UC Department of Communication's Co-Op Program a College First

The McMicken College of Arts and Sciences has developed its first cooperative education program, or co-op, with the addition of new professional opportunities for students in the department of communication. The University of Cincinnati has a long and innovative history with co-op, having first implemented it in 1906. This is the first UC program in over a decade that will help bridge students who have a specific liberal arts background with businesses and organizations in the community and beyond. 

The program is the result of a changing attitude to how liberal arts can be approached in the university. The program was developed by Steve Depoe, head of the communication department; Steve Fuller, educator professor; and Anne Straka, a communication alumnus who will oversee advising for students enrolled in the co-op. 

Like the co-ops in UC’s other majors, communication students will be paid for their time co-oping. But unlike co-op programs in other fields of study at UC, this opportunity will still allow students to graduate in four years instead of five. After students are competitively selected for co-op their sophomore year, they will dedicate three summers to co-op, gaining real world experience. The students whose applications are accepted take classes in professional practice in the fall and spring semesters in preparation for the work.

Fuller emphasized that by implementing the co-op model into their studies, communication students can gain a sharp competitive edge in a growing job market.

“Arts and sciences is different now,” Fuller said. “Before, people were satisfied with having a curriculum that produced well-rounded citizens. That’s a good thing and still partly what we do. But moving into the future, we’re also really focused on preparing those students to be more prepared for the job market. This is a step in that direction.”

“Being part of co-op will really help with paying for my college career,” said communication student Lauren Jenner, one of the 15 students chosen for the first wave of co-op. “The program will help jump start my professional future.”

“I wanted to co-op so I could integrate real world work experience into my college education. I'm very excited to have this opportunity through a university well known for their successful co-op programs,” said Jessica Rabin. 

Because of the diverse opportunities offered with a communication degree, the co-op programs will have a wide range. Fuller said that the undergraduates will likely find paid positions in public relations, event planning, social media, marketing and other areas where students can apply their strong writing, speaking and thinking skills. It is the program’s goal that the experience affords students opportunities to not only network and find potential careers, but to better understand what communication is about and how it is defined in a changing world.

To learn more about the co-op program at the Department of Communication or to follow updates visit the department page and Facebook. Program manager Marissa Pauly can be contacted at schoonms@ucmail.uc.edu.