COVID-19 EEP Options

As a Top 5 university co-op program in the country, UC is leading the way in developing innovative ways students in mandatory co-op programs can continue to gain professional skills and enhance their resumes even during this unprecedented health crisis and the resulting economic downturn. This proactive approach keeps students learning and developing during this time of uncertainty so that when it is safe for them to return to work, they will be more marketable and ready to hit the ground running.

Our innovative and expanded Experiential Explorations Program (EEP) options provide students with learning and development opportunities and allow for maximum flexibility.

Use online courses, boot camps and certificates to learn new skills and even earn industry recognized credentials from the University of Cincinnati or from one of our partners. Earning an Industry Recognized Credential validates your technical skills and expertise and grows your career. It demonstrates initiative and shows that you made good use of your time despite a challenging situation.

The University of Cincinnati offers popular online programs in critical fields like Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Creative Design, Research and more to help you earn industry recognized credentials. Well-known providers such as Microsoft, Adobe and LinkedIn also offer online training programs.

Explore the offerings below and browse a catalog* of more than 100 Industry Recognized Credentials and training opportunities.

*Students will need to be granted access to view the catalog. All students who are seeking for an upcoming co-op semester are automatically granted access. If you do not have access and would like to request access, please contact your co-op advisor.

Learn more about IBM’s credential programs in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Blockchain and Cybersecurity. IBM Credentials are taught by UC faculty, and students are eligible for IBM’s Global Talent Network.

Find short-term digital skill training programs offered by UC faculty. All programs are free to UC students and come with an Industry Recognized Credential.

Participate in a Virtual Apprenticeship from iQ4 and the Cybersecurity Workforce Alliance signifying fundamental cybersecurity competence for the modern workforce. Data Science option also available.

UC offers online courses for students to become certified in the Adobe Creative Suite. Courses include Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Animate. Students should have a basic knowledge of these programs before taking the certification course.

Browse LinkedIn Learning’s vast online catalog of expert-led skills courses. All UC students have free access to LinkedIn Learning.

Find online courses offered by UC Professional and Continuing Education. Browse through technology, design and business-related courses. Courses are offered for a small fee.

Engage in training designed to help students prepare for research in faculty-led labs. Training is approximately 40 hours.

Microsoft Certification and training courses range from application to development and administration. Training is free online.

Participate in self-paced trainings on popular software including SolidWorks and Catia. Students have free access to the Peer Learning Experience portal.

Find state-of-the-art trainings from AutoDesk on popular platforms like AutoCad, BIM 360, and Revit. Students have free access to the AutoDesk Design Academy.

InsideSherpa offers company-backed virtual experiences and skill development. All courses are free and linked to a company.

Cybersecurity and information security training programs recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The University of Cincinnati provides many opportunities to work on real-world projects and potentially earn money. Several resources are available to UC students to find short-term projects through freelancing and gig work.

UC has partnered with Parker Dewey to offer students from all majors an opportunity to execute professional assignments to build and demonstrate skills while exploring a variety of career paths.

Service Learning Co-op gives students the opportunity to earn up to $1,000 by working with Cincinnati non-profits.

The Virtual Innovation Studio experience allows students to earn EEP credit by completing a five-week, faculty-led innovation sprint on a project in collaboration with an industry partner.

Students work in cross-disciplinary teams on employer projects that generate new knowledge, identify new opportunities, explore new creative concepts, or make speculative predictions about the future. Students spend approximately 25 hours per week on the project, or 125 hours total over five weeks. All projects progress through a five-week process of landscape assessment, user research, concept brainstorming, prototyping, and development of deliverables. Past projects have involved UX/UI, brand evolution, speculative design/business futures, 5G and immersive technology, experiential branding, and event design.

Through UC Forward Faculty Collaboratives (Co-LABs), students will work in interdisciplinary teams with other students, experts and outside collaborators in faculty-led projects to come up with ways to address the impact of COVID-19 on the world around us. Students will contribute their various skills and experience and benefit from faculty mentorship.

Log into Handshake and search for "UC Forward co-LAB" to find co-LAB opportunities and apply online within Handshake. Check back periodically, as more projects will be added over time with varying start times and durations. Co-LAB opportunities are open to all students through a competitive application.

Read more about UC Forward.

Students participate in teams to solve critical problems for industry and community partners.

Search Handshake’s thousands of companies for remote, project-based work opportunities.