Cooperative education ("co-op") at the College provides well-qualified, enthusiastic students with unique and dynamic opportunities to receive academic credit for hands-on work experience in their major field of study. Co-ops and internships combine classroom theory with practical, real-world employment experiences so students may gain exposure to their chosen career path prior to graduation.

The College partners with a wide range of employers representing local, state and federal government, private industry and non-profit organizations. Co-op employers are committed to assisting students to develop critical skills and gain practical experiences that will help them develop into productive, valuable future employees. Trained students who have demonstrated their capabilities are often a good source of permanent employees for co-op/internship employers.

Co-op/internships are planned around students’ academic schedules, and most co-op/internships require students to work 15 to 20 hours per week. A majority of students receive compensation for their co-op or internship. If you are a currently employed student, you may use your present position for co-op credit if you are employed in a field related to your major course of study; however, your current responsibilities may be expanded or substantially changed.

If you are a co-op/internship student, you may earn 1 to 3 academic credits per semester, depending on the number of hours worked. Many students have two co-op experiences while at the College and earn a total of up to 6 academic credits.

Staff of the Student Employment Services and Co-op Center assist students to select suitable co-op positions. Center staff will work with you to create a professional résumé and prepare for interviews. Since the employment process is competitive and job offers are based on many criteria, job placement is not guaranteed. Center staff will continue to work with students, as needed, to help with placement.

To be eligible for co-op, students must:

• Have earned 21 or more credits at the College and have begun course work in their major field of study
• Have an overall grade point average of 2.5. Some majors require a higher grade point average and the completion of specific courses
• Obtain a written recommendation from a College instructor
• Submit an updated résumé to the Co-op Office at the Center

Co-ops are not currently offered in the following majors:

• Nursing and allied health programs
• Education and early childhood education
• Natural science
• Science for health professionals