COOPERATIVE

EDUCATION
Marguerite S. Fadden
DIRECTOR

Cooperative Education provides firsthand working experience for students while they are studying for their degrees. In their junior or senior years, students may spend a six-month period working full-time or part-time in business, industry, or government as part of their undergraduate programs.

The employing firm or agency works closely with the University in guiding the student through a practical learning experience. Students earn a wage from the employer, and are awarded from one to 12 academic credits by the University upon the successful completion of the employment period. These credits are applied to the student’s academic program as free electives.

Junior or senior students who have completed 60 credits and have earned at least a 2.0 QPR are eligible to apply and participate in this program. Applications are available in the Center for Career Services. The student must receive written permission from his or her academic adviser, department chairperson, and dean as indicated on the application form. Employment periods are typically January 1-June 30 and July 1-December 31. Application deadlines are November 1 for January and April 1 for July.

The decision to recommend a student for participation in the program is based on academic and personal qualifications, on the nature of the work sought, on the number of cooperative employment opportunities available, and on the number of applicants. The final decision on the selection of candidates rests with the employer. The University does not guarantee the placement of students in Cooperative Education.