Students may elect to incorporate cooperative education (Co-op) as a part of their academic curriculum. Co-op students alternate semesters of employment with semesters of full-time study, that provides both academic knowledge and relevant work experience. A Co-op background is highly regarded by prospective employers; seniors seeking full-time employment with the cooperative education credential are consistently selected over candidates without this major-related experience.

Co-op Positions

Eligibility
Completion of 30 credit hours and a 2.0 GPA. (some companies require a higher GPA)

Employment
Qualified candidates are referred to companies by Career Services. Candidates are selected through an interview process conducted by the participating companies.

Student Status
During co-op work assignments, students enroll in co-op courses. Three academic credit hours may be earned. During work assignments, students are considered both full-time students and full-time employees and are subject to company regulations.

Program Length
Program length depends on the academic level when the first employment sessions begins. Participation in the co-op program extends the date of graduation. Employment assignments are one or two semesters in length, depending upon both curriculum and employer requirements in addition to a summer work session(s).

Salaries
Co-op students earn a salary while on employment assignments. The salary is generally established at a level comparable to regular employees performing similar job assignments. As the value of the student's work increases, most employers increase the wage. The average entry-level co-op salary is $1,760 per month. Because co-op salaries are income, there is an impact on financial aid packages.

Recognition
Upon satisfactory completion of both academic and employment requirements, the baccalaureate degree includes a designation of Cooperative Education Program on the diploma.