The Global Birthplace of
Co-op

At the University of Cincinnati, we believe that learning is doing and doing is learning. It’s in our DNA.

We invented cooperative education more than 100 years ago, and we continue to innovate all aspects of experience-based learning, including internships, service learning, virtual co-ops, community projects and industry partnerships.  

Today, Cincinnati’s classroom extends to nearly every corner of the globe, from co-ops at Fortune 500 companies to trailblazing experiences in places like China, Morocco, and South America. UC is ranked fifth in the nation for co-op and internships (U.S. News Best Colleges 2023), and students earn a collective $88 million annually working for thousands of employers including GE Aviation, Disney, Toyota, Kroger, Procter & Gamble and many more.

With a college co-op, you can jump-start your career, help fund your education, and graduate with a degree in one hand and a career plan in the other with the skills and competencies to launch a lifetime of careers.

Information for students Information for employers

$88 million


collectively earned by UC co-op students

What is co-op?

As the founder of cooperative education, the University of Cincinnati is uniquely qualified to address the needs of a transforming workforce. Today’s co-op comes in many forms as organizations reconsider how jobs are designed and adapt for future growth.

Traditional or full-time co-op

Students alternate academic semesters with semesters spent working full-time in their chosen field.

  • 35+ hours per week
  • 15-18 weeks (semester)
  • Required for UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science; College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning; Lindner College of Business; and School of Information Technology
  • On site, remote or on campus

Part-time co-op

This flexible option allows students to work part-time while continuing to attend classes.

  • 5-20 hours per week
  • 15-17 weeks (semester)
  • Related to a student’s major or exploratory studies
  • On site, remote or on campus

Learn more about the many ways to get experience as a UC student.

Project-based co-op

Students gain experience through project or “gig” work.

  • Typically 5-40 hours for a single project
  • Related to a student’s major or exploratory studies
  • Remote

 

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Why Co-op?

  • The University of Cincinnati is ranked fifth in the nation for co-op and internships (U.S. News Best Colleges 2023)
  • UC students earn $88 million collectively in annual co-op earnings (2022)
  • Global and nationwide opportunities to work with thousands of companies from startups to Fortune 500s, community non-profits and beyond

How Do I Find a Co-op?

As with any job search, students seeking co-op positions must research opportunities, apply and interview in a competitive process. Our co-op advisers and Career Coaches in the Bearcat Promise Career Studio are here to help.

We can work with you to write your first resume or cover letter, craft an online professional profile, introduce yourself at networking events or career fairs, search for jobs, prepare for an interview or negotiate your next job offer. UC also provides access to Handshake, a powerful job search tool, to all UC students and recent alumni.

 

Hiring a UC co-op student?

As the founder of cooperative education, the University of Cincinnati is uniquely qualified to address the needs of a transforming workforce. Today’s co-op comes in many forms as organizations reconsider how jobs are designed and adapt for future growth.

Work with us to recruit your next co-op or intern, upskill your workforce or collaborate on your next venture. Thousands of organizations work with us, you should, too!

 

Wide talent pool

Access the latest talent pool of student co-ops or interns, before they enter the job market.

Test drive talent

Low-risk opportunity to recruit and evaluate student talent as potential hires.

Affordable workforce

Cost-effective relief for short-term peaks in workload or for special projects.

 

Connect with the co-op office

UC Co-op News

1

Engineering doctoral student studying cyberattack prevention...

April 21, 2025

As a top graduating student in his undergraduate class, Logan Reichling came to the University of Cincinnati to further his education through the direct-PhD program in computer science. His initial connection to UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science was through his current advisor, Boyang Wang, in an undergraduate research program. Since arriving at CEAS, Reichling has been honored with several awards, including being named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month.

2

'HAIR' '60s rock musical on stage at CCM April 24-27

Event: April 24, 2025 8:00 PM

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) invites audiences to experience a bold and joyful revival of "HAIR," the groundbreaking rock musical that defined a generation. Directed by Vincent DeGeorge with musical direction by Steve Goers, CCM's production of "HAIR" brings the revolutionary spirit of the 1960s to life for a new generation.

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