STEM OPT at A-State: Up to 3 Years of US Work Experience

For students choosing a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or computer science, one question comes up early: how much US work experience can I actually get after graduation? At Arkansas State University (A-State), the combination of Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the STEM OPT extension can add up to as much as three years of authorized work in the United States for eligible STEM graduates — on top of any internship experience gained while still enrolled. This guide explains how the pieces fit together, using A-State's ABET-accredited engineering programs and computer science as examples, for students applying to Spring 2027, Summer 2027, or Fall 2027.

CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT: the basics

These are three distinct federal work authorizations tied to F-1 student status, not university policies, so the exact rules are set by the US government and can change.

• CPT (Curricular Practical Training) lets you work off campus — typically in an internship or co-op — while still enrolled, when the work is directly tied to your program of study.
• OPT (Optional Practical Training) gives up to 12 months of work authorization after completing a degree, in a job related to your field, and is available to graduates of any major, not only STEM.
• STEM OPT extension adds 24 more months on top of the initial 12-month OPT for graduates of degrees classified as STEM fields, for a combined total of up to 36 months of post-completion work authorization.

Eligibility for the STEM extension depends on the official CIP code assigned to your specific degree, not just the department name, so it is worth confirming the classification of the exact program you plan to enroll in with the Vietnam Office or A-State's international student office before you apply.

Why engineering and computer science at A-State fit this path

A-State's College of Engineering and Computer Science offers ABET-accredited programs in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, an accreditation that employers and licensing boards recognize when evaluating a graduate's technical training. Computer science is another common STEM path that international students choose; because STEM OPT eligibility is based on the degree's CIP classification, it is best to confirm the exact classification for the computer science program you are considering with the Vietnam Office.

A-State also holds Carnegie R2 research classification, reaffirmed in February 2025, with research and development expenditure above $10 million in fiscal year 2024. For graduate students in particular, that research activity can translate into lab work, applied projects, and — separately from OPT — graduate assistantship opportunities; A-State awards 250-plus assistantships a year, each capped at 20 hours per week, with an out-of-state tuition waiver, typically decided around the "11th class day" of the semester. With 150-plus programs across nine colleges, students who are unsure whether engineering, computer science, or a related field is the best fit can use the major finder tool to compare options before committing to an application.

On-campus work, off-campus work, and the line between them

It helps to keep two rules straight from day one. On-campus employment is capped at 20 hours per week while classes are in session, and it does not require CPT or OPT authorization. Off-campus work of any kind — an internship, a part-time job in the community, or full employment after graduation — is only lawful through CPT during your studies or OPT/STEM OPT after your program, never simply because a local employer is willing to hire you.

Graduate assistantships sit in a related but separate category: they are on-campus positions tied to your academic department, capped at 20 hours per week, and are awarded competitively, not guaranteed to every admitted graduate student.

Planning a realistic timeline: an illustrative example

The scenario below is illustrative only, to show how the pieces connect — actual timelines depend on your program, employer, and current federal processing:

1. Apply for Fall 2027 admission to a bachelor's or master's program in engineering or computer science, meeting the relevant GPA and English-test minimums for undergraduate or graduate admission.
2. Receive admission, get the I-20, pay the SEVIS fee, and complete the visa process before arrival.
3. During later semesters, pursue a curriculum-related internship through CPT, where available and appropriate to the program.
4. After completing the degree, apply for the standard 12-month OPT.
5. If the degree qualifies as STEM and other federal requirements are met, apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension for up to 36 months total.

The Vietnam Office and A-State's international student services can help with paperwork such as I-20 issuance, OPT/CPT application forms, and general guidance — but no office can guarantee a job offer, a specific salary, or the outcome of any US government application. STEM OPT rules, including reporting requirements and employer obligations, are set by US Citizenship and Immigration Services and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and are subject to change, so always confirm current requirements before making decisions based on this article.

Talk to the A-State Vietnam Office

If you are weighing an engineering or computer science degree at A-State and want help lining up your application with the Spring 2027 (November 1, 2026), Summer 2027 (March 2, 2027), or upcoming Fall 2027 deadlines, review the academics pages, explore programs with the major finder tool, and check the deadlines page for the latest dates. For personal questions about CPT, OPT, STEM OPT eligibility for a specific program, or your application, contact the Vietnam Office at study@astate.edu.vn, call the hotline 097 586 1994, or reach out through the contact page.