Co-Op and Internships
Cooperative education was founded by UC in 1906, and today the university ranks in the Top 5 in the nation for these programs. From international affairs to environmental studies, co-ops and internships take nearly as many forms as there are fields of study. Students from the College of Arts and Sciences have gained real-world experience working in Fortune 500 companies like P&G, and broadcast giants like NBC’s “Today Show,” applying their classroom learning to real-world challenges, building their resumes and gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace.
A curricular internship is an opportunity for you to gain real-life experience related to your academic major—building your resume—and earn credit toward your degree at the same time. These internships can be full time or part time, and may occur while you are still enrolled in other classes. The number of credits and compensation earned varies with the department and position.
While both of these programs focus on providing opportunities for students to enhance their learning through experience, the format and the time commitment of the programs vary. A traditional co-op position is generally a full time position (40 hours per week) for the duration of a semester. Co-op students typically do not take classes while working at their positions. In nontraditional Co-Op positions, time commitment and pay may vary. Internships may also be full time, but generally require fewer hours of work (8-12 hours per week), and may occur while the student is still taking other classes. Due to programs varying, students interested in Co-Op or an internship position are encouraged to reach out to their departmental contact.