Cooperative Education (CO-OP)

Combining Classroom With Work Experience

What is Co-op?

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an academic program that allows students to combine classroom instruction with degree-related work experience.听听Co-op students are able to confirm their choice of major, to apply classroom instruction to professional employment settings, and to strengthen their marketability upon graduation.听听The program provides careful supervision with timely evaluation of performance, attitude, and ability of the student on the job.听听The goal is to help students grow and improve their capabilities.

Why Co-op?

The Experiential Education program allows a student to obtain on-the-job learning experiences that can increase motivational and conceptual understanding in the classroom.听听It can provide a realistic evaluation of your career choice along with the opportunity to earn a supplemental income to aid with college expenses.

Who is Eligible to Participate in the Co-op Program?

Students听must听meet the following requirements:

1. Minimum 2.5 GPA (GPA must be maintained while participating in the program)

2. Full-time student status

3. Must complete thirty semester hours at TSU prior to completing a co-op application

4. Transfer students from another college or university must complete two full semesters at TSU prior to applying for a co-op assignment听

Co-op Plans

There are three standard options:

Plan A:听听Student works full-time for an employer for one year or 3 semesters

Plan B:听听Student works alternate semesters at the employer's site (work, school, work, etc.)

Plan C:听听Student attends classes and works approximately 20 hours per week for the employer

How do I apply for a Co-op Assignment?

1. Visit the Career Development Center and register on听Handshake by TigerTRACK听so that you may search for co-op job听opportunities,participate in on-campus interviews and career fairs, and have your resume viewed by potential 听employers. Click here to access听

2. The co-op hiring process is competitive. Students must go through an interview process with the employers.听Employers may specify in advance that students will have completed certain courses prior to the co-op assignment.

3. Students participating in the co-op program must register and enroll in 1-3 credit hour(s) for each semester of their听assignment.听听This does not count toward graduation requirements.

4. All participating students are required to check with their academic advisor to make sure that they are enrolled in听the applicable co-op course.听Cooperative Education Benefits听click here

听