Lamar University
Public Texas State University System institution in Beaumont with more than 18,000 students. A traditional campus-based university — CPT is available to graduate students under the standard federal rules, but it is part-time only during fall and spring.
About Lamar University
Lamar University is a public institution in the Texas State University System, based in Beaumont, Texas, enrolling more than 18,000 students. It is a traditional campus university rather than a hybrid or executive-format school, and it offers graduate programs in engineering, computer science, business, and education at public-university tuition rates. Its CPT policy follows the standard federal framework: most students must complete one full academic year before becoming eligible, though Lamar notes that at the graduate level a DSO "may authorize CPT during your first semester if your program requires this type of experience." Importantly, CPT at Lamar is limited to part-time — 20 hours per week or less — during fall and spring semesters, with full-time permitted only in summer. Students seeking full-time work authorization from the start of a program should understand this constraint before applying.
Campus locations
- Main campus — Beaumont, Texas
Programs Offered at LU
Master of Business Administration
MS in Computer Science
MS in Engineering
MS in Information Technology
CPT at Lamar University
CPT Availability
Lamar University publishes a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) process for eligible F-1 students. Earliest published timing: One academic year for most students; first semester possible at graduate level only if the program requires it. A DSO must approve each request, and employment cannot begin before the student receives the CPT-endorsed I-20.
Academic Format
Published in-person attendance: Weekly — traditional campus attendance in Beaumont. Delivery format can vary by program, campus, and student status; confirm the exact schedule and location with the university before enrolling.
Academic Integration
CPT employment must be integral to the curriculum and directly related to the student's major. Published renewal timing: Per semester; a new application and updated I-20 are required each time. Confirm the required course and approval criteria with the DSO.
Student Responsibilities
F-1 students must maintain lawful enrollment, work only for the employer and at the location and dates authorized on page 2 of the I-20, and obtain DSO approval before beginning or changing employment. School-specific rules are listed below when the university publishes them.
LU CPT Rules in Detail
Drawn from Lamar University’s own published policy pages. Confirm details with the university’s international office before relying on them.
- Authorization length
- Authorized per semester; students report a maximum of roughly three semesters of CPT
- When to apply
- Complete applications take up to ten business days to process; Lamar encourages submitting two months in advance
Restrictions and conditions
- Most students must be lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year (two consecutive long semesters) before becoming eligible
- At the graduate level a DSO may authorize CPT in the first semester only if the program requires this type of experience
- Part-time only (20 hours per week or less) during fall and spring semesters
- Full-time CPT is permitted only during the summer term
- A CPT support letter from your academic department or advisor is required
- An Internship Approval Form matching your degree level is required
- You must receive and sign the updated I-20 before starting CPT
- Twelve months or more of full-time CPT eliminates OPT eligibility
Investment Overview
How to Apply to LU
Required Documents
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- Passport and visa documents
- Statement of purpose
- GRE scores (for engineering programs)
- English proficiency scores
- Proof of financial support
Application Process
- Review Program RequirementsConfirm the program, campus, delivery format, attendance schedule, tuition, and current application deadline with the university.
- Gather DocumentsPrepare the academic, identity, immigration, English-proficiency, and financial documents listed for your applicant type.
- Submit ApplicationApply online for one of the intake dates: January, May, August.
- Complete F-1 Onboarding and Apply for CPT SeparatelyAdmission and CPT authorization are separate decisions. After completing the university’s F-1 onboarding steps and obtaining a qualifying offer, submit the CPT request and wait for a DSO-issued CPT I-20 before working.
Common Questions about LU
Not in the way hybrid Day 1 CPT schools do. Lamar is a traditional public university and its published policy requires most students to complete "one academic year (i.e. two consecutive long semesters)" before becoming CPT-eligible. Lamar does note that at the graduate level a DSO "may authorize CPT during your first semester if your program requires this type of experience" — the standard federal exception — but this is discretionary and depends on your specific program. Third-party sites marketing Lamar as a Day 1 CPT school are not reflecting the university's own policy. Confirm directly with Lamar's international office before enrolling on that basis.
Sources & verification
- Lamar University — Curricular Practical Training
- Lamar University — International Students and Scholars: Guide and Forms
- Lamar University — International Student FAQs
Last verified: August 8, 2026 against the sources listed above.
Not yet confirmed by the institution. This page is compiled from Lamar University's published materials and has not been reviewed by the university. Tuition, program availability, and CPT policy change frequently. Always confirm current details directly with the university’s international office and your DSO before making enrolment or immigration decisions. CPTGuru is not affiliated with Lamar University.
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