Cooperative Education/Internships

Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program

Cooperative education, commonly known as co-op, is a structured initiative that merges classroom instruction with practical, hands-on work experience in a professional environment. Students participating in a co-op program alternate between academic studies and work periods, allowing them to acquire real-world experience while earning academic credit.

Primary Goal

• To offer students practical work experience in a professional setting while they pursue their academic studies.
• Co-op programs aim to connect classroom learning with real-world application.

Objective

• Students gain hands-on experience in their chosen field.
• Development of professional skills and building valuable networks.
• Enhancement of resumes to better prepare for future careers by combining academic knowledge with workplace experience.

Duration

• Typically, long term, lasting several months across one or more academic semesters.
• A standard co-op cycle involves alternating between academic study and full-time employment.

Structure

• Students work for companies or organizations relevant to their field of study.
• The framework is generally formal, with clear expectations and responsibilities set by both the employer and the academic institution.
• Focus

• Emphasis on professional development, work readiness, and career exploration.
• The key focus is on applying academic knowledge in a practical, real-world context.

Learning Outcomes

• Gaining work experience and professional skills.
• Acquiring industry knowledge and expanding career networks.
• Potentially leading to job placement upon graduation.

Assessment

• Students are evaluated based on their academic performance as well as their job performance during the work placement.
• Employers often provide evaluations, while academic institutions may require reflective reports or projects centered on the work experience.

Log in to Handshake to see all the Co-op/Internships available.  If your current job is related to your Major, it may qualify for the Co-op program.

To qualify for Co-op a student must:

• Successfully complete 24 semester hours at the 100 level or higher
• Maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 with a minimum of 2.50 in your major courses
• Achieve at least a grade of “C” in English 101
• Submit the COOP application along with your resume and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or the chair of your program