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.  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.  The program provides careful supervision with timely evaluation of performance, attitude, and ability of the student on the job.  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.  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 must 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

Co-op Plans

There are three standard options:

              Plan A:  Student works full-time for an employer for one year or 3 semesters
             
              Plan B:  Student works alternate semesters at the employer's site (work, school, work, etc.)

              Plan C:  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 Tiger Track so that you may search for co-op job
                 opportunities,participate in on-campus interviews and career fairs, and have your resume viewed by potential
                 employers. 

                               Click here to access Tiger Track

             2. The co-op hiring process is competitive. Students must go through an interview process with the employers.
                 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
                 assignment.  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
                 the applicable co-op course.

Cooperative Education Benefits click here co





webpage contact:
Career Development Center