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 2025), 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.
$88 million
collectively earned by UC co-op students
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.
Students alternate academic semesters with semesters spent working full-time in their chosen field.
This flexible option allows students to work part-time while continuing to attend classes.
Learn more about the many ways to get experience as a UC student.
Students gain experience through project or “gig” work.
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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.
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!
Access the latest talent pool of student co-ops or interns, before they enter the job market.
Low-risk opportunity to recruit and evaluate student talent as potential hires.
Cost-effective relief for short-term peaks in workload or for special projects.
Discover the true cost of a master’s degree and how UC helps you make grad school affordable with assistantships, aid and career ROI.
July 17, 2025
Gordon L. Gillespie, PhD, DNP, adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, and chief program officer for the National League for Nursing, spoke with Medscape for a story about violence against nurses in the workplace.
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