This program allows engineering students to gain valuable work experience while pursuing a degree. The first year is spent as a full-time student at the University. During the sophomore and junior years, the student alternates working full-time for one term and taking full-time course work the next. The student returns to school full-time for the senior year. This program offers many advantages for engineering students. Interested students should consult with either Career Services or the College of Engineering for more information.

Prerequisites for participation in the Cooperative Education Program include attending the Employability Skills Seminar offered continuously by Career Services and payment of the materials and service fees in effect at the time of application for the program. To remain in the program, students must maintain good academic standing, a cumulative grade-point average of 2.3 or above, and comply with the policies and procedures of the employer and the Cooperative Education Program.

There are two options:

Option 1. Parallel Co-op: Students work part-time, usually 15 to 20 hours per week, while attending classes for a minimum of 12 academic credit hours per term throughout the calendar year.

Option 2. Alternating Co-op: Students work full-time one term and attend classes full-time the following term on a rotating schedule until graduation. The work assignment is usually shared by a pair of students on an alternating basis.

Interested students should consult with Career Services (251) 460-6188 for more information. The Mechanical Engineering Advisor for the Cooperative Education Program students is Dr. Carroll Dougherty. For questions, call us at (251) 460-6168.