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Mandatory Co-op

At the University of Cincinnati, cooperative education is required (mandatory) in the following programs:

  • All undergraduate degrees in the College of Engineering and Applied Science
  • All undergraduate degrees in the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP)
  • All undergraduate degrees in the Lindner College of Business
  • Undergraduate and graduate degrees in the School of Information Technology in the College of Education, Human Services and Criminal Justice

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.

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