall Start: 6/15/2028 | This program has paused its enrollment of F-1 students for the time being | |
| MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (Evening Format) |
Traditional | Fall Start: 9/8/2026 | Fall Start: 6/15/2028 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy with Latinx Communities |
Traditional | Fall Start: 9/8/2026 | Fall Start: 6/15/2028 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (Online Format) |
Distance Education | Not eligible for F-1. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. | ||
| MS in Applied Behavior Analysis | Fall Start: 9/8/2026 | Fall Start: 12/17/2027 | This program has paused its enrollment of F-1 students for the time being | |
| MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online Format) | Distance Education | Not eligible for F-1. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. | ||
| Doctoral Programs | ||||
| PsyD in Clinical Psychology | Fall Start: 9/8/2026 | Fall Start: 8/2/2030 | This program has paused its enrollment of F-1 students for the time being | |
| EdD in Organizational Leadership | Not eligible for F-1. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. | |||
| Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership | This new program has not been approved by SEVP and therefore ineligible for issuance of an F1 visa. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. | |||
| Doctor of Philosophy in Global Leadership and Change | Hybrid | Fall Start: 9/8/2026 | Fall Start: 7/29/2033 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| Degree Programs | Program Modality | Program Start Date (Fall, Spring, Summer) 2026-27 | Expected Completion Date (last day of classes in final term for each cohort) | I-20 Issuance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juris Doctor | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/10/2026 | Fall Start: May 18, 2029 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| LL.M. in Entertainment, Media & Sports - 2 Semesters | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/17/2026 | Fall Start: April 23, 2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| LL.M. in Entertainment, Media & Sports - 3 Semesters | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/17/2026 | Fall Start: July 31,2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| LL.M. in U.S. Law - 2 Semesters | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/17/2026 | Fall Start: April 23, 2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| LL.M. in U.S. Law - 3 Semesters | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/17/2026 | Fall Start: July 31,2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| LL.M. in International Commercial Arbitration - 2 Semesters | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/17/2026 | Fall Start: April 23, 2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| LL.M. in International Commercial Arbitration - 3 Semesters | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/17/2026 | Fall Start: July 31,2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| LL.M In Dispute Resolution - 2 Semesters | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/17/2026 | Fall Start: April 23, 2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| LL.M In Dispute Resolution - 3 Semesters | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/17/2026 | Fall Start: July 31,2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| Master of Dispute Resolution - 2 Semesters | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/17/2026 | Fall Start: April 23, 2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| Master of Dispute Resolution - 3 Semesters | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/17/2026 | Fall Start: July 31,2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date through the expected program completion date |
| Online LL.M in Dispute Resolution | Not eligible for F-1. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. | |||
| Online Master of Dispute Resolution | Not eligible for F-1. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. | |||
| Online Master of Legal Studies | Not eligible for F-1. Restricted to other eligible visas and statuses only. | |||
| Certificate in Entertainment Media Sports Law | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/17/2026 | Fall Start: April 23, 2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date; Must depart the US within 15 days of end date |
| Certificate in Dispute Resolution | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/17/2026 | Fall Start: April 23, 2027 | Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date; Must depart the US within 15 days of end date |
| Augsburg Exchange Program | Traditional | Fall Start: 8/10/2026 | Fall Start: December 18 2026 | International students are currently enrolled and in good standing at the partner school; Form I20 issued for US residency on the start date; Must depart the US within 15 days of end date |
Full-Time Enrollment & Reasonable Progress - By School
Employment/CPT/OPT - By School
Because of U.S. visa regulations and program design, F-1 visa holders may not be able to complete all required clinical or field training hours necessary for certain state licensure, credentialing, or post-degree professional qualifications. Training experiences that require extended or full-time employment authorization—either before or after program completion—may exceed what is permitted under F-1 work authorization options such as CPT or OPT.
For programs that require or offer practical training as part of the degree, F-1 students must receive Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the Office of International Student Services (OISS) before beginning any required or optional training experience that meets federal definitions of “employment.”
Training requires CPT authorization even if it is unpaid, part-time, or conducted on campus when it meets any of the following conditions:
- The student provides a service that a normal employee could provide, or the experience otherwise benefits an external organization or client.
- The training satisfies programmatic or licensure requirements, such as practicum, student teaching, or fieldwork hours.
- The student interacts with external clients or organizations as part of a Pepperdine-operated clinic or training site.
Training also requires CPT authorization when it is formally tracked and evaluated as part of a practicum, field experience, or applied course that is:
- Required for degree completion, or
- Required by a professional licensing body (for example, MFT, LPCC, Teacher Credentialing,
or other clinical/professional credentials).
Summary of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) requirements for the Graduate School of Education & Psychology (GSEP):
Required (First Term or Year):
- MACLINPSYD: PSY 622
- MATEACH: MATP 681, 682, 683
- MSABAPSY: PSY 620
- PDPSYCH/PDCLINPSY: PSY 770–780
Required (After One Full Academic Year):
- MACLNPSYLX: PSY 662
- MACLINPSY: PSY 662
- MATESOL: EDTE 610
Programs Requiring Curricular Practical Training (CPT) within the first Academic Year:
Certain academic programs require participation in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as an integral and mandatory component of the curriculum beginning in the first academic year.
In these programs, it must be clearly outlined and written that:
- CPT participation is required for all students as part of degree completion.
- The curriculum mandates that students begin CPT in the first academic year (e.g., first or second semester), as clearly stated in the official course catalog and program materials.
- The practical training component is a core and non-optional element of the academic program.
- Students are formally enrolled in courses that are directly associated with and support the required off-campus training experience.
Because CPT is a required and integral component of the curriculum that must begin in the first academic year, eligible students may be authorized for CPT prior to completing one full academic year.
Programs Requiring or Offering CPT after Year One of Enrollment:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may be authorized for eligible students after the completion of one full academic year of full-time enrollment, in accordance with federal F-1 regulations.
For CPT authorization to be approved, the following conditions must be met:
- The practical training must be directly tied to a course that carries academic credit (e.g., internship, practicum, or fieldwork course).
- The student must be enrolled in the corresponding course during the same academic term in which the CPT is authorized.
- The training experience must be directly related to the student’s field of study.
- The experience must support and contribute to the student’s academic objectives as defined by the program curriculum.
F-1 Students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Requirement -
These programs require practical training as part of the degree. F-1 students must receive Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the Office of International Student Services (OISS) before beginning any required or optional training experience that meets federal definitions of “employment.”
These programs include elective or experiential learning opportunities (internships, applied projects, research collaborations) that are not required for degree completion but may enhance a student’s professional development.
F-1 students must receive Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the Office of International Student Services (OISS) before beginning any required or optional training experience that meets federal definitions of “employment.”
Non-Citizens and International Applicants:
These programs do not include any required or elective fieldwork, practicum, or internship component designed to support CPT authorization. F-1 students in these programs are ineligible for CPT unless they receive formal academic credit for a specific internship course established by their department.