How Co-op Works

Co-op is an educational program in which you alternate semesters of academic study with semesters of full-time employment in positions related to your academic or career interests. 

You will start with a course that prepares you to succeed in co-op. Your first co-op opportunity typically begins in your sophomore year, and you'll be able to complete up to three co-ops in the course of a five-year program, or up to two co-ops in the course of a four-year program.

We provide a broad-based network of support that helps you prepare for co-op and get the most from it, including an academic advisor and a co-op coordinator. Your co-op coordinator will help you prepare for co-op, identify and pursue the right co-op jobs, and afterwards help you reflect on the experience and see how it integrates with your classroom studies. The reflection process may include participation in seminars, faculty conferences, writing assignments, and presentations.

To learn more, including information about co-op for transfer and graduate students, visit our Student, Employer, Alumni, and Parent pages. Our student FAQ and employer FAQ sections also provide answers to the most common questions about co-op. Or download our Cooperative Education Student Handbook to read more details about how co-op works for undergraduate students.