Mandatory Co-op
At the University of Cincinnati, certain degree programs require cooperative education.
| Programs with Mandatory Co-op | College or School |
|---|---|
Undergraduate programs in architecture, communication design, fashion design, fine arts, industrial design, interior design and urban planning Graduate (master's degree) programs in architecture, design, community planning, and landscape architecture |
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) |
| All undergraduate programs | College of Engineering and Applied Science |
| All undergraduate and graduate programs | School of Information Technology in the College of Education, Human Services and Criminal Justice |
| All undergraduate programs | Lindner College of Business |
As a student in one of these programs, you’ll complete three to five co-op terms prior to graduation. The work is paid and full-time (at least 35 hours per week) for 15 to 18 weeks. During each co-op term, you’ll complete an online course that focuses on your academic and professional development. Your co-op employers will also evaluate your performance.
Co-op is real-world work experience in a professional setting. You may perform many of the same tasks as an entry-level professional. Co-op promotes your professional development and gives you a chance to apply what you learn in class. You graduate with substantial, major-related experience on your resume.
Although co-op employers are not required or expected to offer full-time jobs after graduation, sometimes the student’s performance and the employer’s hiring needs align, and every year a number of students receive full-time job offers from co-op employers as they approach graduation.
Next Steps
- Read co-op student stories
- Learn more about working as a co-op
- Explore options within the co-op program
- Read more about co-op in engineering and applied science
- Read more about co-op in design, architecture, art and planning
- Read more about co-op in information technology